Upper Lorraine

historical region, France

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July 14, 2026

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Upper Lorraine was a historical region that became part of the realm of Lothar I following the Treaty of Verdun in 843. After being inherited by his son Lothar, it formed the kingdom of Lotharingia. Following Lothar's death, the region was contested by Germany and France, eventually coming under German control in 925. In 959, it was divided into two parts: Upper Lorraine and Lower Lorraine. The duke of Lower Lorraine later became the duke of Brabant, and with the dissolution of the lower duchy, the upper duchy became known simply as Lorraine.1

Historically, Lorraine was known for its rich iron ore and coal deposits, which fueled industrialization and population growth. However, the region has experienced economic decline due to the decrease in these traditional industries. Despite this, Lorraine has adapted by diversifying its economy with new industries and developing science parks. The region is also known for its natural beauty, with the Vosges Mountains and the Meuse River, and is a site of historical significance, being the birthplace of St. Joan of Arc.2

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Lorraine
History
…into two parts, the southern Upper Lorraine and the northern Lower Lorraine, with their boundary running from a point on the Rhine north of Andernach westward and southwestward to a point on the Meuse north of Mézières. Lower Lorraine thus included most of the historic Netherlands belonging to the German…
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…into two parts, the southern Upper Lorraine and the northern Lower Lorraine, with their boundary running from a point on the Rhine north of Andernach westward and southwestward to a point on the Meuse north of Mézières. Lower Lorraine thus included most of the historic Netherlands belonging to the German…
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Lorraine
…into two parts, the southern Upper Lorraine and the northern Lower Lorraine. In 1190 the duke of Lower Lorraine took the name of duke of Brabant. With the dissolution of the lower duchy, the upper duchy came to be called simply Lorraine.
Read More
…into two parts, the southern Upper Lorraine and the northern Lower Lorraine. In 1190 the duke of Lower Lorraine took the name of duke of Brabant. With the dissolution of the lower duchy, the upper duchy came to be called simply Lorraine.
Read More