Moselle, The department
Discover the Mosellea department rich in history, culture, nature and gastronomy, located on the border of the France 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 in excess of one million, Moselle is the most densely populated département in Lorraine, ranking 23rd nationally. Metz, its prefecture, is renowned for its status as a city of art and history, and is famous for hosting the prestigious Centre Pompidou-Metz.
Economically dynamic, Moselle is characterized by a diversity of sectors, from industry to agriculture, not forgetting services and tourism. The department also benefits from a unique local legal system, the fruit of its complex history, giving it remarkable social, cultural and legislative specificities.
This guide invites you to explore the must-sees of the Moselle, for an enriching visitor experience.
Discover Moselle's historical and cultural heritage
Moselle, with its rich and eventful history, offers an exceptional panorama of sites and museums for history lovers and the curious. Its heritage, shaped by important historical events, is revealed through its architecture and diverse culture.
Landmarks in 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 from the crowd. Now restored, it offers exhibitions and events in an authentic medieval setting. The Château de Rodemack, nicknamed the "little Carcassonne of Lorraine", invites you to explore one of France's most beautiful villages. The trials of war have also left their mark, with the Musée de la Guerre de 1870 et de l'Annexion in Gravelotte offering an insight into the Franco-Prussian conflict, and the impressive fortifications of the Maginot Line. Religious art is not to be outdone, with Metz's Saint-Étienne cathedral, famous for its stained glass windows, and the Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains basilica, one of the oldest churches in France.
Visit the department's emblematic museums
Moselle also promotes its cultural heritage through eclectic 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 Musée du Verre et du Cristal in Meisenthal presents glass and crystal works, while the Musée du Pays de Sarrebourg houses a monumental fresco by Marc Chagall. The Musée de la Mine in Petite-Rosselle invites you to discover the daily life of coal miners.
Center Pompidou-Metz: a cultural landmark
Opened in 2010, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is Europe's largest contemporary art center outside Paris. Its architecture, the work of architects Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines, evokes a Chinese hat or a nomadic tent. A dynamic cultural hub, it offers temporary exhibitions, shows, lectures and workshops, celebrating artistic creation in all its forms. With works by Picasso, Matisse, Braque and Kandinsky, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is an essential stopover for art and culture enthusiasts, offering unique and enriching experiences.
Outdoor activities: explore the Moselle in a different way
Moselle, a department rich in diversity, invites you to discover its landscapes through a multitude of outdoor activities. Whether you're a keen hiker, cyclist or water sports enthusiast, Moselle offers an idyllic setting in which to enjoy yourself and reconnect with nature.
Hiking in the Lorraine Regional Nature Park
In the heart of the Moselle region, the Lorraine Regional Nature Park, an unspoilt area covering over 200,000 hectares, offers a unique hiking experience. This park, rich in biodiversity and historical and cultural heritage, offers hiking, horse-riding and mountain-biking itineraries. The marked trails will guide you through exceptional sites such as the Domaine de Lindre, renowned for its ornithological importance, the Lac de Madine, Lorraine's largest lake, and the village of Marsal, famous for its salt-making past.
Cycle routes: a unique way to discover Moselle
The Moselle region is a cyclist's paradise, thanks to its extensive network of cycle routes. Discover the Véloroute Charles le Téméraire, linking the Moselle to Burgundy via Luxembourg and Belgium, or explore the Véloroute de la Sarre 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 Vallée de la Nied, which transforms former railroad lines into picturesque cycle paths.
Water sports on Moselle's rivers and lakes
With its rich hydrographic network of rivers With rivers such as the Moselle, Sarre, Nied and Seille, and lakes such as the Madine, Stock and Mutche, Moselle is the ideal place for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy fishing, canoeing, sailing, paddling, water-skiing or simply swimming, you're sure to find what you're looking for. For a different experience, try a river cruise, an original way to discover the Moselle countryside as you navigate the canals and locks.
Gastronomy and traditions: Moselle's terroir in the spotlight
Moselle shines through its commitment to preserving its terroir and traditions, which are evident in its rich gastronomy and varied 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 enliven the département.
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 been awarded the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) label since 2010. Discover white, rosé and red wines, made from grape varieties such as auxerrois, pinot gris, pinot noir or müller-thurgau, reflecting the diversity and richness of the Moselle terroir.
Traditional markets: an immersion in Moselle culture
The Moselle region invites you to visit its markets, a veritable crossroads of conviviality and exchange, for an authentic immersion in its culture and traditions. You'll find fresh, local produce such as fruit, vegetables, cheeses, charcuterie and jams, as well as handicrafts representative of Moselle know-how, including pottery, earthenware, glass and crystal.
And enjoy the festive atmosphere of the markets, often enlivened by musicians, storytellers and craftspeople. Don't miss Metz's Christmas market, one of the most famous in France, with its chalets, illuminations, Ferris wheel and skating rink.
Festivals and events living the department's traditions
Throughout the year, Moselle organizes numerous festivals and events to celebrate its heritage, culture and art of living. Attend shows, concerts, exhibitions, conferences and other events to discover Moselle.
Take part in the Festival de la Mirabelle in Metz, honoring the department's symbolic fruit with parades, concerts, fireworks and the election of the Queen of the Mirabelle plum; the Festival de la Quetsche in Vergaville, celebrating this local plum with tastings, competitions and a local market; or the Festival Hop Hop Hop in Metz, offering street, circus, theater and dance performances in various venues around the city.
Conclusion
Moselle promises a wealth of historical, cultural, natural and gastronomic discoveries. As you explore this département, you'll be immersed in a rich and varied world, promising memorable experiences. Whether you're looking to relax, explore, be entertained or treat yourself, Moselle has something for everyone.
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 Moselle prefecture, occupying the former Hôtel de l'Intendance, also known as the Hôtel de l'Intendant du Roi.
Which departments are in Alsace-Moselle?
Alsace-Moselle comprises three départements: 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 river level indicates the height of water in the river that flows through the department of the same name. This level fluctuates with the seasons, rainfall, dams and floods.
According to [Inondations.lu], the level of the Moselle at the Apach station was 2.24 meters on July 28, 2024 at 8:45 pm, which is considered normal for this time of year.
Find out more about Moselle, go to the official website of the department.
