Moselle, The department
Discover the Mosellea department rich in history, culture, nature and gastronomy, located on the border of the France along with Luxembourg and Germany. An integral part of the Lorraine region, now part of the region Great EastThe department takes its name from the river that runs through it, adding to its unique charm.
With a population of over one million, Moselle stands out as the most densely populated department in Lorraine and ranks 23rd nationally. Metz, its prefectural seat, is recognized as a “City of Art and History” and is famous for being home to the prestigious Centre Pompidou-Metz.
Economically dynamic, the Moselle is characterized by a diverse range of sectors, ranging from industry to agriculture, not to mention services and tourism. The department also benefits from a unique local legal system, the result of its complex history, which gives it remarkable social, cultural, and legislative characteristics.
This guide invites you to explore the must-sees of the Moselle, for an enriching visitor experience.
Discover Moselle's historical and cultural heritage
The Moselle region, with its rich and eventful history, offers an exceptional array of sites and museums for history buffs and curious visitors alike. Its heritage, shaped by major historical events, is reflected in its architecture and diverse culture.
The Highlights of Moselle’s History
Moselle's historical heritage is a living testimony to its complex past, marked by its membership of various nations over the centuries. Not to be missed, Malbrouck castle in Manderen stands out. Restored, it hosts exhibitions and events in an authentic medieval setting. Rodemack Castle, nicknamed the «little Carcassonne of Lorraine,» invites you to explore one of the most beautiful villages in France. The hardships of war have also left their mark, such as the Museum of the War of 1870 and the Annexation in Gravelotte, which offers a glimpse into the Franco-Prussian War, or the impressive fortifications of the Maginot Line. Religious art is not to be outdone, with Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Metz—famous for its stained-glass windows—and the Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, one of the oldest churches in France.
Visit the department's emblematic museums
The Moselle region also showcases its cultural heritage through a variety of museums. The Musée de la Cour d’Or in Metz displays Gallo-Roman, medieval, and Renaissance treasures. The Musée départemental Georges de La Tour in Vic-sur-Seille pays tribute to this 17th-century painter from Lorraine, while the Musée du Sel in Marsal explores the history of salt in the region. For more specific themes, the Glass and Crystal Museum in Meisenthal features works of glass and crystal, and the Sarrebourg Regional Museum houses a monumental mural by Marc Chagall. The Mining Museum in Petite-Rosselle invites you to discover the daily lives of coal miners.
Center Pompidou-Metz: a cultural landmark
Opened in 2010, the Centre Pompidou-Metz has established itself as the largest contemporary art center in Europe outside of Paris. Its architecture, designed by architects Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines, resembles a Chinese hat or a nomadic tent. A vibrant hub of cultural life, it offers temporary exhibitions, performances, lectures, and workshops, celebrating artistic creation in all its forms. With works by Picasso, Matisse, Braque, and Kandinsky, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is a must-see destination for art and culture enthusiasts, offering unique and enriching experiences.
Outdoor activities: explore the Moselle in a different way
The Moselle, a department rich in diversity, invites you to explore its landscapes through a wide variety of outdoor activities. For those who love hiking, biking, or water sports, the Moselle offers an idyllic setting to have fun and reconnect with nature.
Hiking in the Lorraine Regional Nature Park
In the heart of the Moselle region, the Lorraine Regional Nature Park—a protected area spanning more than 200,000 hectares—offers a unique hiking experience. Rich in biodiversity and historical and cultural heritage, the park features trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The marked trails will guide you through exceptional sites such as the Domaine de Lindre, renowned for its ornithological significance; Lake Madine, the largest body of water in Lorraine; and the village of Marsal, famous for its salt-mining history.
Cycle routes: a unique way to discover Moselle
The Moselle region is a true paradise for cyclists thanks to its extensive network of bike trails. Discover the Charles the Bold Bike Route, which connects the Moselle to Burgundy via Luxembourg and Belgium, or explore the Saar Bike Route along the river of the same name. The Véloroute des Boucles de la Moselle invites you to admire the landscapes and heritage of the Moselle Valley. Cycling enthusiasts will also appreciate the greenways, such as the one in the Nied Valley, which transform old railroad tracks into picturesque bike paths.
