Moselle is a department in the eastern part of
France, in the Grand-Est region. 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 was historically known as a region of conflict between Alsace and the north, and it remained relatively underdeveloped until the 19th century. As a result, it was less urbanised and populated than other regions at the time. However, heavy industrialisation linked to iron deposits in Lorraine has transformed the environment, creating artificial valleys and river banks. To this end, industries have acquired vast landholdings in the valleys by buying land from farmers and profiting from water rights.
Discover Moselle - Houses & Lifestyle in Moselle
Moselle is a department in the eastern part of
France, in the Grand-Est region. 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 was historically known as a region of conflict between Alsace and the north, and it remained relatively underdeveloped until the 19th century. As a result, it was less urbanised and populated than other regions at the time. However, heavy industrialisation linked to iron deposits in Lorraine has transformed the environment, creating artificial valleys and river banks. To this end, industries have acquired vast landholdings in the valleys by buying land from farmers and profiting from water rights.
Celebrating Tradition and Culture
Despite industrialisation, Moselle has preserved many local traditions, particularly in the eastern part of the department. The Kirb festivals, celebrated in October in rural areas, are a great example. The Mardi Gras parades in Sarreguemines are also a significant cultural event, as is the August Mirabelle festival in Metz, which features a variety of cultural activities. In Metz, you can also find the Opéra-Théâtre de Metz, the oldest active theatre in France, which has been continuously operating since the 18th century. The city boasts several concert halls that host a diverse range of events, including comedy shows and 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 2025
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,301
- Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,314
- Price trends: +8% over the last 12 months, +42% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Moselle in 2025
- Average House Price in Metz: €2,300 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Thionville: €2,500 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Sarreguemines: €1,900 per sq. metre
(source:
Le Figaro – October 2025)
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