A city rich in heritage
The Château de Lunéville
Nicknamed "the Versailles of Lorraine," it was built in the early 18th century at the behest of Leopold I of Lorraine and Bar, based on plans drawn up by Germain Boffrand, an architect from Nantes and student of Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The castle was the victim of a terrible fire that destroyed a large part of it in 2003. Since then, it has been undergoing renovation. It has been the largest reconstruction project in Europe. The roofs and facades are now complete. There is still much to be done, but it is definitely worth a visit.
Lunéville Castle seen from the gardens / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.com
It can be accessed either from the "courtyard of the outbuildings" by passing between the two buildings that form the outbuildings. There are sometimes exhibitions inside the left outbuilding, and in the right outbuilding there is the "Conservatoire des Broderies de Lunéville," a place that teaches and displays garments made with this lace stitch, which is absolutely unique in the world. These are beaded elements that are embroidered onto the fabric. This technique is still in high demand in French haute couture. Continuing on, we pass the statue of General La Salle (1775-1809). Born in Metz and killed in the Battle of Wagram, he was considered the epitome of the French cavalry officer. In 1893, the Lunéville cavalry regiment, stationed at the castle, had this statue erected. Finally, we arrive at the main courtyard. The entrance to the castle is on the right. Three rooms are open to visitors: the Livrée room (the reception area), the chapel, and the crypt. Passing through the peristyle (the porch, if you prefer), you reach the castle grounds, known as the "parc des bosquets" (grove park). Monsieur de France tells you the history of Lunéville Castle at the end of this page. Don't miss it, it's fascinating.
Location: Place de la 2e division de Cavalerie / 54300 Lunéville.
How about getting to know King Stanislas, the most famous resident of Lunéville Castle?
The merchant's house
An astonishing residence built from pink Vosges sandstone. It is located between the castle and Saint Jacques Church. It was built in the 18th century for a merchant who traded in goods from all over the world, as evidenced by the façade, which features not only barrels, but also an Indian head adorned with feathers and even a mosque minaret, reminding passers-by that the goods came from far away.
Location: 3 rue du château in Lunéville.
The pink sandstone facade of the Merchant's House in Lunéville / photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme
Are you staying in Lorraine? Take the time to discover my guide dedicated to Lorraine.
The Church of Saint Jacques in Lunéville
The typically Baroque Saint Jacques Church, within Saint Remi Abbey. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Traveller70/Shutterstock.com
It is the large church located to the right of the castle and visible from afar, especially when arriving from the Nancy road, with its two large bell towers made of pink sandstone from the Vosges mountains. It was built at the behest of Duke Leopold I, with the first stone laid in 1730 by his son Francis III (who became emperor under the name François I). It was designed by Jean Nicolas Jennesson (who also designed the beautiful Saint Sébastien church in Nancy). The interior was redesigned by Emmanuel Héré (architect of Place Stanislas in Nancy) and features a remarkable hidden organ.
The astonishing hidden organ of Saint Jacques Church in Lunéville with its musician cherubs. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme
In fact, the columns surrounding the sideboard are made from organ pipes painted to look like marble. Musician cherubs, including an amusing conductor, appear to be playing music. At the entrance, beneath a black slab, lies the Marquise Emilie du Chatelet, the first female mathematician in French history and Voltaire's lifelong love.
Location: Esplanade Saint Jacques in Lunéville.
Lunéville is closely linked to Nancy. To discover its secrets, click here.
The abbey palace
One of the scenes to see at the abbey hotel in Lunéville / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme.
Located next to the church (on the right), this is a very unique place as it is a museum space. The residence of the abbot of Saint Rémi, the great abbey of Lunéville, which today houses both the town hall and the church of Saint Jacques, it has become a place where an aristocratic dwelling from the middle of the Age of Enlightenment has been recreated. What is surprising about this place is that everything is new in terms of decor, especially the paintings, but the objects are old. An ingenious and delicate staging gives the impression that you are literally in 1750 and that the owner of the place has left for a few moments and will return. Don't miss the French-style table setting in the grand salon and the always fascinating temporary exhibitions.
Location: Esplanade Saint Jacques in Lunéville.
The synagogue
The synagogue in Lunéville is the oldest in France / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: By Aimelaime~commonswiki — Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41081613
It is one of the oldest in France. It was built in 1786 with the authorization of King Louis XVI. The sandstone facade is very pretty.
Location: 5 rue Castara in Lunéville.
And streets lined with mansions
The city was designed by Germain Boffrand, the architect of the castle. Rue Banaudon (the main shopping street), Rue de la République, and throughout the city center, there are numerous mansions, including the Maison du Traité, where a peace treaty between France and Austria was signed in 1801. Also worth seeing are the Jeanne d'Arc Church, in neo-Gothic style, the theater, and the elegant Place Léopold.
Saint Remi Abbey, whose foundations are over 1,000 years old, now houses the town hall of Lunéville. Photo wikicommons
Around Lunéville
Baccarat, the Vosges...
There are many places to discover around Lunéville. For example, less than 20 minutes away, you can visit the Maison de la Mirabelle in Rozelieures, where you can learn about the mirabelle plum, the fruit of Lorraine par excellence. You can also buy a wide range of mirabelle plum products, including alcohol, perfume, and even shampoo. On sunny weekends, you can also explore the grounds of the Château de Gerbéviller, with its centuries-old trees. Baccarat, with its famous crystal factories, is also just 20 minutes away. The Lunévillois (the area around Lunéville) is perfect for leisurely hikes or bike rides.
