Belgian Lorraine

Summary

Belgian Lorraine is the part of Lorraine that lies in the south of the Belgian province of Luxembourg, in Wallonia.

Belgian Lorraine (French: Lorraine belge) in the south of Belgium.

The term is used solely in a geological context, as the region borders the geologically-distinct Ardennes, to the north.

Culturally and linguistically, Belgian Lorraine is made up of two sub-regions:

  • The Romance-speaking part (in which French dialects are spoken) called Gaume, with Virton as the main cultural city.
  • The Luxembourgish-speaking part called Land of Arlon (in Luxembourgish: Arelerland), with Arlon (Arel) as the main cultural city and the capital of the (Belgian) province of Luxembourg.

Both have Standard French as official administrative language, with Luxembourgish recognised as a minority language by the French Community of Belgium.

49°39′N 5°39′E / 49.650°N 5.650°E / 49.650; 5.650