2026 Lorraine Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

#hellohalloween #baccarat Nestled in the verdant Meurthe-et-Moselle department of northeastern France's Grand Est region, the town of Baccarat is a quaint commune synonymous with luminous luxury. Just 49 kilometers southeast of Nancy and 326 kilometers from Paris, this riverside gem along the Meurthe Valley—flanked by the Deneuvre plateau and Grammont hills—boasts a population of around 4,500. Its origins trace to Roman times as a suburb of Deneuvre, but Baccarat's fame ignited in 1765 with the founding of its celebrated crystal manufactory. Established by royal decree under Louis XV, the Baccarat Glassworks revolutionized the art of lead crystal, blending innovation with artistry. Techniques pioneered by Aimé Gabriel d'Artigues in the 19th century earned its artisans titles like Meilleur Ouvrier de France, producing exquisite chandeliers, vases, and stemware that graced world fairs, imperial courts, and celebrity tables—from Japan's Emperor to Josephine Baker. Beyond its glassy legacy, Baccarat charms with historical whispers. The neo-Renaissance town hall, erected in 1924 with Flemish flair, stands as a civic jewel. The Tour Dédicace, a 30-meter dungeon from 1305 remnants of a medieval castle, looms evocatively. Stained-glass wonders adorn local churches, incorporating Baccarat crystal shards in over 150 hues—a unique fusion registered as Lorraine heritage. The commune's three-flower bloom in France's floral contest underscores its manicured parks and timber-rich past, once exporting wheels, planks, and charcoal during the Franco-Prussian era. Industrial echoes persist in preserved sites like the 1909 Berthelon Gasworks and 1913 Metalwork Factory, blending grit with grace. A stone's throw from the town's core at 2 Rue des Cristalleries lies the original Musée Baccarat, a treasury of 1,100 objects illuminating 250 years of mastery. Here, visitors witness wheel-engraving, enameling, and gilding demos amid limited-edition designs by icons like Ettore Sottsass and Salvador Dalí. Yet, for urbanites, the Parisian outpost—once at 30 Rue de Paradis, now reimagined—evokes haute sophistication. Housed in the opulent 19th-century Hôtel Particular de Marie-Laure de Noailles in the 16th arrondissement's Place des États-Unis, it features Philippe Starck's mirrored staircase and Gérard Garouste's Alchemy Room. Rotating exhibits spotlight enameled mocha sets from 1878 expositions and the Elephant Vase of 1880, celebrating femininity, designers, and distant tales through crystal's prismatic lens. In Baccarat, crystal isn't mere ornament—it's heritage etched in light, bridging Lorraine's pastoral pulse with Paris's glittering pulse. Whether tracing factory floors or mansion halls, this dual legacy captivates, proving France's finesse for turning sand into splendor.

#mountainhike There are several hiking destinations in France. First, the French Alps offer stunning landscapes and challenging trails, with Mont Blanc being the highest peak. Second, the Pyrenees, located on the border between France and Spain, also provide excellent hiking opportunities. Additionally, the Vosges Mountains in northeastern France offer beautiful hiking trails. To have a perfect hiking experience, it is recommended to check the weather conditions and prepare the plan accordingly. Have a nice and safe hiking adventure! #France #myhiddengems #mountainhike

#fallfoliage The Vosges Mountains in northeastern France are an ideal destination for fall foliage enthusiasts. Known for their dense forests, scenic lakes, and rolling hills, the Vosges offer vibrant autumn colors that cover the landscape as far as the eye can see. The Route des Crêtes, a famous scenic drive, offers panoramic views of the foliage and leads to charming villages, each surrounded by colorful trees. Hiking trails around the lakes, such as Lac de Gérardmer, are particularly beautiful in autumn. The crisp mountain air, combined with the rich colors of the forests, creates an unforgettable fall experience for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.