History of Lorraine
About the Chef

Historical Review of Lorraine, France

Before the revolution of 1789, France was divided into separate provinces. One of these provinces, Lorraine, was located on the North-East side of the country, along the German border.

Lorraine was formed in 843 when King Charlemagne's empire was divided among his three grandsons. King Lothaire, heir to this land, gave it his name, which eventually evolved into "Lorraine."

Through the ages, the kingdom lost territories and became an independent duchy. It wasn't until 1766 that Lorraine officially became a part of France. It is now divided into four "départments": Moselle, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse and Vosges, with the main cities Metz, Nancy and Verdun.

Due to its geographical position, it has always been the scene of wars and invasions. After France lost the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, Germany annexed Lorraine. It remained German until the end of World War I in 1918. In 1940, during World War II, it was occupied again by Hitler's Germany and many of its people were expelled. This war-torn area was finally liberated and returned to France in November 1944 by General Patton and his army, for which the people of Lorraine will be eternally grateful.

Saint-Avold, my birthplace, has the sad privilege of being home to the largest American cemetery in France. The American heroes who died for our freedom are remembered every year, and many American visitors come and pay their respects. During World War II, our emblem, the Cross of Lorraine, was chosen by General De Gaulle, to be the symbol of resistance to Nazi oppression.