Majorelle: The Lorraine France Touring Game Created by Ruth Paget
I named this touring game after one of France’s major decorative arts craftsman Auguste Majorelle (1825 – 1879), a native of Lunéville, France.
Lorraine is a rewarding region to visit for travelers interested in history, art, fine dining, and sips of mirabelle, yellow plum liqueur. The main cities are Metz, Nancy, and Lunéville. The medieval monastery at Gorze is the home of Gregorian chants and sister monasteries in Germany. Verdun is the site of one of the most important battles of World War I.
A two-week tour of the region would provide ample time to visit these places and indulge in some gala meals and shopping. (I have linked my blogs about these places into an itinerary. Click on the links to see the blogs.)
*Metz is a 3,000 year old city. Each district has a different history. The city is set up well for walking tours and has many cafés where you can take a break with a beverage.
Walking Tours:
Day 1: Exploring Franco-German Metz
Day 2: Cathedral District and Downtown
Day 3: May Day Metz
Day 4: Urban Ecology
*Metz Meals:
Day 5: Gala Pork Dinner:
Day 6: Gala Seafood Dinner
*Nancy is a city of majestic public art and decorative arts.
Day 7: Rococo Public Art
Day 8: Art Nouveau Museum
*Lunéville is home to a château inspired by Versailles and a current concert venue
Day 9: Lunéville Château Visit
*Gorze Monastery still uses ancient Roman sewers. You can spot a few Roman aqueducts on the way there. This is the site where Gregorian chants were invented.
Day 10: Gorze Monastery Visit
*Verdun is a major World War I battlefield site with a museum
Day 11: Verdun Museum Visit
I hope this Lorraine touring game will encourage you to think about traveling to Lorraine, France to experience its art and culture, indulge in some delicious food, and learn some history about France’s relations with Germany and Poland.
By Ruth Paget, author Eating Soup with Chopsticks and Marrying France
