The best walks and hikes around Blanche-Église

The Collegiate Church of Saint-Léger de Marsal is a former collegiate church located in the French commune of Marsal, in the Moselle department. Originally built in the Romanesque style, it has undergone several significant modifications up to the present day. Dedicated to Saint Léger, the foundation stones of the current church were laid in the 12th century. The building was then in the Germanic tradition with a deep chevet and two oriented chapels, as well as an impressive Westwork, a western massif. The parish church was elevated to the title of collegiate church in 1222 by Abbess Clémence de Neumunster. She then installed a chapter of seven canons there. The collegiate church of Marsal has been united with that of Vic-sur-Seille since the 18th century.

Museum for the city's great son from the 17th century

On the edge of Vic-sur-Seille lies the former episcopal castle, an impressive remnant of the power of the bishops of Metz. Built from the end of the 12th century by Bishop Bertram, it served as both the residence and the administrative centre of the secular authority of the diocese. The castle was expanded in the 13th century into a pentagonal complex, fortified with semicircular towers and a deep moat. Under Bishop Thierry Bayer de Boppard (1365–1384), important restorations were carried out, including the construction of a south-west wing with access to the gardens and the “Grand Parc”. Of the original complex, only part of the residential building on the west side remains today, recognisable by the windows with niches. The most striking structure is the châtelet, the fortified entrance gate from the 15th century, with its white limestone machicolations and traces of a drawbridge. After its restoration in 2008, the castle is once again visible as a silent witness to the medieval power and strategic location of Vic-sur-Seille, especially in the context of salt mining and the rivalry with the Dukes of Lorraine.

Hôtel de la Monnaie (Vic-sur-Seille) This remarkable civil building, dating from 1456–1484, is often mistaken for a mint. In reality, it was probably the home of a wealthy money-changer, possibly the d’Hoffelize family. The building is a magnificent example of flamboyant Gothic architecture, with early Renaissance influences. The richly decorated facades and roofs have been protected as historical monuments since 1930.

Hôtel de la Monnaie (Vic-sur-Seille) This remarkable civil building, dating from 1456–1484, is often mistaken for a mint. In reality, it was probably the home of a wealthy money-changer, possibly the d’Hoffelize family. The building is a magnificent example of flamboyant Gothic architecture, with early Renaissance influences. Its richly decorated facades and roofs have been protected as historical monuments since 1930. It now houses the information office.

Very well preserved medieval house. It now houses the tourist information office.

Vic-sur-Seille, which benefits from the label "Small cities of character", is an essential place of passage for itinerants who cross the region. If its old stones undeniably recall the history of the village, its leisure center invites you to rest and relax. The village has all the amenities, from accommodation to restaurants. Take the time to visit the museum which takes its name from Georges de La Tour, born in 1593 in Vic-sur-Seille. The exhibitions offer many indications on the region and its evolution.

Marsal is a small hamlet with a very salty history: from the Bronze Age until the middle of the 17th century, the village knew how to use its salt water sources to prosper in the salt trade. Today, nothing remains of the saltworks and Marsal today looks like a peaceful village. If you wish, you can organize a guided tour with the Pays du Saulnois Tourist Office on 03 87 01 16 26.