The earthenware and enamels of Longwy
Lorraine boasts a rich earthenware heritage, highlighted by a tourist route, the Route de la Faïence en Lorraine, which covers the entire region. Earthenware, produced from 1798 onwards, and enamels, which appeared in the early 1870s, are must-haves in the region. It was at the end of the 19th century that the technique known as "enamels in ringed relief" was developed, which has since made Longwy earthenware unique. Its main attraction is its blue color, obtained from copper and cobalt oxides. It can also be recognized by its crackled appearance and the partitioning that gives relief to the motifs. In this historic Longwy earthenware factory, the boutique also sells objets d'art. A whole range of contemporary art enamels and earthenware by the greatest names in decorative arts.
Crystal, the treasure of Lorraine
The Glass and Crystal Route links the main glassworks and crystal factories in Lorraine and the Vosges du Nord. From Baccarat to Nancy, via Saint-Louis, these great names have contributed to the region's reputation as a tourist destination, with glassworks still in operation. The region's exceptional know-how since the 18th century, crystal can be simply blown, cut or engraved. It is sometimes embellished with enamels, polychrome or gold. The Manufacture de Baccarat boasts a fine collection of jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces and pendants, in all sizes, for a small souvenir or even a large gift... But Baccarat's creations also include tableware, with each glass as beautiful as the next, and home decoration, with lighting and furniture. All of which means you'll have plenty of memories and ideas for redecorating when you get home. In a different register, Maison Daum in Nancy offers sumptuous decorative objects with motifs directly inspired by Art Nouveau.
Sweets in boxes
Lorraine's gastronomy is rich, and particularly so when it comes to sweets. And while it's hard to imagine taking home a quiche lorraine, it's all the happier to be able to please those around you with little sweets that can be kept and enjoyed over the long term. Madeleines are one of Lorraine's must-have souvenirs. Whether it comes from Commercy or Liverdun, this little cake is part of our historical heritage, having been made there since the early 20th century. The madeleine recipe has been handed down in the greatest secrecy from generation to generation, with the occasional original, such as madeleine with mirabelle plum brandy or bergamot. They can be found in small local grocery stores, but also in supermarkets, where Liverdun madeleine is sold to our great delight. Another of the region's flagship emblems: macaroons. While most people think of them as an almond cake filled with ganache, macaroons in Lorraine take a completely different form. Made with almond powder, eggs and sugar, but with little filling and more like a meringue, the famous macaron from Lorraine can be enjoyed at Les Sœurs Macarons in Nancy. It also comes in two other essential recipes, which can be found in Metz or at the Boulay workshops. Last but not least, candy lovers will love the Bergamote de Nancy, square, flat, golden-colored, slightly acidic sweets infused with bergamot essential oil, which can be enjoyed at any time of day. For ceremonies such as christenings, communions or weddings, Verdun dragees, invented by a druggist in the 13th century, are particularly appreciated. At the time, they were considered beneficial, especially for pregnant women. But the latter also let others enjoy these crunchy, sweet little treats. And so, from the 16th century onwards, they were to be found in every princely court. Initially, they consisted of a simple coated aniseed, but were later transformed as an almond replaced the aniseed and the sugar coating became more substantial. Lovers of sweets will also appreciate the unmissable bonbon des Vosges. These traditional, hand-crafted sweets are available in mirabelle plum, violet, eucalyptus, honey, fir, mountain tonic and country fruit! Produced by the confiserie Bressaude in La Bresse and the Confiserie des Hautes-Vosges in Plainfaing, you'll love the different colors and flavors, and you'll be delighted by this assortment of different-tasting sweets.
Alcohol and spirits
Lorraine wines are well worth a visit, not only for their quality of taste, but also for their variety. These products of the Moselle, Toulois and Meuse regions are made from a variety of grape varieties, using know-how handed down over the centuries. Beer lovers are also well catered for in Lorraine. A century ago, the region boasted over 350 breweries. Over the past fifteen years or so, microbreweries and products bearing the Lorraine stamp have been flourishing. Among the region's most famous beers are bière à l'ortie, Madelon, Noireaude, Messine and Châouette. While wine and beer are highly reputed, Lorraine also boasts significant fruit production, such as the mirabelle plum and quetsche, which has led to the production of corresponding eaux-de-vie. Of these, mirabelle plum is the most widely used. Mirabelle plum eau-de-vie, mirabelle plum cream or mirabelle plum liqueur can be enjoyed as an after-dinner drink. In Lorraine, this eau-de-vie benefits from an AOR label (appellation d'origine réglementée), which guarantees distillation from naturally fermented fruit with no additives. Raspberries, pears and quetsches are other fruits used in the stills of distillers. Very sweet, these eaux-de-vie are drunk as digestives or flavored with typical Lorraine recipes and pastries. Generally speaking, for your souvenirs, products bearing the La Lorraine Notre Signature label are a guarantee of local production and quality.
