The northern part - the Oesling - is part of the large Ardennes-Eifel territory and is characterised by high wooded hills and hemmed-in valleys whose flowing waters increase the charm. The south of the country, the "Good Country", is covered with opulent greenery: a lot of forests, varied agriculture and even a whole region of vineyards along the Moselle River. Heavy industry is situated in the southern part of the country (called "Red Earth") which, with the decline of iron and steel metallurgy, has progressively recycled itself into a tourist region. The capital, Luxembourg, is remarkable for its site and its history that is over a thousand years old. Its vocation as a European capital, allied today with an important financial centre, gives this city a cosmopolitan air. Finally, the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg has more than 20 castles on its territory, the most interesting, from a historical and tourist point of view, are those of Beaufort, Bourglinster, Bourscheid, Clervaux and Vianden.

In the field of arts, whether in photography, sculpture or architecture, numerous Luxembourg artists have exerted their influence in other countries and other continents.

This is the case of Edward J. Steichen (1879-1973), photographer of Luxembourg origin, director of photography at the MOMA in New York, where he created the largest exhibition ever realised: The Family of Man. This exhibition, offered to Luxembourg in 1964 by the United States government, has found its definitive home in the Castle of Clervaux.

In the field of architecture, the Krier brothers have a place of honour in several countries. Robert Krier (1938), architect and urbanist, obtained the architectural prize of the City of Vienna in 1982. He has realised numerous constructions and urban projects in Berlin,
Potsdam, Vienna and Paris. Leon Krier (1946) collaborated with James Stirling in London. He is counsellor to the Prince of Wales for whom he created the Master Plan for the development of the city of Poundbury in Dorset.

As for music, it is served by Alexander Mullenbach (born in 1949), composer and pianist, whose contemporary works are on the list of international festivals; and Claude Lenners (born in 1956), composer, who lived at the Villa Medici from 1989 to 1991.

Sculpture is represented by Lucien Wercolier (1908) with numerous works, one of which is in front of the Court of Justice of the European Communities in Luxembourg. Another sculpture decorates the entrance of the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg; it was used for the design of a French stamp in 1995.

The literature of Luxembourg has the peculiarity of being multi-lingual. Authors write, according to their preference, in the Luxembourgian language ("lëtzebuergesch "), in French and/or German. Strictly Luxembourgian literature truly saw the light of day in the 19^th century. Authors such as Michel Rodange, Guy Rewening, Roger Manderscheid and others have influenced and contributed to the success of Luxembourgian literature.

For more information:

• Official Site of the National Office of Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism of Luxembourg
• "All about Luxembourg", on the site of the government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg