Located in northeastern France, this former steel industry center has transformed into a cultural hub, with a 13th-century medieval tower and fortifications along the Moselle River.
Thionville lies 30 kilometers from Luxembourg and Germany in northeastern France's Moselle department. Walk through medieval streets to discover the 13th-century Tour aux Puces castle, explore 4 kilometers of tunnels at Fort de Guentrange, or taste local Auxerrois wines at nearby vineyards. The city's location makes it an ideal base for day trips to Luxembourg City and Metz.
Transport Connections
Direct trains connect Thionville to Luxembourg, Paris, and ZĂĽrich from the central railway station. You can drive to Luxembourg City in 30 minutes via the A31 motorway, or south to Metz in 40 minutes. Commuter trains to Luxembourg run every 30 minutes during peak hours, making the city a practical base for cross-border workers.
Medieval Architecture
The Tour aux Puces castle dominates Thionville's center, its 13th-century stone towers rising above the original defensive walls. At the HĂ´tel de Ville, built in 1641, you'll find classical French design elements including symmetrical window arrangements and detailed stone carvings. These medieval structures now stand alongside mid-20th century buildings from the 1950s and 1960s reconstruction period.
Mining and Industry
The Iron Mines Museum preserves the city's industrial past, with original mining equipment from 1898 when the first major steel mill opened. You can walk through underground galleries to see how miners worked in the early 1900s. While large-scale steel production has decreased, several manufacturing companies continue to operate in modern industrial zones around the city.
Things to Do
Sample white wines made from Auxerrois and Pinot Gris grapes at vineyards along the Moselle wine route, all within 10 kilometers of the city center. The Site des Menhirs de l'Europe trail network extends for 15 kilometers, with paths leading into Luxembourg and Germany. At Fort de Guentrange, built between 1899 and 1906, you can explore preserved artillery installations and an extensive network of underground tunnels stretching 4 kilometers.
