U4, Industrial monument in Uckange, France
U4 is a blast furnace in Uckange, France, preserved as a monument from a former steel production site. The structure sprawls across approximately 12 hectares with a dominant smokestack rising over 82 meters (269 feet), surrounded by remains of the former industrial complex including raw material storage, casting systems, and operational buildings.
The blast furnace was built in 1890 by the Wendel family and operated for over a century. The facility reached its peak in the mid-20th century with multiple furnaces and thousands of workers, before finally shutting down in 1991 and subsequently being preserved as a monument.
The site carries the legacy of the Wendel family, who shaped iron production in the region since the early 1700s. Former steelworkers from the Mecilor association now guide visitors through the grounds, sharing personal memories and stories that bring the everyday experiences of those who worked here to life.
The site is open for exploration but protected by safety measures that restrict access to the interiors of structures. Guided tours run on weekends, holidays, and by appointment, offering the best way to learn about the facility with knowledgeable accompaniment.
A modern art installation called 'Tous les Soleils' by Claude Leveque illuminates the furnace at night, making it appear as if still operating. Singer Bernard Lavilliers performed at the site in 1991 to support displaced workers and wrote the song 'Fensch Vallee' about the region's industrial past.
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