Things to see and do Meurthe-Et-Moselle

The church was founded between 1490 and 1545 and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The choir and transept are in the flamboyant Gothic style, as are the star vaults (with 12 branches), while the first bays of the nave date from the 19th century. Built in 1749, the central portal and the first two floors of the bell tower are the work of the Lorraine architect Jean-Nicolas Jennesson, who designed the church of Saint-Sébastien in Nancy. The portal houses a baroque-style bell tower and a polychrome wooden Christ ascending Calvary (carrying his cross). This statue is attributed to Ligier Richier, one of the greatest Lorraine artists of the Renaissance.

Another remarkable 16th century work is a painted altarpiece commissioned by the Duchess of Lorraine, Philippe de Gueldre, from an Antwerp workshop. Finely crafted, all in gilding and precision, it includes religious scenes. Erected in 1900, the exterior tower houses statues of saints: Laurent, Guérin, Pierre Fourier and Saint Vincent de Paul. The church was badly damaged by the bombings of the Second World War, as shown by the disappearance of the stained glass windows by the artist Grüber of the Nancy School. Major interior and exterior restoration work was carried out between 2016 and 2019. The choir, stained glass windows and stonework were cleaned and new stained glass windows installed. The church is now brighter and undeniably worth a visit. Guided tours are available on request.

Heading towards the Mousson plateau, you will reach the Red Fountain, which has made Pont-à-Mousson famous for over 500 years. Coming from the top of the hill, the water which flows there deposits a reddish ferruginous sediment which gives its name to the fountain. In the 15th century, the spring was already said to have medicinal properties. Many people went there to relieve all sorts of ailments: asthma, anaemia, fatigue... but also to restore beautiful colours to their pale cheeks! It is said that the Cardinal of Richelieu found it excellent!

The buildings of the former university of Pont-à-Mousson now house the Marquette college and high school. The Jesuit University of Pont-à-Mousson was created in the 16th century to fight against the spread of Protestant ideas at the time of the Reformation. The name Jacques Marquette of the current building refers to a former student and professor of the University of Pont-à-Mousson. Jacques Marquette is credited with the discovery of the Mississippi River!

Lorrain artist Antoine Doudoux presents in this former farmhouse the remains of the former city of Iron. The social and economic history of the steel basin is described here through various objects. La Grange des Arts also offers crafts and exhibitions in summer.