Travelling around France means discovering its rich heritage, its varied landscapes, its gastronomy, but also the many skills specific to each region. In Baccarat, a charming little town in Meurthe-et-Moselle, a weekend getaway or more is an opportunity to stop at the foot of its buildings, stroll through its green spaces and discover one of the many crystal factories in Lorraine. The town is indeed one of the places not to be missed to learn about the art of glassmaking, to admire superb creations, but also to indulge yourself and others! A stay in Baccarat can also be a stage of the Crystal Road, a journey that leads to the meeting of the greatest glass masters and allows to contemplate splendid works.
Stop in Baccarat, a Lorraine town with many treasures
Baccarat is a charming town in Lorraine with a population of nearly 5,000. It was here that Louis XV decided to create a glass factory in the 18th century, and today the crystal factory is one of the jewels of the town that should not be missed under any circumstances. Before that, don't miss the chance to wander through its streets to admire its most beautiful monuments. Starting with the Saint-Rémy church, a jewel of 20th century modern art, with its unique architecture and stained glass windows made from local crystal. The Town Hall, which dates from 1924, is another must-see, for its beautiful Flemish-inspired architecture and its interior, which houses magnificent crystal chandeliers. The Tour des Voués, which was built by Henry I in the 14th century to protect the houses of the serfs, also shines with its massive architecture and its walls pierced with windows and loopholes.
In terms of nature, Baccarat welcomes walkers who enjoy lounging on the benches on the banks of the Meurthe, admiring the rose garden and relaxing in the shade of hundred-year-old trees. Playgrounds are also available to spend quality time with the family. Finally, don't forget the beautiful views from the hydroelectric power station, which was built in 1927.
As mentioned above, Baccarat allows you to dive into the heart of the crystal craft. It is therefore quite natural to go to the Baccarat crystal factory, where some of the greatest glass craftsmen in France work on a daily basis, not to access the workshops, which are closed to the public, but to reach the Crystal Museum, which is housed in the former residence of the factory's directors. The place unveils exceptional pieces, some of which have won awards at World Fairs. Later on, you should go and contemplate the shop windows that illuminate the city streets with their glass pieces, and in particular indulge yourself with a superb bracelet on a cord with glass beads from the Michael Vessiere workshop. These elegant and refined creations are the result of a brand that has been perpetuating the traditions of the art of glassmaking since 1882. And for even more stars in the eyes, two other places are a must in Baccarat: the Pôle Bijou, which offers temporary exhibitions on the know-how and creativity of young talents, and the Musée du Flacon du Parfum, which showcases the incredible collection of George Stam.
On the Glass and Crystal Route
A stop in Baccarat can be made during the 225 km of the Glass and Crystal Route in Lorraine, but also in Alsace. From Nancy to Vannes-le-Châtel, there are no less than 10 stages and many places to discover an exceptional know-how that has made the region a land of luxury and art for centuries.
The stages include the visit of the largest crystal factories in France, those of Portieux, Vallerysthal or Saint-Louis, one of the oldest crystal factories in Lorraine. On the programme from one place to another, demonstrations by glassmakers and glassblowers, visits to museums such as the Lalique Museum and the Nancy Fine Arts Museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of Daum vases and decorative objects in its basement. Not forgetting the Meisenthal glassmaking site and the shop that sells glass Christmas ornaments, and then the Centre Européen de Recherches et de Formation aux Arts Verriers (CERFAV), a unique structure in Europe that offers guided tours as well as diplomatic training and advanced courses in the arts and techniques of glass. Another experience not to be missed is a meal at the Villa René Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder, a restaurant with sumptuous crockery and a magnificent setting for a place awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide.
