Moselle is the most populated department in Lorraine, in the east of France, it is named after the river Moselle, a tributary of the Rhine which flows through the western part of the department. The Moselle is surrounded by the departments of Meurthe-et-Moselle and Bas-Rhin, as well as Germany (states of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate) and Luxembourg in the north. Parts of Moselle belong to Parc naturel régional de Lorraine. The department is geographically organised around the Moselle valley. The region was long considered a march between Alsace and the north, remaining relatively poor until the 19th century and was consequently less urbanised and populated than other regions at the time. The environment has undergone heavy industrialisation linked to iron deposits in Lorraine which have artificial valleys and river banks. Industries have created vast land holdings in the valleys by buying land from agriculturists and profiting from water rights.
Eastern Moselle has preserved a number of local traditions, notably the Kirb festivals celebrated in October in rural areas, Mardi Gras parades in Sarreguemines, and the August mirabelle festival in Metz which includes a variety of cultural activities. The Opéra-Théâtre de Metz, is the oldest active theater in France and has continuously operated from the 18th century. Metz also has a number of concert halls that offer diverse events such as comedy shows and symphony orchestras. Learn more about the department of Moselle on
wikipedia.