Frise chronologique retraçant les grande ligne des évènements

Go back in time at Lorraine's history and remembrance museums

Attention history buffs! Lorraine is home to a number of museums where you can retrace the past.

At Verdun, immerse yourself in the battle of 1916 during a visit to the Memorial. You'll discover unique collections of objects and realistic audiovisual displays. To take the experience even further, take a tour of the underground citadel at Verdun. Immersion guaranteed! You'll learn everything you need to know about this memorable battle, an integral part of the history of Lorraine and France.

Lorraine is also the ideal place to learn more about the female figures who have left their mark on history. In Vaucouleurs, explore the Joan of Arc Museum and discover the fascinating story of the heroine. On the programme: an epic tale of war and rebellion.

Or would you prefer to retrace the natural history of animals? Take a tour of the Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy and travel through the evolution of species. It's the perfect activity to keep the whole family entertained!

Discover the museums dedicated to art and culture in Lorraine

Want to combine culture and architecture in Lorraine? Before your museum getaway, start with a visit to the Eurometropole of Metz, which has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History) label. From the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne to the Musée de la Cour d'Or, the city is packed with architectural treasures not to be missed. To awaken your inner artist, don't miss the famous Centre Pompidou-Metz. Take the time to browse the exhibition galleries and discover collections never before seen. And don't forget the family art workshops to keep the kids entertained!

If you prefer a pen to a paintbrush, Lorraine has just what you're looking for! At the Abbaye des Prémontrés, treat yourself to a 100% literary escapade on a guided tour of the Grandpierre library. With its collections of historical works and old-fashioned writing techniques, this tour will plunge you into the heart of 18th-century literature. Or perhaps you'd prefer to enrich your medieval culture at the Musée du Château de Jaulny? Either way, it's guaranteed to be an adventure!

Village des Vieux Métiers d'Azannes
Village des Vieux Métiers d'Azannes

Learn about Lorraine's crafts in museums dedicated to know-how

In Lorraine, culture isn't just about art and history. To get off the beaten track, head for the museums dedicated to craftsmanship in Lorraine.

Start your cultural escapade with a guided tour of the Musée des Fers à Fer à Repasser. Yes, yes, you read that right! This unusual place takes you on a journey through the evolution of this everyday object over the centuries. From the 1400s to the present day, the museum transforms the ordinary object into an unusual adventure. What do we think? You'll never see your iron in the same way again!

Want to find out more about the trades of yesteryear? Head to the Village des Vieux Métiers d'Azannes to meet the craftsmen of the past. Lace-makers, millers and tile-makers: soak up these historic skills. And don't miss a visit to the hydraulic sawmill at the Musée de Mandray. A guided tour of the facilities and permanent exhibitions.

Frequently asked questions about museums in Lorraine

Lorraine is in north-east France, in the Grand Est region. It includes popular towns such as Metz, Nancy, Vittel and Contrexéville. The destination is also close to Alsace and the Vosges mountains.

From the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Nancy to the Centre Pompidou-Metz, Lorraine has a wealth of museums to explore. For those who want to discover art, history or the heritage of the past, there's plenty of opportunity to get your fill of culture!

Discover our ideas for museums to visit in Lorraine:

- The Centre Pompidou-Metz, a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art
- The Verdun Memorial, a museum dedicated to the history of the Battle of Verdun in 1916 and the First World War
- The Musée de la Cour d'Or de Metz, one of Metz's cultural highlights
- Nancy's Musée des Beaux-Arts, located on Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Musée du Fer à Fer (Iron Museum) in Longwy, home to one of the largest collections in Europe

Whether you're with your lover, your friends or your family, make the most of a stay in Metz to discover the cultural treasures of the city of Lorraine... and not just that!

Here are a few ideas for things to do during your stay in Metz:

- Wander the cobbled streets of Metz and its Place Saint-Louis
- Get out into the countryside along the banks of the Moselle, in the Parc de la Seille or at the lake
- Admire Saint-Étienne Cathedral, a veritable treasure trove of Gothic architecture
- Visit the Centre Pompidou-Metz, an architectural masterpiece and one of Lorraine's cultural icons
- Take a boat trip on the Moselle
- Discover the Cour d'Or Museum and learn more about medieval Metz
- Take a picnic break between two museums at the Metz lake, the city's largest green space

The capital of the Dukes of Lorraine is a city steeped in history and full of cultural surprises. Spend a day or more discovering Nancy's treasures!

Here's a list of things to see and do during your stay in Nancy:

- Explore the Old Town and discover its architecture
- Admire the facades of the Palais des Ducs de Lorraine-Musée Lorrain and the Villa Majorelle
- Take a walk in the Parc de la Pépinière
- Visit one of the city's famous museums: the Musée de l'Ecole de Nancy, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy or the Muséum-Aquarium
- Have a coffee on Place Stanislas
- Discover the ceilings and frescoes of the Brasserie l'Excelsior, another jewel of Nancy's Art Nouveau style

The town of Verdun is best known for its battlefields and the sites commemorating the 1916 Battle of Verdun. But the town is also home to some lovely architectural treasures that are well worth a visit!

Here are a few things to do in Verdun:

- Visit the Verdun Memorial and the battlefields
- Explore the underground citadel of Verdun
- Visit the monument to victory and the soldiers of Verdun
- Discover Notre-Dame de Verdun cathedral
- Visit the World Centre for Peace, Freedom and Human Rights

To ensure that your cultural stay in Lorraine goes as smoothly as possible, we recommend that you book your museum visits online. If you opt for guided tours and other activities such as art workshops or special events, booking is essential! Especially at Lorraine's popular museums, such as the Centre Pompidou-Metz or the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy.