Ludres is a town of Meurthe-et-Moselle, in the Grand Est region, 7 km south of Nancy.
The territory is inhabited since the iron age and in the fifth century before our era, a stronghold is formed on the heights of the current town.
The exploitation of the "minette lorraine", which contains 20% iron, continues during the Middle Ages. Then the small manor turns to agriculture before the mines are exploited again during the second half of the nineteenth century.
Ludres is proud to have "provided" some of the iron needed to build the Eiffel Tower.
This industrial boom induces a demographic development, and Ludres passes the milestone of the thousand of inhabitants at the end of the XIXe century. However, the mines closed in 1934 and it was not until the 1980s that in the wake of the agglomeration of Nancy, Ludres experienced a new and spectacular development (6500 inhabitants today) with the development of the Dynapôle business park, part of which also covers the town of Fléville-devant-Nancy. The area has more than 300 companies and has also initiated the implementation of hotel and leisure facilities.
However, in the north, the "old" village has retained its charm on the hillsides bordering the plateau of the forest of Haye, and its heritage and its environment are worth seeing.
The historic heart of the town can be the starting point of a walk in the form of discovery of its built heritage.
We will dwell on the church of Saint-Epvre (16th century, remodeled in the 18th century), which has interesting 18th century stained glass windows and houses the vault of the former lords of the city.
See also, the remains of the former castle of the lords of Ludres, dismantled after the Revolution. Two towers, sections of the old ramparts, a porch line include the old village.
An imposing 19th century wash house for livestock is also worth a look.
In terms of the environment, we will take advantage of the 13,500 m² of Sainte-Thérèse Park and, above all, in the north of the territory, wooded areas that announce the Haye Forest and whose fauna and flora are preserved. Many trails are accessible.
For walks departing from the village and including the remarkable sites of the city, including the recreational area with sports facilities adjacent to the tower on the heights of the town, documentation and information on +33 3 83 35 22 41.
A skate park, a bowling alley and a fitness trail are available to athletes.
For larger mountain bike tours, contact the local club at +33 6 63 93 73 80.
For lovers of horse riding, join the Stirrup of Lorraine at +33 3 83 25 61 50.
Finally, indoor and outdoor tennis courts await tennis fans. Information and reservations on +33 3 83 53 56 18.
On a cultural level, the city has since 2006 a concert hall, space Chaudeau, which attracts a public of the whole agglomeration, can accommodate up to 1500 spectators. The programming is rich and varied (theater, song, classical music or current). Information on +33 3 83 15 19 90.
As for the media library, it programs children's entertainment (fairy tales) and exhibitions. Information on +33 3 83 25 25 50.
The second Saturday of May, book festival at the Plateau (dedications, readings).
The third Sunday of May, garage sales of spring in the village.
The first Saturday of June, cycling day. The program includes a friendly hike organized by the local mountain bike club.
In July and August, Les Dimanche au Kiosque programs concerts in various genres and for all audiences at Parc Sainte-Thérèse.
At the beginning of September, at the Espace Chaudeau, a show of energy savings.
The weekend before December 25, Christmas market at Espace Chaudeau.
Every Saturday morning, finally, place Ferri de Ludre, the market is a good opportunity to discover the riches of the Lorraine terroir.
