Things to see and do Pont-À-Mousson

Built on the right bank of the city, the church of Saint-Martin is one of the must-see places during a visit to Pont-à-Mousson. Built at the end of the 13th century, it was completed in the 15th century by the architect Jacquemin de Lenoncourt, who also worked on Toul Cathedral. The apse and the nave, in Gothic style, were consecrated in 1335, while the façade dates from the 15th century. Inside, one can admire an astonishing Tombstone (made at the beginning of the 15th century) composed of thirteen figures, as well as two beautiful recumbents.

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!

St. Laurent Street conceals some treasures that we take pleasure in admiring for hours. Facing the Saint-Laurent church, what is this imposing brick and stone building located at number 11? Built at the beginning of the 17th century, this building is a beautiful example of a private mansion, renovated in 2005. In the past it was the former house of the Aldermen, but today it is the presbytery of the parish of Saint-Laurent. We like its Renaissance style, with its geminated bays on the second floor and its brick facing, characteristic of the Louis XIII style. A well with a conch-shaped coping is present in the interior courtyard. As for the main gate, it reminds us that this house was once the private property of the Charvet family, an old Mussipont family of academics and magistrates of the 18th century. As for the decoration, it is decorated with a cherub's head and diamond points in black marble. Not to mention the Latin inscription on the lintel: Virtus agitata cresci, or "courage grows through hardship", a motto dear to the Charvet family.Not to be confused with the magnificent Renaissance facade at No. 19 on the same street. Today a private mansion, this building also housed the Maison des Échevins before becoming a religious school in the 18th century. A place not to be missed in Pont-à-Mousson, which is undeniably worth a visit during your stay in Lorraine.