Located just a few kilometers from the borders of Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium, Thionville is at the heart of Europe. A former mining and steel-making town, today the Moselle sub-prefecture draws its wealth from its privileged geographical location. Sometimes German, sometimes Luxembourgish, sometimes French, Thionville has had a turbulent history. These changes have enriched the town's heritage, which is as unique as it is varied. Discover its streets and emblematic buildings with JOOKS, thanks to the four routes offered by the town!
Thionville, Moselle's second largest city in terms of population, is full of surprises. From the fortified castle of the Counts of Luxembourg to the blast furnaces of the ironworks, the town takes you on a journey through time. Thionville is first mentioned as Theodonis villa in the 8th century, following the passage of Pepin the Short through this patrimonial domain. The feud passed into the hands of the Counts of Luxembourg in the 10th century, before being ceded to France by the Treaty of the Pyrenees 600 years later. Thionville changed hands several more times as a result of the various conflicts that shook Europe.
In the heart of the historic district
The town has preserved many vestiges of its medieval past. Your stroll will take you from the foot of the Tour aux Puces, whose museum houses collections ranging from prehistory to the Renaissance, to the rue brûlée, which owes its arched shape to the ramparts that once surrounded the town.
The town center also boasts treasures dating from the Renaissance to the 19th century. You can admire the belfry, home to Thionville's big bell, or the church of Saint-Maximin with its remarkable organ, one of the finest in Europe.
From the second half of the 19th century, the Thionville region was the scene of several conflicts that left their mark on its landscape and borders. The first of these was the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. After a siege and a terrible bombardment that caused widespread destruction, Thionville officially became German. The two World Wars were also responsible for a number of developments, in particular the creation of the Maginot Line and its fortifications.
The iron metropolis
After the Second World War, Thionville rebounded and enjoyed strong growth thanks to the development of the steel industry. This economic boom lasted until the end of the Thirty Glorious Years.
Remnants of this industrial past are still visible today and mark the landscape of the region. Overlooking the Thionville region, the U4 blast furnace, listed as a historic monument, is a symbol of the Fensch Valley's steelmaking heritage. More than twenty years after its closure, the blast furnace is now open to the public.
Nature city
Situated on the banks of the Moselle, Thionville offers its inhabitants a privileged living environment. Your run or stroll will take you through the many parks, gardens and green spaces that make up the city's charm.
To help you discover or rediscover the commune and its surroundings, the town has created some forty footpaths. For the more sporty, there's also the Voie Bleue, a 700-kilometre cycle route stretching from Apach on the Luxembourg border to Lyon.
Run, walk or ride with JOOKS, from the Belfry to the Flea Tower!
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