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Longwy

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City
—°10811
Longwy (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Longwy

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The city is distinctly divided into Longwy-Haut (the upper fortified town) and Longwy-Bas (the lower town); plan your walking route to minimize steep climbs.
  • Don't miss the Vauban fortifications in the upper town; they are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Parking is generally easier in Longwy-Bas, but you will find dedicated visitor lots near the upper fortifications.
  • Due to its location, Longwy is a first-rate launchpad for day trips into both Luxembourg and Belgium.
  • The local weather can be slightly cooler and rainier than central France, so pack a reliable jacket.

🍽 Food

🍽
Quiche Lorraine

Try this absolute regional classic, baked fresh at the traditional bakeries in the lower town.

🍽
Pâté Lorrain

A flavorful meat-filled pastry that makes a well-suited quick lunch from a local charcuterie.

🍽
Mirabelle Plums

Depending on the season, look for tarts or brandies made from this famous local golden plum.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Émaux de Longwy (Enamelware)

The city is world-famous for its colorful ceramics; visit the official boutiques or workshops to buy an authentic piece.

🛍
Border-town Markets

The local markets blend French, Belgian, and Luxembourgish influences and products.

🧘
The Vauban Ramparts

The grassy moats and star-shaped walls offer a quiet, scenic area for a historic stroll.

🧘
Banks of the Chiers River

Walk along the peaceful lower riverbanks away from the busy transit roads.

Highlights of 2026

10

Longwy is a historic city in northeastern France, famously divided into Longwy-Haut (Upper Longwy) and Longwy-Bas (Lower Longwy). Its strategic location near the borders of Luxembourg and Belgium made it a vital military stronghold for centuries. The crowning jewel of the city is the 'Ville Neuve' in Longwy-Haut, a star-shaped fortress designed by the military architect Vauban, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Aside from its military history, Longwy gained international fame for its unique decorative pottery and enamels, produced by the Émaux de Longwy manufactory since 1798. Throughout the 20th century, the city was a powerhouse of the French steel industry, shaping its social fabric and landscape. Although the steel mills closed in the late 1900s, the city has successfully transitioned into a modern service hub, benefiting from its proximity to the booming Luxembourg economy. Visitors are drawn to the town to explore its ramparts, the Enamel Museum, and the spirited cross-border culture that defines life in this unique corner of Lorraine.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C115913171919151052
Rain mm675757467068657256656879

Live webcam – Longwy

See what it looks like near Longwy right now.

Petange: Rodange · 6.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
14,695
Coordinates
49.51970, 5.76060

Facts

  • UNESCO listed since 2008.
  • Enamel production started in 1798.
  • Population: 21,087 inhabitants.
  • Total area: 5.34 square km.
  • Department: Meurthe-et-Moselle (54).
  • Distance to Luxembourg City: approx. 35 km.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Longwy (8)

Church of Saint-Dagobert⛪ religious

A significant religious building within the citadel, destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout the city's history.

Porte de France🏺 historical

The main entrance to the fortified upper town, showcasing the grandeur of royal military architecture.

Église de la Sainte-Trinité⛪ religious

Église de la Sainte-Trinité is a place of worship in Longwy.

Chapelle Saint-Clément⛪ religious

Chapelle Saint-Clément is a chapel and place of worship in Longwy.

Le Belvédère🌿 nature

Le Belvédère is a scenic viewpoint located in Longwy.

Le vieux château🏺 historical

Le vieux château consists of historic castle ruins in Longwy.

La Grange aux Arts🏛 museum

La Grange aux Arts is a local museum situated in Longwy.

🕒 Jul 01-Sep 30 Mo-Su 10:00-12:00,14:00-19:00; Oct 01-Nov 30 S

Musée des émaux et faïences🏛 museum

The Musée des émaux et faïences is a museum dedicated to enamels and faience in Longwy.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Longwy part of the UNESCO World Heritage?
Because of the 'Ville Neuve', a 17th-century well-suited fortified city designed by Vauban.
What are 'Emaux de Longwy'?
They are world-famous enameled ceramics produced in the city since 1798.
Where can the fortification be visited?
In the upper town (Longwy-Haut), you can explore the wells, casemates, and gates of the fortress.
Is Longwy located on the border of other countries?
Yes, it is located at the triple border of France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Is there a museum for the ceramics?
The Musée des Emaux et Faïences displays an impressive collection of local artworks.
Longwy: where is it located?
Longwy is located in Grand Est, France.
Longwy: what is there to see?
Highlights include Church of Saint-Dagobert, Porte de France, Église de la Sainte-Trinité.
Longwy: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Longwy: why is it worth visiting?
Longwy is a historic city in northeastern France, famously divided into Longwy-Haut (Upper Longwy) and Longwy-Bas (Lower Longwy).
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