Monuments to visit Moselle

Illustrating the industrial richness of the Utzschneider family, this castle, which was completed in 1906, refers to several styles. If the inspiration of the Italian Renaissance dominates with the use of the windows windows and the staircase of the hall of honour; the association of brick, stone and slate is rather reminiscent of the French architecture of the early th century. But what makes this building exceptional is its front façade. In fact, the architects Berninger and Krafft from Strasbourg, from the school of architecture in Stuttgart, were happy to use assymétrie. The front and rear were probably reversed so that the receptions could be kept out of sight, at the back of the building, which reveals the most beautiful facade. Occupied by the Nazis during the Second World War, this building, which lasted for a long time, now houses the hotel of the Sarreguemines Generation community.

On the West side, leaning towards Lorraine, you can find the Porte de France. A military style clearly assumed, it bears witness to the Vauban period as well as the Lobau Barracks, for example. At the victory of Louis XIV, it boasts bas-reliefs and a pediment where the king's crest distinguishes itself: crown and trophies taken to the enemy are represented. The presence of pulleys at the level of the lintel shows that there was a drawbridge at the time.

Located on the east side, the Door of Germany is majestically. Dedicated to Louis XIV, it is surmounted by a pediment adorned with two angels bearing the shield of King Sun, remarkable by the presence of a lily. The victories of Louis XIV are also mentioned on both sides of the door by means of sculpted trophies. Translated from German, it reads: «In memory of Goethe's passage to Phalsbourg on 23 June 1770», on a marble plate.

The impressive façade was founded at the time Vauban, 175 metres long, when the walls of the citadel had to be strengthened. The Contiguous barracks, built in pink sandstone, saw many soldiers scroll. Sometimes French, sometimes German, she protected, for more than two centuries, one and passage. The architecture is surprising by its roof dotted with windows and chimneys.

Transformed into a town hall in 1996, this curious building is no more than Edouard Jaunez's old castle. A rich industrial industriel in Sarreguemines, he acquired the castle in 1894 for the modest sum of 41 000 francs. Its bichrome brick architecture (red and white) is characteristic of the late th century. Thus, our bourgeois industrial property has its own image, modern and tasteful. In 1904, Sieur Jaunez was even raised by Emperor Guillaume II in person! A few years later, around 1912, the administration of the Railways of Alsace-Lorraine would like, as a result of the expansion of railways, the destruction of the building. Fortunately, the City Council opposes it by buying the building. Today, it is the town hall of Remelfing.

Here is an element of the Maginot line since 2002 by a passionate association. And, in addition to restoring this shelter from the famous French defence line, these volunteers offer guided tours by appointment throughout the year. An immersion that is worth the detour because it allows to understand the daily life of the 1972 men who lived in this structure abandoned by the army in. 

Apart from the city, the Burghof, a former farm built at the beginning of the th century by a rich industrial, was transformed into a European convention centre. Since 2014 he has belonged to the City of Forbach. Throughout the year, this medieval and modern building offers numerous receptions and lounges. Concert in platt, meetings between winemakers, conferences of personalities… In addition, many couples choose this beautiful decor to organise their wedding in order to take advantage of a sublime view of the park.

Volkrange Castle was built between 1242 and 1248. This former manor house has a quality architecture, which bears witness to the regional historic heritage. Surrounded by a moat (restored in 2012), this castle is flanked by two towers and set in a park of nearly 30 hectares open to the public: Walking along its paths and its small flower alleys is ideal to take the air and take the mirettes. During the visit of the castle, certified historic monument, you can admire the colombier at turning mast, the ceiling to the French and the chimney of the th century. Furthermore, the th century master house, its outbuildings and its stables, transformed by the hotel complex, offer an adequate welcome to visitors. Finally, this castle is not just a building to visit as a bearer of the history of the village, but also the place of various workshops and activities during the summer season: stone size, stained glass, hr tour… A programme is also planned at the European Heritage Days. Find out more about the site for more information.

Most of the works from the Maginot line, very frequent in the corner, allow for immersions in purely military rooms and large underground galleries. Here, it is mainly a question of highlighting the daily and routine life of a hundred military personnel. On two floors, this large range shelter from the Maginot line presents parts and objects in a very beautiful condition. They can also be seen in rooms, kitchen, an electric plant, ventilation elements and armoured bells. Moreover, the visit provides a video projection on the history of this line of defence of the Second World War in a small museum space.

Raised at an altitude of 322 m, the castle's promontory offers a breathtaking view of the Zorn valley. This former castle takes its name from Lutzel Burg, meaning "small castle", since it extends over almost 90 hectares of land! Originally, the village of Lutzelbourg belonged to the abbey of Marmoutier. The latter, to establish its power and hegemony, had a fortress built in the year 930. In the 12th century, the castle fell into the hands of Peter of Falkenstein, who later became Count of Lutzelbourg. In particular, he undertook the construction of the fortified town used to defend the southern side of the estate. After the death of Peter of Lutzelbourg (1133), several lords ruled the castle. Today, the remains of the castle are based in particular on the square tower of Fénétrange, the pentagonal tower with 3 levels, and the Koeberlé villa. The ruins of the castle were declared national property during the French Revolution. In 1900, the new owner carried out a restoration campaign and built a neo-Romanesque style house for his personal use. Since 1978, the castle has belonged to the commune and is the pride of the village!

The territory of the thionvillois country has a lot of books from the famous Maginot line and each has its own particularities. With regard to the Michelsberg book, we speak of a kind of large underground village located thirty meters deep. Considered a heroic building for its defense in 1940, it consists of five combat blocks and was occupied by more than 500 military personnel. Guided tours by a dedicated association will teach you much more about this very well maintained. The visit lasts about 2 hours, consider taking warm clothes because the interior temperature is 13 ° C even in the summer season.

An impressive building that rightly advocates in its role: This is the monumentality of the Enlightenment. Metz's massive and powerful Justice Palace ensures its hegemony around the Esplanade. Built in 1776 by architect Charles Louis Clérisseau, the palace is built according to three bodies of buildings, placed in U around a large inner courtyard. Classic style ensures a fine balance of proportions. Note an "antiicing" influence, with the use of carved low reliefs.

The ruins of this semi-troglodyte castle, whose origins date back to the beginning of the 12th century, dominate the valley of the Zinsel. The name Falkenstein, which is also that of a lineage that owned the place from the 13th to the 16th century, means "rock of the falcons" and corresponds to the physiognomy of the place. In 1564, after many successions and while it was recently in the hands of Philippe IV of Hanau-Lichtenberg, the fortification was ravaged by fire. What remained of it (notably the bailey) was razed to the ground in 1680 by the troops of Louis XIV.