The Thionville region in 24 hours

First of all, we suggest you start your day with a walking tour of downtown Thionville. Thanks to a heritage map available from Pays Thionvillois Tourisme, you can learn all about thecity’s history and the mysteries of its monuments. The region’s tourist sites are mainly open in the afternoon, so you can enjoy a pleasant stroll in the morning. And if it’s not yet time for a bite to eat, you can extend your stroll to the banks of the Moselle, where you’ll find two lovely municipal parks, the Napoléon and the Wilson, right in the heart of the German quarters dating from the Annexation. A great way to combine nature and architecture.

MEMORIAL TOURISM The Hackenberg is one of the largest Maginot Line forts in France. Enthusiastic volunteers take you on a 2.5-hour tour of the fort’s underground passages, where you can learn about the daily lives of hundreds of soldiers. Other MaginotLine structures are playing an increasingly important role in promoting the region and passing on military memory to visitors. You can discover ” Le Tiburce ” in Hettange-Grande, one of the few open-air structures, or the ashlar galleries of the “ouvrage du bois” in Cattenom. For those who want to be impressed by the treasures of the Maginot Line, the Michelsberg ouvrage lets you discover its turret, one of the largest models on the line, while the Fort aux fresques in Hestroff transports you into the daily lives of the soldiers and the handmade decorations that adorn the fort’s walls. Even Mickey Mouse has a place there.

THE INDUSTRIAL AND WORKER HERITAGE The Musée des Mines in Neufcheftakes you on an industrial journey, again presented by volunteers, former workers who worked for many years to keep mining production running smoothly. You’ll discover one of the toughest jobs in the industry, which left its mark on a whole generation of workers. The U4 blast furnaces at Uckange, another industrial memory site in the area, are a listed 20th-century heritage site, inviting you to relive an activity that is emblematic of Lorraine’s working-class past. The “Traces” garden next to the site offers a playful, botanical exploration of the materials used in the steel industry.

CASTRAL MEMORY
Finally, the Château de la Grange plunges you into the heart of the 18th century, with its magnificent chandeliers, richly embroidered tapestries and gilded furniture. The guides, trained by the de Selancy family, who own the property, will tell you the story of their ancestors.

On the border with Germany, you can also visit Château de Malbrouck, a Moselle Passion site run by the departmental council. This completely rebuilt castle features a thematic exhibition every year.