Remembrance tourism in moselle

Remembering the war to better build peace

From Vauban to the Maginot Line, history is an open book in Moselle. The memory of our forebears come to life in these historic locations, showing how history oscillates between war and peace.

remembrance tourism in Moselle

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Gravelotte

DEPARTMENTAL MUSEUM OF THE 1870 WAR AND THE ANNEXION

Bringing a battlefield to life

This museum is one-of-a-kind in presenting the 1870 Franco-German war and its aftermath, namely the annexation of Alsace and Moselle from 1871 to 1919. Remarkable collections and paintings.

 

It tells the story of a little-known war and the resulting annexation of Alsace and Moselle. Here, design serves content, showcasing and contextualising numerous extraordinary Franco-German paintings, sculptures, documents, everyday objects and collections of militaria.

 

The ultra modern museum, poignantly built in 2014 on the site of the battle of Gravelotte, uses cutting edge multimedia technology. The result: an immersive virtual experience that places you in the shoes of a young person in Moselle during the war. Captivating.

Elegant, educational, unique. The museum of the 1870 war and the annexation speaks to every generation. And every nationality.

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Bitche

CITADEL

Vauban gives a master class in the art of war

Vauban’s citadel has served as a cornerstone of the Pays de Bitche’s defences during numerous wars and invasions. Its military architecture made it a fortress. This ingenuity and its many events fascinate visitors.

It is a truly unique experience. The citadel of Bitche captures your imagination at the first glimpse. And it is not a place you will forget easily. Monumental in scale and perched on a pink sandstone promontory, it gives off an air of impenetrability. Its military architecture, devised by Vauban, made it the site of a heroic resistance.

During the Franco-Prussian war of 1870, the citadel held out for 230 days following the French surrender. Its fascinating history unfolds in its underground galleries, through museum exhibits (archives, collections of weaponry and uniforms), films and architectural heritage. The oldest structure, Vauban’s chapel, proudly stands fifteen metres above the ramparts. Symbolically, it survived the ravages of time and withstood wars before its restoration in 2007.

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Scy-Chazelles

ROBERT SCHUMAN EUROPEAN CENTRE, HOUSE OF EUROPE

The father of the European Union is from Moselle.

The founder of the European political system awaits you in the office of his house, converted into a museum dedicated to the birth of the European project. The father of Europe rests nearby, in the fortified chapel of Saint-Quentin.

If you want to understand the birth of Europe and the challenges it faces, a trip to Scy-Chazelles is a must. Robert Schuman’s house reveals every one of his secrets. This authentic, modern museum immerses us in the personal life of the founding father. It is within these very walls that he devised the conditions of lasting peace needed to build Europe. And it feels as if he never left.

Naturally, the father of Europe lies in rest mere metres away, in a fortified 12th century church. Each furnished and decorated room breathes history. His speech of 9 May 1950, considered the founding text of European integration, remains carefully placed on his desk.

The entire site has been transformed into an interactive museum. Using a tablet, you can immerse yourself virtually in the life of Robert Schuman.

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Saint-avold

Lorraine American Military Cemetery

The largest American World War Two cemetery in Europe.

This place of reflection contains the graves of 10489 American soldiers who fell on the front line. A memorial chapel, necropolis and bronze eagle stand in their memory.

Upon entering, you immediately feel the weight of emotion. The immensity of the site and the imposing memorial chapel, surrounded by thousands of crosses, create a solemn and poignant atmosphere. To get a true sense of the scale, the Belvedere in the east of the cemetery offers views over the entire 10489 graves. It feels as if time has stopped.

Officially opened in 1960, Lorraine American Military Cemetery is an unmissable place of memory.
To stroll around the site is also to pay homage to the thousands of American soldiers who fell during military operations in the neighbouring countries, as well as the conquest of the Rhine.

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