Lorraine has been subjected to attack by Julius Caesar, Charles the Bold, Charles V and Louis XIII. As a result, its historic buildings boast a wide range of architectural styles. The architecture also reflects the many different types of building and a succession of periods of history. The Renaissance developed and prospered in Lorraine. The homogeneous design and layout of the Upper Town in Bar-le-Duc is one of the most remarkable groups of buildings of its kind anywhere in the country.
Saint-Mihiel is another town with much to boast about. The villages of Châtillon-sur-Saône (extensively restored) and Marville add to this list of heritage sites. Nancy has some exceptional 18th Century buildings designed by Emmanuel Héré as well as some gems of Art Nouveau style. Le Corbusier gave vent to his creativity in Briey (La Cité radieuse).The history of Metz can be seen in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the mediaeval Place Saint Louis, Place de la Comédie with its 18th Century theatre, the “Germans’ Gate” (Porte des Allemands), the Knights Templar’s chapel and the imperial district around the railway station.