The best MTB trails around Ückingen

It's called the "Lantern of God" because St. Stephen's Church in Metz has almost three times the window area of Chartres Cathedral. Many great artists have attempted to design it – for the 800th anniversary, it will be a woman for the first time.

Built between 1220 and 1522, it is the result of the merging of two separate churches. With its 42-meter-high nave, it is one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe. Its 6,500 square meters of stained-glass windows have earned it the nickname "Lantern of the Lord." Created in the 16th and 18th centuries by Hermann von Münster, Thiébault de Lixheim, Valentin Bousch, Jacques Villon, and Marc Chagall, these masterpieces of fire and light are a true encyclopedia of glass art.

18th century lock bridge or covered bridge

A typically beautiful pedestrian zone in Metz. Located between Port Allemagne and the Cathedral.

A bridge over the Moselle River offers beautiful views of the Moselle Island. At night, the arches beneath the bridge are illuminated in colorful lights, a beautiful eye-catcher.

🛡️ **Ouvrage de Kobenbusch – Mighty Fortification of the Maginot Line** The **Ouvrage de Kobenbusch**, located south of Cattenom near the Luxembourg border, is one of the large underground fortifications of the **Maginot Line**. It was built between 1930 and 1935 and consisted of several combat blocks, underground connecting tunnels, a barracks, ammunition depots, and machine rooms – on several levels, anchored deep in the limestone. ⚙️ Particularly noteworthy: The technical systems were designed to be self-sufficient for months – including power generation, ventilation, a kitchen, and a hospital. The fort was occupied without a fight during World War II, continued to be used in part after the war, and is now privately owned. 🚷 It's **not open to the public**, but some ventilation towers and blockhouses are still visible in the forest near the D64 road (between Cattenom and Berg-sur-Moselle). **Tip:** For Maginot fans, a walk through the forest is worthwhile – with a little research, you'll find several bunker remains. Respect barriers, as some entrances are unstable or secured.

🛡️ **Ouvrage du Galgenberg – A Deep Look into the Maginot Line** The **Ouvrage de Galgenberg** is a large underground fortification of the **Maginot Line**, located south of Cattenom. It was built between 1930 and 1935 and served to defend the French border against Germany. The complex consists of several **combat bunkers**, **barracks**, **tunnels**, and **supply facilities** located deep underground. During the Cold War, the fort was modernized and remained in active use until the 1980s. 🔦 Today, it is accessible for guided tours (registration only), including a view of the original equipment: rails, power supply, ventilation systems, and gun emplacements. **Tip:** Ideal for military and history buffs – bring warm clothing, as it's chilly inside! Guided tours with former soldiers or experts are particularly impressive.

🏰 Thionville – A Border Town with History on the Moselle Thionville (German: Diedenhofen) is located in northeastern France, not far from the borders with Germany and Luxembourg. The city looks back on a turbulent past – between the Romans, the Lorrainers, the Prussians, and the French. Numerous buildings still bear witness to this turbulent history: the medieval fortress, the Tour aux Puces (a former keep, now a museum), and the neoclassical buildings in the city center. 🚶‍♂️ Thionville is a starting point for exploring the Moselle Valley, visiting castles like the Château de Malbrouck, or natural sites like the Stromberg with its caves and rock formations. 🛤️ Due to its location on the Moselle River and its proximity to Luxembourg, Thionville is also an important transportation hub today – but as soon as you leave the city, you're immersed in a tranquil, green landscape full of cultural and historical discoveries.