Moselle is a department in the
Grand-Est region of eastern France. It is the most populated department within the region, with a rich history and culture. The department is named after the Moselle River, a tributary of the Rhine, which runs through the western part of the department. Moselle is bordered by the departments of Meurthe-et-Moselle and Bas-Rhin, as well as Germany (the states of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate), and Luxembourg in the north. The department (number 57) is geographically organised around the Moselle Valley, which is part of the Parc naturel régional de Lorraine. Moselle has traditionally been a zone of conflict between Alsace and the north and was relatively underdeveloped until the 19th century. Consequently, it was less urbanised and populated compared to other regions of that period. The environment changed significantly with heavy industrialisation driven by iron deposits in Lorraine, which led to the creation of artificial valleys and riverbanks. Industries expanded by purchasing large tracts of land from farmers in the valleys and exploiting water rights.
Discover Moselle - Houses & Lifestyle in Moselle
Moselle is a department in the
Grand-Est region of eastern France. It is the most populated department within the region, with a rich history and culture. The department is named after the Moselle River, a tributary of the Rhine, which runs through the western part of the department. Moselle is bordered by the departments of Meurthe-et-Moselle and Bas-Rhin, as well as Germany (the states of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate), and Luxembourg in the north. The department (number 57) is geographically organised around the Moselle Valley, which is part of the Parc naturel régional de Lorraine. Moselle has traditionally been a zone of conflict between Alsace and the north and was relatively underdeveloped until the 19th century. Consequently, it was less urbanised and populated compared to other regions of that period. The environment changed significantly with heavy industrialisation driven by iron deposits in Lorraine, which led to the creation of artificial valleys and riverbanks. Industries expanded by purchasing large tracts of land from farmers in the valleys and exploiting water rights.
Celebrating Tradition and Culture
Although industrialisation has taken place, Moselle still upholds many local traditions, especially in the eastern part of the department. For example, Kirb festivals, held in rural areas during October, showcase these customs. The Mardi Gras parades in Sarreguemines are also a major cultural highlight, along with the August Mirabelle festival in Metz, which offers various cultural activities. In Metz, the Opéra-Théâtre de Metz, the oldest still-operating theatre in France, has been running since the 18th century. The city also features multiple concert halls that host a wide array of events, from comedy performances to symphony orchestras.
Key Information about the Moselle (57)
- Main City/Prefecture: Metz
- Nearest Airport: Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport (approx. 25 km)
- Population: Around 1.04 million (as of the latest census)
- Area: 6,216 sq. kilometres and 2,400 sq. miles
- Landmark: Metz Cathedral (Saint-Étienne), famous for its stunning stained glass windows.
- Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 3 million, attracted by its cultural sites, German-French heritage and nature parks.
Property Prices in Moselle in 2026
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,251 (April 2026)
- Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,268 (April 2026)
- Price trends: +4% over the last 12 months, +45% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Moselle in 2026
- Average House Price in Metz: €2,572 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Thionville: €3,214 per sq. metre (April 2026)
(source:
Le Figaro Immobilier)
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