Moselle, Administrative department in Grand Est, France
Moselle is an administrative department in northeastern France that covers rolling hills, forests, and river valleys. Medieval towns like Metz and Thionville sit along waterways that link France with Germany and Luxembourg.
After the war of 1870, part of the territory was annexed by Germany and returned to France only in 1918. World War Two brought German occupation again, ending in 1944.
This area shows its German and French roots through architecture: half-timbered houses stand beside French town squares, while the food combines quiche Lorraine with potato dishes. Locals often speak a regional dialect mixing both languages, and weekly markets sell local products like mirabelle plums and Lorraine sausages.
Highways and regional trains connect the main towns to Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium in under one hour. The regional airport near Metz-Nancy sits centrally and offers flights to several European cities.
Underground limestone quarries were converted into bunkers of the Maginot Line during the 1930s. Some of these underground forts are now open to visitors and show the original machinery and tunnels.
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