Bouzonville is a commune in the Moselle, in the Grand Est region, 35 km north-east of Metz.
Its territory of nearly 14 km² is located in the heart of the Pays de Nied, crossed by the course of the Nied, a tributary of the Saar. This geographical area is now also known as the "Land of the Three Borders" since the boundaries of three states (France, Luxembourg and Germany) converge there.
This geographical position marked the history of Bouzonville which was not attached to France until 1766 then experienced the horrors of the war of 1870, the German annexation and the two world wars.
Composed of a prosperous and commercial village and several hamlets, the locality developed in the Middle Ages after the establishment of a Benedictine abbey in the 11th century. The church that served it remains the jewel of Bouzonville.
With around 4000 inhabitants, the locality also highlights its leisure activities linked in particular to the green valley of the Nied. Close to major sites, this makes Bouzonville a pleasant stopover during a stay in Lorraine.
The Sainte-Croix abbey church is the city's major monument. Its origin dates back to the 11th century when the Count of Metz Adalbert, returning from the crusade with a relic of the Cross, founded an abbey with his wife Judith (1033). Very quickly, the monastery was made available to Benedictine monks. And from 1049, when he went to Trier, Pope Leo IX made a stop there. Built on a slope stretching towards the river, the first Romanesque-style church was destroyed by fire in 1340. It was succeeded by a Gothic-style building: the choir was completed in 1345 (the date is still visible) and the rest around 1400. A new restoration will be undertaken after a fire had struck the abbey again at the end of the 17th century... Today, the church which adjoins elements of the cloister is the only vestige of the monastery. But it is remarkable: one observes the elegant elevation of the apse with three apses in red sandstone and staircase turrets. Protected as a Historic Monument, the church is open every day. Guided tour possible by reservation on +33 3 87 57 96 29.
Still religiously, a discovery of the local heritage will include the oratory of Belle-Croix, the Saint-Hubert chapel in the hamlet of Heckling (whose bell tower dates back to 16th century), the Sainte-Croix chapel in Aidling (17th century) or the Stations of the Cross located on the road to Thionville.
Regarding the civil buildings of Bouzonville, mention should be made of the town hall with an elegant onion belfry (early 18th century), the court (18th century) or the Lycée de la Providence and its chapel. In addition, remains an Israelite cemetery built in the 1720s. The synagogue rebuilt in 1960 to replace a building from 1850, however, has now been converted into a cultural center. This houses a media library and offers activities throughout the year (meetings with authors, exhibitions, conferences, readings, etc.). Information on +33 3 87 75 50 17.
In terms of sports and "nature" leisure activities, the city has a sports complex including indoor or outdoor tennis courts (clay), football or basketball courts accessible to visitors, a fitness trail and a skate park. Information from the town hall on +33 3 87 78 44 44.
In any season, you can also enjoy the aquatic center, its pools and fun or "well-being" equipment. Price: 3 and 4 euros. Information on +33 3 87 78 67 25.
At the heart of Bouzonville, the Nied park which adjoins the abbey church offers a green setting suitable for walking, along the river. In summer, especially during the festivities of July 14, the site hosts events organized by the town.
For hiking enthusiasts, a circuit is dedicated to religious heritage (abbey church and chapels) and a signposted route offering 5 variations of 10 to 20 km from Bouzonville and following in particular the Nied valley will delight all audiences. Maps and information on +33 3 82 83 74 14 and from the local club on +33 6 19 68 62 01.
Finally, the town's nautical club supervises canoeing down the Nied, via loops of 5 to 20 km which Will satisfy beginners or experienced practitioners wishing to discover differently the bucolic landscape of the Land of Three Borders. Information on +33 3 87 57 91 79.
