Longwy

Day Trips

Arrive in Longwy and settle into your chosen hotel nestled within the ancient ramparts. Stroll through the pedestrianized streets lined with pastel-hued houses and intricate ironwork balconies. Pop into a local café for a strong coffee and fresh viennoiseries to start your immersion.

Join a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed fortifications designed by Vauban, marveling at the citadel and bastions that echo centuries of military history. Climb the Tapestry Tower for sweeping views over the border region and the winding Meuse River below. Browse artisan shops in the old quarter for handcrafted souvenirs and local specialties.

Dine at a cosy bistro serving regional Lorraine specialties like quiche lorraine and potée. Wander along the illuminated ramparts as the sun sets, watching the warm glow reflect off the old stones. End your night with an aperitif at a bar tucked beneath an archway, soaking in the medieval ambiance.

Start your day at the Citadel Museum nestled within the heart of the fortifications, exploring interactive exhibits on Longwy’s strategic past. Admire the thick stone walls and reconstructed battlements that once guarded against invaders. Capture photos of the sweeping courtyards and hidden tunnels that speak to Vauban’s genius.

Descend to the lower bastions and follow the rampart walk to the imposing gatehouse of Porte des Allemands. Read the panels detailing the 19th-century Séré de Rivières defensive upgrades. Pause at a shady spot for a picnic with local charcuterie and fromages from the nearby market.

Return to the ramparts at dusk for a different perspective as lanterns cast long shadows on the stone. Head to a nearby brasserie to taste a crisp Lorraine beer paired with savory tarte flambée. End the evening by listening to a local storyteller recount medieval legends beside a crackling fire.

Visit the Faïence Museum housed in a converted cannon foundry, admiring centuries-old porcelain decorated with vibrant floral motifs. Try your hand at painting a small cup under the guidance of a master ceramist in the on-site workshop. Learn about the unique mineral composition that gives Longwy’s faïence its distinctive luster.

Walk through the adjacent Art Nouveau district, observing elegant façades, sinuous ironwork and stucco details on residential townhouses. Pop into local galleries showcasing contemporary ceramicists inspired by Longwy’s traditions. Enjoy a light lunch of quiche made with locally sourced eggs and produce.

Attend an evening demonstration at a working faïence kiln, watching artisans fire and glaze their latest creations. Sample regional honey and jam at a street market opposite the museum. Conclude the night with a glass of Crémant de Lorraine as stars emerge over Longwy’s skyline.

Set out along the Meuse River for a guided boat tour, drifting past limestone cliffs and lush forests. Listen to the guide’s tales of the river’s role in commerce and conflict throughout history. Spot kingfishers and herons along the bank as you glide through tranquil waters.

Disembark for a hike through the rolling hills of the regional park, traversing well-marked trails that reveal hidden waterfalls and panoramic overlooks. Pause at a riverside clearing for a homemade picnic prepared by a local organic farm. Collect wild berries and herbs under the guidance of a nature interpreter.

Return to Longwy just as the sun dips behind the horizon, illuminating the ramparts in golden light. Savor a hearty dinner of coq au vin at a rustic country auberge near the city walls. Relax by a riverside fire pit, sharing stories with fellow travelers around a smoldering wood fire.

Hop on a direct train to Luxembourg City, arriving shortly to start your exploration of its Old Quarter’s cobblestone streets. Stand atop the fortified walls for sweeping views across the Alzette Valley. Sip a café au lait in Place d’Armes while admiring the Grand Ducal Palace façade.

Descend into the underground casemates, an extraordinary network of tunnels once used as bomb shelters and secret passages. Walk along the Chemin de la Corniche, often called Europe’s most beautiful balcony, overlooking the wooded valley below. Sample a local Gromperekichelcher (potato fritter) from a street vendor before returning.

Return to Longwy by train as twilight settles, enjoying scenic cross-border views. Dine at a border-town brasserie serving fusion dishes that blend French and Luxembourgish flavors. Relax with a digestif in a cosy bar near your hotel.

