PONTS ÉCLUSES

Thionville boasts two 18th-century lock bridges, built by military engineer Louis de Cormontaigne. While one is still standing, the second has only its lower section left, the upper barracks having been demolished to transform it into a bridge over an arm of the Moselle These lock bridges were used to control the course of the river, which was rather capricious and caused frequent flooding in Thionville, while also serving as passageways and barracks. World War II took its toll on the two buildings, but the second was restored. Today, they face each other, juxtaposing and revealing themselves to curious passers-by. Every year during the European Heritage Days, you can enter one of them and discover a unique view of the Moselle diversion canal.