Summary
As a reminder of the often tumultuous relationship between France and Germany, Thionville in the Grand Est Region stands as a poignant reminder.
Located near the border with Luxembourg, this town has a long history of conflict, having endured six sieges over the past 500 years.
The more recent territorial disputes have left a lasting imprint on the landscape, characterized by numerous fortifications, some constructed during the annexation of Lorraine by Germany and others forming part of the strategic French Maginot Line.
Post-war, Thionville became a hub of heavy industry; while the iron mines and steelworks are now a relic of the past, their legacy is honored in various museums and public gardens.
Let us explore the top attractions in Thionville:
1. Ouvrage Hackenberg
For an excellent starting point on your exploration of the Maginot Line, consider visiting this fortress situated in the countryside to the east of Thionville.
The Ouvrage Hackenberg has never succumbed to a frontal attack, thus preserving its formidable concrete structure and intricate network of underground tunnels.
One of the blocks has been meticulously restored, allowing visitors to utilize the elevator to descend into the depths of the fortress and experience a ride on the electric train that once served these tunnels.
The guided tour is thorough, showcasing the operational gun turrets while providing comprehensive insights into the technical aspects, including the ingenious design intended to extract smoke and gas.
2. Tour aux Puces
The city’s most ancient monument is the remnant of a castle established by the Counts of Luxembourg.
The Tour aux Puces (Tower of the Fleas) was originally constructed in the 11th or 12th centuries and underwent modifications until the 16th century.
Its present 14-sided architecture dates back to the period of the Spanish occupation, when it was incorporated into a series of defensive measures along the Moselle River.
The oldest segments are observable on the northeastern flank, showcasing stonework from the 1000s.
3. Musée de la Tour aux Puces
To gain insight into Thionville’s intricate history, enter the tower housing a museum that features a substantial collection of artifacts.
The exhibits provide a chronological overview of significant events in the town’s evolution, spanning from prehistory through the Renaissance.
The museum has incorporated modern museography, further enhanced by informative explanations accompanying its installations.
Items on display include Neolithic hand axes, Gallo-Roman sculptures, Merovingian jewelry, and exquisitely carved tombstones from the later Middle Ages.
4. Fort de Guentrange
This site further exemplifies the complex heritage of Thionville.
The Fort de Guentrange was constructed between 1899 and 1905 during the period of German dominion over Thionville.
It represents a significant military engineering feat and was part of a broader network of fortifications between Thionville and Metz.
Despite substantial investments, this fort never engaged in combat and remained unscathed during World War II, when it served as a storage facility for weapons such as the V-1 flying bomb.
Regular guided tours lasting 90 minutes are available, showcasing this vast facility capable of housing a garrison of 2,000 men, equipped with eight long-range artillery pieces and early telephone systems.
5. Mines de Fer de Neufchef
The northwestern part of Lorraine is characterized by iron mines that were established two centuries ago but ceased operations post-war.
Two of these mines have been preserved as museums, offering educational experiences that enlighten visitors about the region’s historical iron and steel industry.
The nearest site is located a short distance west of Thionville in Neufchef, where 1.5 kilometers of underground galleries have been preserved.
You will receive guidance from a former miner, who will explain the daily life of miners and the geological factors that facilitated the industry.
6. Zoo d’Amnéville
In approximately 15 minutes, you can arrive at the largest zoo in eastern France, home to 1,500 animals encompassing 360 species.
The Zoo d’Amnéville is notable for its collection of gorillas and orangutans, spread across 18 hectares of parkland and woodland.
A highlight is the Plaine Africaine, featuring a three-hectare enclosure where giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and antelopes coexist.
Visitor attendance surged in recent years following the introduction of the controversial Tiger World shows, showcasing tamed tigers.
These 45-minute performances feature a dozen big cats, yet they have prompted significant debate and led to the zoo being temporarily downgraded in its membership status with the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
7. Sights around Thionville
Thionville, being a compact town, allows for a swift exploration in just a few hours.
In addition to the aforementioned attractions, there are several minor landmarks worth noting.
One of these is the Autel de la Patrie (Altar of the Fatherland), a rare memorial commemorating the Revolution, constructed in 1796 and adorned with the Masonic symbol of the Eye of Providence.
The streets are lined with charming historical houses dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries, alongside more elaborate hôtels particuliers.
Noteworthy buildings include the Hôpital de Créhan-Pittange from the 18th century and the town hall, which originally served as a convent built in 1641.
