Lorraine facts for kids
Lorraine (German: Lothringen) was once an important region in the northeast of France. It is now part of a larger region called Grand Est. In 2012, about 2,356,600 people lived there.
Lorraine's main city, or capital, was Metz.
The biggest cities were Nancy and Metz, each with around 300,000 people. Other important towns included Thionville, Epinal, and Bar-le-Duc.
The area was divided into four smaller parts called departments. These were Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, and Vosges.
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Discovering Lorraine
Lorraine is a special place in France with a rich history and beautiful landscapes. It sits close to the borders of Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg. This location has made Lorraine a crossroads for different cultures over many centuries.
Where is Lorraine?
Lorraine is located in the northeastern part of France. It is known for its green valleys, rolling hills, and parts of the Vosges Mountains. The Moselle River flows through the region, adding to its natural beauty.
Important Cities in Lorraine
Lorraine has several interesting cities, each with its own unique charm.
Metz: The Capital
Metz was the capital city of Lorraine. It is famous for its stunning Saint-Étienne Cathedral, which has beautiful stained-glass windows. Metz also has a mix of old Roman buildings and modern architecture. It is a city where history and new ideas come together.
Nancy: A City of Art
Nancy is another major city in Lorraine. It is well-known for its amazing Place Stanislas, a large square that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This square is surrounded by grand buildings and beautiful fountains. Nancy is also a center for art and design, especially from the Art Nouveau period.
Thionville and Other Towns
Thionville is an industrial city located on the Moselle River. It has a long history, including old castles and fortifications. Other towns like Epinal and Bar-le-Duc also offer glimpses into Lorraine's past and local life.
What is Lorraine Known For?
Lorraine is famous for several things, from its food to its symbols.
The Cross of Lorraine
One of the most famous symbols of Lorraine is the Cross of Lorraine. It is a special cross with two horizontal bars. This cross became a powerful symbol of French freedom during World War II. It was used by the Free French Forces, led by Charles de Gaulle.
Delicious Food: Quiche Lorraine
If you love food, you might know Lorraine for its delicious Quiche Lorraine. This is a savory tart made with eggs, cream, and bacon or ham. It's a classic French dish enjoyed all over the world.
Famous People from Lorraine
Many important people have come from Lorraine.
- Émile Durkheim was a very important thinker who helped create the study of sociology. He taught us a lot about how societies work.
- Raymond Poincaré was a French politician who served as the President of France during World War I. He played a key role in leading the country during a difficult time.
History of Lorraine
Lorraine has a long and complex history. It was once a powerful duchy (a territory ruled by a duke) that was part of the Holy Roman Empire. Over centuries, it was often caught between France and Germany, leading to many conflicts and changes in its borders.
From Duchy to Region
For a long time, Lorraine was an independent duchy. It became part of France in the 18th century. Its location near the border meant it was often a battleground in wars between France and Germany, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Modern Lorraine
Today, Lorraine is no longer a separate administrative region. In 2016, it joined with two other regions, Alsace and Champagne-Ardenne, to form the new, larger region of Grand Est. This change was made to help manage the areas more efficiently. Even though it's part of a bigger region, Lorraine still keeps its unique identity and heritage.
Images for kids
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Saint-Étienne cathedral in Metz, capital of Lorraine
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Nancy: the Arc Héré seen from Place Stanislas
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Lorraine in 1870: Colors show the original departments' territories
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Chajoux Valley
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Opéra-Théâtre de Metz
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Fortifications in Longwy, inscribed on the World Heritage list by UNESCO as part of the Fortifications of Vauban
See also
In Spanish: Lorena (Francia) para niños
