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.
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.
Imprint of remembrance tourism, 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 during a remembrance tourism. 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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Explore the historic heritage of Moselle
Remembrance tourism in Moselle offers a unique opportunity to discover the emblematic places that bear witness to the key events in European history. The region is rich in historic sites, allowing visitors to delve into the past and understand the events that have shaped the world today.
Must-see war memorial sites
- Museums and memorials: Moselle is home to a number of museums and memorials dedicated to world conflicts and their consequences. These sites offer interactive and immersive exhibitions, providing an in-depth perspective on the wars and their impact on the region.
- Battlefield and fortifications: explore the historic battlefields and fortifications that played a crucial role in the wars. Guided tours and historical re-enactments allow you to relive the events and better understand the military strategies of the time.
- Themed routes: Moselle also offers themed remembrance tourism trails, enabling visitors to follow in the footsteps of the soldiers and discover the key places of the conflicts. These routes are often signposted and accompanied by explanatory panels to enhance visitors' experience.
The importance of remembrance tourism in Moselle
Remembrance tourism in Moselle is not just about discovering historic sites. It is also about education and reflecting on the lessons of the past. By visiting these places of remembrance, visitors are invited to remember the sacrifices made by previous generations and to work towards a peaceful future.
Moselle, with its many historic sites and remembrance initiatives, is a key destination for remembrance tourism. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious, discovering these places will be an enriching and moving experience. Come and explore the Moselle and immerse yourself in its rich historical heritage.