Coteaux de la Moselle
France > Lorraine > Moselle
From Thionville, 15km north of Amnéville, the N53 strikes north towards Luxembourg. Some 8km along it the scenic D57 meanders in a northeasterly direction towards Mondorf-les-Bains and the German/Luxembourg border, following the verdant contours of the COTEAUX DE LA MOSELLE, or Moselle valley slopes. Of a number of picturesque villages along the way that defy Lorraine's dismal reputation, the one that stands out is Rodemack, revelling in the nickname of the "CarcassonneLorraine" since its well-preserved fortifications resemble those of the famous southern city. Some 18km from Thionville, it's a charmingly sleepy place, made up of well-preserved medieval houses and gigantic timber barns, topped by a stern fortress and guarded on one side by a magnificent gate with two barbican towers, the Porte de Sierck. Along one flank of the ancient walls a traditional herb garden has been restored to its former glory. For guided visits of the town and fortress ask at the tourist office on the main place des Baillis (daily 10am–noon & 2–5.30pm; tel 03.82.51.25.50). The best of the town's restaurants is La Petite Carcassonne at 12 place de la Porte de Sierck, next to the village café, where you have a choice of three delicious menus starting from €20.
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