AttractionsLunéville France

Know in France as the Versailles of the East, the Château de Lunéville suffered a tragedy on January 2, 2003 when fire broke out and destroyed much, including the museum, chapel and reception hall. A renovation project is underway, estimations are it will take ten years, which should restore the Château to its former glory. For the time being the Château is closed to visitors, the grounds including a garden are open to the public and free of charge. The chapel is scheduled to be open in 2005.

When I visited there were tents on the Château's grounds. These housed photos of the fire and artifacts saved along with tourist information. There did not seem to be gloom in the air as one might expect. I would say just the opposite, there seemed to is a celebration of the history that the Château represented taking place, including a concert in the main garden and people strolling about in 1700's period dress.

The Château was of course the main attraction of Lunéville but there are still other things to be see, churches, an Italian-style theater, a Merchant's House built with red stone and the first synagogue built in France since the 13th century.

Related Link:
Lunéville web site

Hotels in Nancy (Hour Drive):
Hotel Americain
Mercure Centre Thiers