Take a scenic train ride to Liège, exploring the Grand Curtius Museum and the UNESCO-listed St. Paul’s Cathedral. Taste waffles topped with whipped cream and berries from legendary street stalls. Stroll along the Meuse riverbank, soaking up lively street performances and open-air markets.

Continue on to the historic spa town of Spa, famed for its healing mineral springs and elegant 18th-century architecture. Step inside the Thermes de Spa to sample thermal waters and learn about the area’s spa traditions. Wander through Parc de Sept Heures, admiring sculptures and manicured gardens.

Head back to Longwy for a late dinner at an intimate farm-to-table restaurant near the ramparts. Indulge in a tasting menu highlighting wild game and seasonal vegetables from the Ardennes. Unwind with a glass of local cider as you reflect on your cross-border adventures.

Rent bicycles and follow a marked cycle path along the Meuse valley, pedaling beneath shady plane trees and past quiet villages. Pause at a riverside bench to taste a freshly made tarte aux myrtilles from a traveling baker. Bathe in the gentle morning light as swallows dart above the water.

Continue pedaling toward the medieval fortress town of Montmédy, where towering ramparts rise majestically above the river. Park your bike and explore the citadel’s labyrinthine trenches and phosphorescent caves carved into the hillside. Refuel at a cozy crêperie serving buckwheat pancakes and local cider.

Return along a tranquil backroad lined with wildflowers, watching the sun dip behind wooded hills. Treat yourself to a farmstead dinner at an auberge just outside Longwy, sampling tender lamb raised on nearby pastures. Wind down with a soothing herbal tea while gazing out over the twinkling lights of the town below.

Meet a local sommelier for a tasting of regional wines in a rustic cellar tucked beneath the city center. Learn about lesser-known grape varieties like Auxerrois and Pinot Gris grown in the Moselle Valley. Enjoy a light brunch of artisan bread, cured meats and farmstead cheeses.

Drive to a family-run vineyard just outside town, strolling through neat rows of vines heavy with ripening grapes. Participate in a hands-on harvest demonstration (season permitting) and press fresh juice in a traditional centuries-old press. Savor a leisurely lunch in the vineyard’s pergola, pairing seasonal dishes with bottle samples.

Return to Longwy and dine at a Michelin-recommended restaurant specializing in modern interpretations of Lorraine classics. Engage with the chef during a pre-dinner talk on ingredient sourcing and plating techniques. Conclude the evening with a digestif of mirabelle brandy, warming you through the night.

Board an early train to Metz and head straight to the Centre Pompidou-Metz, marveling at its futuristic architecture and vibrant exhibitions. Grab a fresh pastry at a nearby boulangerie before crossing the river to the medieval quarter. Wander through Place Saint-Louis, admiring the timber-framed buildings and mosaic pavement.

Visit the imposing Gothic cathedral of Saint-Étienne, admiring its stained glass windows, including a masterpiece by Chagall. Stroll along the serene banks of the Moselle River, stopping at the island garden for a moment of tranquility. Sample a local pâté lorrain and glass of Crémant de Moselle at a café overlooking the water.

Return to Longwy as the streetlights illuminate the ramparts on your arrival. Enjoy a casual dinner at a pizzeria housed in a former 19th-century guardhouse. End your night with a sunset stroll up to the citadel ramparts, soaking in the view one last time.

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast of pain perdu and local honey at a charming café overlooking the old ramparts. Browse boutique shops selling handcrafted Longwy faïence, artisanal soaps and wrought-iron souvenirs. Pick up last-minute gifts like a hand-painted plate or jar of mustard infused with mirabelle.

Relax with a visit to the spa in neighboring Amnéville, enjoying thermal pools, saunas and a rejuvenating massage. Wander through the adjoining zoo or tropical greenhouse for a final dose of adventure. Sip a herbal infusion in the spa lounge, recounting your favorite moments of the journey.

Return to Longwy to gather your belongings and bid farewell to the region. Dine at a familiar bistro, savoring your last bowl of potée lorraine and toasting to new friendships. Head to the train station or airport with fond memories and plans to return soon.