Dieuze is a commune in the Moselle department, in the Grand Est region, 20 km east of Château-Salins.
Its territory of 9 km² is located in the plain of Saulnois, located more precisely in the heart of the Pays des étangs.
Crossed by several rivers including the Seille, a tributary of the Moselle, the locality presents a bucolic landscape. Grasslands cover more than 36% of its area, forests almost 23% and cultivated land about 10%.
Since Antiquity, the territory's salt water sources have been exploited. The saltworks of Dieuze became a strategic issue in the Middle Ages, and the city was coveted by the Dukes of Lorraine. Affected by the Thirty Years War, Dieuze was conquered by the King of France in 1642.
Despite the conflicts, the saltworks continued to contribute to the prosperity of the town in the 18th and 19th centuries. Salt production was only stopped in 1973, the industrial installations having suffered less than the rest of the city from the bombardments of 1944.
Nowadays, the town which has 3300 inhabitants highlights its heritage and history as rich as singular. As is also its green environment, between meadows and ponds, which delights hikers.
In terms of heritage, in addition to the remains of Roman villas, a discovery of local heritage can begin with the old seigniorial castle, which still belonged to the Ficquelmont family in the 18th century. On its foundations was built the new city court in 1907.
We must also mention the military cemeteries dedicated to the dead of the two world wars as well as the Memorial to the French soldiers who fell on Romanian soil in 1914-1918, due to the sculptor Remus Botar Botarro.
However, it is obviously the site of the old saltworks which remains the most notable element of the town's civil heritage. Restructured over the centuries, having had its own fortifications, the saltworks which became "royal" in 1737 had up to 700 workers. Operating buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries are still visible: such as, in particular, the storage warehouses for the wood necessary for the evaporation of the brine and those where the salt was stored, but also offices and their parks as well. as the magnificent monumental Louis XV style gate giving access to the site. Part of the saltworks is listed in the Inventory. Guided tours all year round by reservation. Contact +33 3 87 01 16 26.
On the religious level, the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church built in 1955, renowned for its wrought iron decorations, the hospital chapel, the Protestant temple (1903) or the synagogue rebuilt in 1955. A leaflet is available to visit the locality, over its main heritage elements and its areas suitable for walking: information on +33 3 87 01 16 26.
On the culture side, entertainment is regularly offered at the media library (contact +33 3 87 86 97 41) and events (conferences, exhibitions) are organized at the Salle de la Délivrance, within the saltworks (join +33 3 87 86 06 07).
Cultural and associative activities are also frequently scheduled at the MJC Jacques Prévert: inquire on +33 3 87 86 97 41.
Finally, the associative cinema of Salines offers screenings on Wednesday afternoons, Fridays and Saturdays evenings and Sunday afternoons. Price: from 4.50 to 6 euros. Information on +33 3 87 86 06 07.
In terms of "nature" sports and leisure, in addition to the places to walk in the city itself (the Sculpture Park, the Canal Promenade, the garden of the tax collectors), several facilities are accessible to visitors and tourists (city stadium, skate-park). It is also possible to reserve a tennis court with the local club: call +33 3 87 01 11 42.
To the south of the town but on the municipal territory, the Essarts lake is a space with diversified potential : between town and forest, there is a 2.7 km pedestrian circuit, a fitness trail, an arboretum but also informative panels related to the ornithological richness of the site.
Ponds and rivers in the locality are also a delight for fishermen: find out about the regulations and suitable sites on +33 3 87 62 50 08.
Dieuze and the surrounding countryside can also give rise to pleasant walks in horse (join the equestrian center of Amoros on +33 7 77 05 93 37) and great hikes.
Finally, do not hesitate to join the outings of the cyclo-randonneurs dieuzois club (contact on +33 3 87 05 31 67) or to contact the tourist office to discover the hiking trails and loops dedicated to mountain biking on the territory itself (with incursions into neighboring municipalities if necessary). Let us quote for example the circuit of Salt and Water (18 km) or the section of the GR5 linking the North Sea to the Mediterranean. The part of the route that passes through Dieuze is accessible to pedestrians and mountain bikers alike... Maps and information on +33 3 87 01 16 26.
