Located at the entrance to the Lorraine Regional Nature Park, around 40 km east of Bar-le-Duc, Commercy is a town with a rich historical heritage and a famous pastry speciality: Madeleines royales. Commercy's existence is not known before the 9th century: we know that the Carolingian emperor Louis the Pious stopped here around 830. In the Middle Ages, with its two seigneuries, the town lived to the rhythm of its two castles. One disappeared, while the second, the château haut, became the property of Cardinal de Retz in 1650. The historic monument took on its present form in the 18th century, when it became the property of Charles-Henri de Lorraine-Vaudémont.A town and its castleFrom 1709 to 1719, Vaudrémont, accompanied by two architects, Boffrand and Dorbay, spent lavishly. He built a luxurious princely palace and its extension: the Place du Fer-à-Cheval and the future Avenue Stanislas reshaped the urban landscape. From 1745, the residence passed into the hands of Stanislas Leszczyński, former King of Poland. It became the setting for his frivolities and other royal pleasures. The castle is now completely isolated from the town: an enclosure, designed by Emmanuelle Héré, is added. Explore Commercy's other districts, strolling along Place de la République, lined with stores including the famous Malard pharmacy, built in 1909 in the purest Art Nouveau style of the Nancy School. You'll also find the old baroque town hall, built in the 17th century. Take the Promenade de Stanislas, dotted with 27 points of interest, or follow the destinationcommercy.fr guide on your smartphone (info at the tourist office).The Madeleines of CommercyImmortalized by Marcel Proust, the Madeleine royale, a local specialty, is said to have been created in 1755, at Stanislas' château. While the duke was feasting, the pastry chef handed in his apron before the sweets had even been made. Disaster was averted by the young servant, Madeleine Paumier, who had been invited to make her grandmother's festive dessert. Presented to the master and his guests in the form of seashells, the golden, melt-in-the-mouth cake was a marvel. The masterpiece was christened Madeleine de Commercy. Discover the authentic Madeleine and its variations (flavored, giant size) with the master madeleine makers. To discover the secrets of making Madeleine, head for La Boîte à Madeleine, an artisanal establishment in ZAE La Louvière, 2 km from the town center.