Water sports on Moselle's rivers and lakes
With its rich hydrographic network of rivers such as the Moselle, the Saar, the Nied, and the Seille, as well as lakes like Madine, Stock, and Mutche, the Moselle is the ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, or simply swimming, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. For a different kind of experience, treat yourself to a river cruise—an original way to discover the Moselle’s landscapes as you sail along the canals and through the locks.
Cuisine and Traditions: Celebrating the Moselle Region’s Local Flavors
The Moselle region stands out for its commitment to preserving its local character and traditions, which are reflected in its rich cuisine and diverse cultural events. You’ll have the opportunity to sample local specialties and Moselle wines, immerse yourself in Moselle culture at traditional markets, and join in the many festivals and events that bring the department to life.
Tasting of local specialities and Moselle wines
The Moselle department offers a rich and varied cuisine, the result of French, German and Luxembourg influences. Savory specialties include quiche lorraine, potée lorraine, pâté lorrain, fuseau lorrain and various sausages. On the sweet side, let yourself be tempted by mirabelle plum tart, tarte au maugin, macaron de Boulay and cookie Cochon.
Pair these dishes with Moselle wines, which have held the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) designation since 2010. Discover white, rosé, and red wines made from grape varieties such as Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Müller-Thurgau, which reflect the diversity and richness of the Moselle terroir.
Traditional markets: an immersion in Moselle culture
The Moselle region invites you to its markets—true hubs of camaraderie and exchange—for an authentic immersion in its culture and traditions. There you’ll find fresh, local products such as fruits, vegetables, cheeses, deli meats, and jams, as well as artisanal goods that showcase the Moselle’s craftsmanship, including pottery, earthenware, glassware, and crystal.
You can also enjoy the festive atmosphere of the markets, which often feature musicians, storytellers, and artisans. Don’t miss the Metz Christmas market—one of the most famous in France—with its chalets, lights, Ferris wheel, and ice rink.
Festivals and events living the department's traditions
Throughout the year, the Moselle region hosts numerous festivals and events that celebrate its heritage, culture, and way of life. Attend shows, concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and a variety of other activities for an enriching experience exploring the Moselle.
Be sure to attend the Mirabelle Festival in Metz, which honors the department’s iconic fruit with parades, concerts, fireworks, and the crowning of the Mirabelle Queen; the Quetsche Festival in Vergaville, which celebrates this local plum through tastings, contests, and a farmers’ market, or the Hop Hop Hop Festival in Metz, which features street performances, circus acts, theater, and dance shows at various venues throughout the city.
Conclusion
The Moselle promises wonderful discoveries—whether historical, cultural, natural, or culinary. As you explore this department, you’ll be immersed in a rich and varied world that promises memorable experiences. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, have fun, or indulge in delicious food, the Moselle will meet all your expectations.
Don't delay, plan your trip to Moselle now and let yourself be seduced by the richness of this département.
FAQ
What is the name of department 57?
The department 57 is called Moselle. It is located in the Grand Est region of France and historically and culturally belongs to Lorraine.
What is the prefecture of the Moselle department?
Metz is the prefecture of the Moselle department and is housed in the former Hôtel de l’Intendance, also known as the Hôtel de l’Intendant du roi.
What are the departments of Alsace-Moselle?
Alsace-Moselle comprises three departments: Bas-Rhin (67), Haut-Rhin (68), and Moselle (57). These departments are all part of the Grand Est region, which also includes the departments of Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine.
How high is the Moselle?
The Moselle water level indicates the height of the water in the river that flows through the department of the same name. This level fluctuates depending on the seasons, precipitation, dams, and floods.
According to the website [Inondations.lu], the water level of the Moselle at the Apach monitoring station was 2.24 meters on July 28, 2024, at 8:45 p.m., which is considered normal for this time of year.
Find out more about Moselle, go to the official website of the department.