8. Château de Volkrange
Located slightly beyond the western edge of Thionville, this stunning château from the 1200s is nestled within a 30-hectare park.
During spring and summer, the estate hosts workshops dedicated to traditional crafts and activities, such as stone-cutting, stained glass, and manuscript illumination.
The property has a history of significant damage during the Thirty Years’ War yet underwent restoration in the 18th century.
However, the original moat and the basic architectural outline of the building have remained intact.
Visitors may also explore ancillary structures like the elegant 18th-century dovecote and stables.
9. Jardin des Traces
Located along the Moselle River in Uckange, this remarkable garden is aptly named “Le Jardin de l’Impossible.” You will understand its title once you witness it, as it thrives in the shadow of a blast furnace within a former industrial wasteland.
Despite the less-than-ideal conditions for a garden, this attraction serves as a powerful statement regarding the industrial legacy of the Moselle department and its aspirations for the future.
The garden is divided into three sections, each addressing a distinct aspect of the iron industry, from the essential elements contributing to its prosperity to the laborers who migrated from various parts of Europe to work in this sector.
Additionally, there is a section that envisions the region’s commitment to renewable energy and its future direction.
10. Église Saint-Maximin
Constructed in the French Classical style during the mid-18th century, Thionville’s sturdy church features significant architectural elements.
The design was even influenced by the French army, which desired the twin towers above the western entrance to serve as observation points.
Nonetheless, it is the interior that truly captivates, particularly the grand altar and the notable Great Organ.
This remarkable instrument is a historical artifact itself, merging French and Northern German organ styles, having undergone modifications throughout the 19th century when Thionville switched between French and German rule.
The impressive organ contains 4,500 pipes, played across three 56-note manuals and a 30-note pedal board.
11. Beffroi de Thionville
A cherished element of Thionville’s skyline, the belfry dates back to the late 14th century.
It stands as a symbol of the town’s communal liberties, as approval to construct a watchtower could only be granted by the Counts of Luxembourg at that time.
This belfry underwent renovations at the cusp of the 18th century and has retained its traditional appearance to this day.
At the summit of the tower, there exists a carillon consisting of four bells from the years 1656, 1689, 1746, and 1844.
12. U4 Blast Furnace
You can visit the imposing U4 Blast Furnace, which dominates the landscape near the Jardin des Traces in Uckange.
While most remnants of the Moselle Valley’s industrial past have been dismantled, this structure has been preserved as a French “historic monument.” Established in 1890, it was among the last of six furnaces utilized by Uckange’s smelting operations.
Two decades post-closure, it is now appreciated as a memorial to the past and serves as an intriguing backdrop for contemporary art installations.
Currently, there is only an interpretive path available around the exterior, although future accessibility initiatives are planned.
13. Ouvrage Fermont
If Ouvrage Hackenberg has piqued your interest in the Maginot Line, you may also wish to explore another substantial site located west of Thionville in Fermont.
In contrast to Hackenberg, Fermont sustained considerable damage during the Battle of France in 1940. However, following the war, it was restored in anticipation of a potential eastern invasion by the Soviet Union.
On weekends, visitors can descend into the tunnels situated 30 meters below ground to explore the various chambers.
A rail line traverses from the entrance to the combat blocks.
A newly established museum within the fort chronicles the fierce battles that took place, showcasing weaponry and artillery from other fortifications along the Maginot Line.
14. Château de La Grange
This elegant estate has been held by the same family for over 250 years.
The château boasts numerous rooms adorned with exquisite furniture, ceramics, paintings, and various decorative artifacts.
Moreover, these halls have hosted notable figures, including Charles de Gaulle, Wallis Simpson, and Casanova.
The grounds are equally captivating, featuring the Jardin des Prairiales, which consists of expansive sections of meadow adorned with flowers from around the globe bordering a splendid central lawn.
Additionally, the terraces include neatly arranged parterres with topiary sculptures.
15. Food and Drink
The cultural integration within Lorraine extends to its culinary traditions.
This is particularly evident in the wide array of cold cuts, which feature German-style white sausage, ham-based sausage, and liver sausage.
However, the centerpiece is undoubtedly Quiche Lorraine, a dish celebrated well beyond regional borders, crafted from cream, eggs, and bacon.
The landscape surrounding Thionville is dotted with orchards growing mirabelle plums, which are utilized in various products.
Mirabelle jam is available at local markets, along with mirabelle liqueur, which is often blended with plum juice to create mirabelle eau-de-vie.
Additionally, patisseries offer mirabelle tarts, and these delectable plums can be purchased fresh during August and September.
