Sunday. We left Nancy and our first stop was the little town of Luneville. The houses are all of a pink sandstone from Vosges ranging in colour from a very pale pink to a deep dusky rose pink. The main attraction is the sumptuous Chateau on the hill overlooking the town. There is a fabulous garden at the rear of the Chateau. One of the most beautiful formal gardens in the entire region. The house and garden were modelled on Versailles, It was built in 1702 for the Duke of Lorraine who left Nancy and chose Luneville to settle with his court. It was then occupied by Stanislas the next Duke of Lorraine who also had the ornate gilded square in Nancy built in his honour.
Luneville is also known for it’s beaded embroidery. The craftswomen are called Luneilleuses and have practised their craft since the 14th century. The craft is still taught at a school in Luneville.

There are a number of very special houses and buildings in Luneville. There’s the Treaty House where the Treaty of Luneville was signed by Napolean’s brother. There’s a rich merchants house with ornate sculptures. St Jacques church, a very pretty church with a bright yellow interior which is a contrast to the often sombre darkness of the Gothic churches. The church also has the only organ in Europe with hidden organ pipes. Instead of seeing the pipes you see the beautifully decorated facade.
There is a synagogue and a Joan of Arc Church. There are also prestigious earthenware factories reproducing old and classical pieces that are highly sought after