A little further on begins the Vosges department. You are 1 hour away from the mountains.
Nancy
Nancy is very close to Lunéville. Here you can explore the 18th-century complex, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is also a fascinating city if you love Art Nouveau. All the information is below.
Welcome to the city with golden gates / Photo: Depositphotos
The Château de Haroué
It is one of the works of Boffrand, the architect of Lunéville Castle. Built between 1720 and 1729 for one of the regulars at the Court of Lunéville, Marc de Beauvau-Craon (Duke Leopold's best friend), the château was built on the site of a medieval fortress, which explains the round towers that give it so much charm. A château not to be missed. It features magnificent reception rooms (with extremely rare Nancy tapestries) and the delightful "Pillement" salon, named after the painter who created the delicate and amusing chinoiserie decorations. Some people refer to the residence as "the Palace in the Countryside" or "the Chambord of Lorraine." It must be said that it is imposing with its "four bridges, 12 towers and turrets, 52 chimneys, and 365 windows." The Beauvau-Craon family still owns the property, which is now managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.
More information is available on the Château de Haroué website and on site: Place du Château, 54740 Haroué.
Haroué Castle: a palace in the countryside / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.Fr: Mihai-Bogdan Lazar/Shutterstock
Gastronomy: Culinary specialties of Lunéville
The city is not only an architectural gem; it is also the birthplace of several pillars of French gastronomy. It was here, at the table of King Stanislas, that fine dining became an art form.
Rum Baba
shutterstock
Stanislas, who found the Kouglof too dry, is said to have had the idea of sprinkling it with Tokay wine (and later rum). Fascinated by the tales of the Thousand and One Nights, he named this new dessert "Baba" in homage to Ali Baba. It was his pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer, who later perfected the recipe in Paris, but the spark came from Lunéville.
Want to give it a try? I've written down the authentic recipe for rum baba here for you.
Mirabelle in all its forms
The golden fruit of Lorraine, the Mirabelle plum is right at home here. In Rozelieures (15 minutes away), it is distilled to make prestigious brandies and Lorraine whiskies. In Lunéville, try it in tarts, jams, or even in savory dishes such as roast pork with Mirabelle plums.
Lorraine Pâté and Quiche
Essential to any local table, Pâté Lorrain (meat marinated in white wine and wrapped in puff pastry) and the authentic Quiche Lorraine (without cheese, of course!) are the stars of the city's markets.
A small Lorraine pâté is a delicious snack to enjoy on the go. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.
Prepare your visit to Lunéville: practical information
Where to eat? My favorite places
To sample Lorraine's cuisine after visiting the castle, here are two must-try options:
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Le Petit Comptoir: Located just opposite the castle, this is the perfect place to enjoy refined seasonal cuisine in a historic setting.
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L'Échoppe: A warm bistro atmosphere with fresh produce and excellent value for money in the heart of the city.
Where to stay?
To prolong the experience of "Versailles Lorrain":
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Les Pages: A charming hotel located a stone's throw from the castle, ideal for exploring the city on foot.
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Le domaine de StanislasA magnificent mansion that combines heritage and modernity with a warm welcome. 23 rue de la Tour Blanche in Lunéville. I highly recommend it!
Access and Distances
Lunéville is the ideal starting point for exploring southern Lorraine.
| City of departure | Distance | Travel time (Car) | Option Train (TER) |
| Nancy | 32 km | 25 min (via A33) | 15 min (frequent departures) |
| Baccarat | 25 km | 22 min (via N59) | fifteen minutes |
| Metz | 85 km | 1 hour (via A31) | fifty minutes |
| Strasbourg | 120 km | 1 hour 20 minutes (via N4) | 1h05 (TGV/TER) |
Recommended itinerary: A day in Lunéville
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Morning: Visit to Lunéville Castle and the chapel.
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Noon: Lunch near Place Léopold.
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Afternoon: Walk in Bosquets Park, discover the hidden organ in Saint-Jacques Church, and visit the Abbey Hotel.
Lunéville Castle takes on incredible colors in the evening / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: Leonid_Andronov
LUNEVILLE FAQ
Why is Lunéville called the "Versailles of Lorraine"?
It was in the 18th century that Duke Leopold I decided to build a monumental castle there, inspired by the architecture of Versailles. Designed by Germain Boffrand, a pupil of Mansart, the Château de Lunéville became one of Europe's most brilliant cultural centers during the reign of Stanislas Leszczynski, welcoming the greatest minds of the Enlightenment.
Can you visit Lunéville Castle today?
Yes, the castle is open to the public. Although part of it is still undergoing restoration following the major fire in 2003, you can visit the chapel, the Livrée room, and the gardens of the Bosquets park. Temporary exhibitions are regularly held there.
What is Lunéville's culinary specialty?
Lunéville is renowned for its products made from Mirabelle plums. It also has a long tradition of confectionery. It was at the court of Lunéville that rum baba took on its definitive form, under the impetus of King Stanislas.
How to get from Nancy to Lunéville?
The journey is very quick and easy. By car, it takes around 25 minutes via the A33. By train (TER), there is a direct service from Nancy station, which will drop you off in the center of Lunéville in just 15 minutes.
