Algrange is a commune in the Moselle department, in the Grand Est region, 15 km west of Thionville.
Its territory of nearly 7 km² oscillates from 221 to 405 m altitude, within a narrow valley bordered by two plateaus, parallel to the Moselle valley to the east but perpendicular to the valley of the Fensch to the south. On the borders of Luxembourg to the north and Meurthe-et-Moselle to the west, the locality has retained a green character, mainly covered in forests (50% of its surface area).
Dependent on the lords of Florange and the abbeys of Verdun and Metz, the village fell within the province of Trois-Évêchés from the 17th century.
At the beginning of the 19th century, there were only a few hundred inhabitants.
After the war of 1870 and its annexation to the German Empire, Algrange like the entire region changed its appearance: iron mines were exploited there and a steel factory was established in the south (which also extends to Knutange). Industrialization is synonymous with demographic growth and the small town is equipped with equipment accordingly (new neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, etc.).
Today, this page of economic history has been turned, and the city which has just over 6,000 inhabitants highlights its environment and its offer of sporting and cultural leisure activities.
The town has a varied heritage. In terms of civil buildings, in addition to some vestiges of very ancient human occupation (prehistory and Gallo-Roman Antiquity), we observe in the center of the town buildings (public or private) with neo-Renaissance or neo-Gothic style facades.
The most astonishing site is recent: it is a fresco by the painter Greg Gawra evoking the work of miners. Created in 1989, the work occupies a 120 m long wall (rue de Gaulle) and is thus the largest in Europe!
Several war memorials commemorating the wars of the 20th century and a stele dedicated to miners also bear witness to the contemporary history of Algrange.
As for religious heritage, the Catholic church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, designed by Metz architect Conrad Wahn, was built in the 1890s in a neo-Gothic style corresponding to the desire to display power and the prosperity of the Reich. Following a basilical plan with a vaulted nave of three naves, built in Jaumont stone, the church has an imposing bell tower which occupies the width of the main nave and we notice on the facade three portals surmounted by a rose window.
Also worth seeing is the Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue chapel (1920) dedicated to miners from Poland and Italy (which houses an 18th century altar), the Protestant temple (1891) and, on the hill of Bois des Chênes, southwest of the town, a replica of the Lourdes cave created in 1950 to celebrate the newfound peace. The site, in a bucolic environment, is also suitable for walking (benches, picnic area).
On the cultural side, events (meetings, readings, exhibitions) are regularly scheduled at the media library (contact +33 3 82 85 50 72) and shows are hosted at the Nelson Mandela space, inaugurated in 2014, able to also house the pétanque and boxing clubs (information from the town hall on +33 3 82 84 30 13).
Athletes can also take advantage of the Etincelle room (which has a billiards room, a climbing wall, basketball and badminton courts) as well as tennis courts to be reserved with the local club on +33 3 82 86 08 71.
In summer, beach volleyball courts are accessible, finally, in the southwest of the town: information on +33 6 88 14 00 37.
For around ten years Over the years, as far as leisure activities are concerned, the Sainte-Barbe community park developed as part of the reconversion of industrial wastelands aims to be an eminently green site, including walking paths, play areas and belvederes offering beautiful views of the city.
For hikers, a 5 km discovery trail has been designed on the hillsides and plateaus overlooking the valley and the city, highlighting wooded areas and limestone lawns. The opportunity to enjoy unique biodiversity (orchids, butterflies, birds) monitored by the Lorraine Conservatory of Natural Spaces. The circuit is accessible to the east of the town, from the Witten district and the Côte des Moineaux. Inquire at +33 3 87 03 00 90.
Other loops are possible, just as wooded and green, to reach the Fensch valley or the outskirts of Thionville to the east.
Maps and information on +33 3 82 53 33 18.
For enthusiasts, it is possible to join the outings of the local mountain bike club: contact +33 3 82 85 94 03.
In mid-March, carnival.
The second or third Saturday in March, St. Patrick's Day.
The last Saturday in June, St. John’s Day.
On Sundays (afternoon and evening) in July and August, "Estiv'Algrange" programs fun activities and concerts.
Throughout the year, on Tuesdays and Fridays in the morning, the market is held at Place de la République and highlights local Lorraine products (cold meats, cheeses, Mirabelle plums, etc.).
