The best cycling routes around Peltre

Its foundation dates back to the 5th century. Rebuilt between the 12th and 15th centuries, it presents an architectural panorama ranging from Romanesque to Flamboyant Gothic. The ancient paintings and sculptures inside are as admirable as the stained glass windows in the choir, a work by Laurent-Charles Maréchal, the great glass master from Metz. tourisme-metz.com

Medieval church with the oldest tower in Metz.

Of the original 17 city gates, only the German Gate in the east remains. Named after the former hospital of the Teutonic Order, which stood nearby, it was built as an entrance to the city on a bridge over the Seuille River. A medieval structure straight out of a picture book.

The origin of “Pont-à-Domangeville is lost in the mists of time. The Roman road from Metz to the Rhine already passed through there. Under the old regime, it was a tiny separate lordship, with a toll bridge. Usually blocked and padlocked, to cross it you had to pay a fee, depending on the livestock and products passed through. The lordship belonged in the 13th century to the Saint-Vincent de Metz abbey, then to the successive lords of Domangeville; in 1716, to the Laubrussels, then to the Leuryses, finally to the Thomas de Pange. It included, in addition to the bridge, the road - 50 toises on this side, 18 beyond - the bed of the Nied on both sides and, on the south-east bank, land with a hostelry (current Mayot farm) . In 1789, the community of Bazoncourt declared in its list of grievances “the enlightenment of the State and the kindness of the King will undoubtedly eliminate a right of final injustice perceived at Pont-à-Domangeville. However poor a plowman he may be, he pays three does and several pay without passing through.” After the revolution, the bridge had to be repaired. Paradoxically, the general council had the expenditure entered in the 1814 and 1815 rolls of the localities which had subscribed to the bridge in 1766. On this ordeal is inscribed: “This monument of our redemption was erected by the care of MM. De Pange, de Courten, Devaux and Dauphin, Commissioners responsible for the reconstruction of this bridge, in the year of our Lord 1816. During the reconstruction work and near the bridge, Joseph GRANDIDIER de Hernicourt and François ANIEL perished in the waters on July 20 from Domangeville, both attached to the service of the neighboring farm »

Two people died during the reconstruction of the bridge over the Nied Française in Domangeville in 1816.

Impressive and well-preserved gate of the medieval city fortifications on the Seille.

These medieval fortifications once surrounded the city. You can follow the Sentier des Ramparts, a path which runs along the Seille and offers a glimpse of the ancient walls and towers which date from the 13th century. Along the way, you can admire the impressive German Gate, the largest and most elaborate in the city, which has been modified several times over the centuries. You can also learn more about the history and heritage of Metz by visiting the French Heritage Museum, located near the ramparts. It's a great way to learn about the rich and eventful past of Metz, which was once the most fortified city in Europe.

"...One of the sights in Metz that really impressed me was the German Gate (Porte des Allemands). It is an imposing city gate that looks like a small castle with its massive towers and double gate. It was built in the 13th century and was part of the city wall that..." Find out more about the sights of Metz in my blog post: 👉 https://www.netreisetagebuch.de/metz-sehenswuerdigkeiten/