The best traffic-free bike rides around Vatimont

To see in passing

On the edge of Vic-sur-Seille lies the former episcopal castle, an impressive remnant of the power of the bishops of Metz. Built from the end of the 12th century by Bishop Bertram, it served as both the residence and the administrative centre of the secular authority of the diocese. The castle was expanded in the 13th century into a pentagonal complex, fortified with semicircular towers and a deep moat. Under Bishop Thierry Bayer de Boppard (1365–1384), important restorations were carried out, including the construction of a south-west wing with access to the gardens and the “Grand Parc”. Of the original complex, only part of the residential building on the west side remains today, recognisable by the windows with niches. The most striking structure is the châtelet, the fortified entrance gate from the 15th century, with its white limestone machicolations and traces of a drawbridge. After its restoration in 2008, the castle is once again visible as a silent witness to the medieval power and strategic location of Vic-sur-Seille, especially in the context of salt mining and the rivalry with the Dukes of Lorraine.

Hôtel de la Monnaie (Vic-sur-Seille) This remarkable civil building, dating from 1456–1484, is often mistaken for a mint. In reality, it was probably the home of a wealthy money-changer, possibly the d’Hoffelize family. The building is a magnificent example of flamboyant Gothic architecture, with early Renaissance influences. The richly decorated facades and roofs have been protected as historical monuments since 1930.

Hôtel de la Monnaie (Vic-sur-Seille) This remarkable civil building, dating from 1456–1484, is often mistaken for a mint. In reality, it was probably the home of a wealthy money-changer, possibly the d’Hoffelize family. The building is a magnificent example of flamboyant Gothic architecture, with early Renaissance influences. Its richly decorated facades and roofs have been protected as historical monuments since 1930. It now houses the information office.

Since 2024, overnight accommodation has also been available here. Ideal for groups, there are 18 beds.

Very well preserved medieval house. It now houses the tourist information office.

The origin of “Pont-à-Domangeville is lost in the mists of time. The Roman road from Metz to the Rhine already passed through there. Under the old regime, it was a tiny separate lordship, with a toll bridge. Usually blocked and padlocked, to cross it you had to pay a fee, depending on the livestock and products passed through. The lordship belonged in the 13th century to the Saint-Vincent de Metz abbey, then to the successive lords of Domangeville; in 1716, to the Laubrussels, then to the Leuryses, finally to the Thomas de Pange. It included, in addition to the bridge, the road - 50 toises on this side, 18 beyond - the bed of the Nied on both sides and, on the south-east bank, land with a hostelry (current Mayot farm) . In 1789, the community of Bazoncourt declared in its list of grievances “the enlightenment of the State and the kindness of the King will undoubtedly eliminate a right of final injustice perceived at Pont-à-Domangeville. However poor a plowman he may be, he pays three does and several pay without passing through.” After the revolution, the bridge had to be repaired. Paradoxically, the general council had the expenditure entered in the 1814 and 1815 rolls of the localities which had subscribed to the bridge in 1766. On this ordeal is inscribed: “This monument of our redemption was erected by the care of MM. De Pange, de Courten, Devaux and Dauphin, Commissioners responsible for the reconstruction of this bridge, in the year of our Lord 1816. During the reconstruction work and near the bridge, Joseph GRANDIDIER de Hernicourt and François ANIEL perished in the waters on July 20 from Domangeville, both attached to the service of the neighboring farm »

Two people died during the reconstruction of the bridge over the Nied Française in Domangeville in 1816.