Excursions

We are pleased to propose here below a list of excursions which combines touristic and scientific discoveries in Lorraine and surroundings, for the Friday 25th November.

The list of excursions includes five half-day destinations and five full-day destinations.

Excursion 1 (full day) => Gondwana  => suppressed due to a too low number of registrations - People who have chosen this excursion will be contacted and another full day excursion will be proposed to them

Excursion 2 (full day) => Les Vosges du Nord => Excursion complete, no more registration possible

Excursion 3 (full day) => Cultural and socio-ecological heritages => A few places are remaining!

Excursion 4 (full day) => Natural and semi-naturals wetlands in Lorraine => Excursion complete, no more registration possible

Excursion 5 (full day) => Metz surroundings => A few places are remaining!

Excursion 6 (half day) => Nancy historical center => Excursion complete, no more registration possible

Excursion 7 (half day) => The Art Nouveau in Nancy => A few places are remaining!

Excursion 8 (half day) => Guided tour in Metz city => A few places are remaining!

Excursion 9 (half day) => From the Récollets to the Pompidou => A few places are remaining!

Excursion 10 (half day) => Industrial heritage => suppressed due to a too low number of registrations - People who have chosen this excursion will be contacted and another full day excursion will be proposed to them

 

The fees to join an excursion is fixed to 20€ for half-day destination and to 50€ for full day destinations. These fees include the journey, entrance tickets, guided tour, and the lunch for the full-day destinations.

Please have a look at the propositions below and, when registering yourself, indicate three excursions you would like to join, with priority order of interest.

Before that, please note:

- the excursions have got a maximum number of places, therefore: first registered, first recorded!

- the excursions will take place only if they reach a minimal number of participants. In any cases the fees for the excursions won’t be reimbursed. But anyway, we will propose you another excursion from the list if your first choice is canceled or full. 

- when selecting the excursions, take care to the specific timetable of each excursion, to be sure it fits to your own schedule.

=> And finally, the excursions include some moments outside, on the 25th November, which might be a cold day in Lorraine!  So, come with adapted equipment, and, anyway, with your curiosity and good mood!!

 

FULL DAY DESTINATIONS

Excursion 1 (full day) => Gondwana: Das Praehistorium in Schiffweiler, Saarland (Germany)

An awe-inspiring and educational experience

Gondwana

Embark on a multi-sensory adventure as you experience, explore and discover the history of our home planet in a unique and fascinating museum. GONDWANA – Das Praehistorium takes visitors on the ultimate voyage through the earth’s history, harnessing multimedia technology to reveal how life began and how it thrives to this day.

Combining the joy of a prehistoric theme park with the educational value of a natural history museum, GONDWANA – Das Praehistorium is an exceptional destination with a stunning range of options. Brace yourself for a monumental journey through the entire mind-boggling span of the earth’s over 4.5-billion-year history. Our cutting-edge animation and audiovisual technology will help you track the course of biological and cultural evolution, starting with the big bang, passing through a multitude of periods in the earth’s history – including the dinosaurs, headed up by the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex, Neanderthals on a mammoth hunt and knights storming a city – and ending with the astronauts.

Practical information

Timetable: 9:00 – 18:00

Departure/Return place: Centre de Congrès de Metz Métropole Robert Schuman

56 places

More information: https://www.gondwana-das-praehistorium.de/en/home-en

 

Excursion 2 (full day) => Les Vosges du Nord: Meisenthal glass craftsmanship and the Human-Environment Observatory of Bitche County

With the CNRS LabEx DRIIHM (https://www.driihm.fr

In the northern Vosges, the site of the former Meisenthal glassworks (1711-1969), after many stages of conversion, today offers its visitors the magic of a heritage enriched by the eyes of contemporary creators. The Glass Museum transmits to visitors the testimony of the local glass memory, through, in particular, a guided tour of the "technical room" and the sumptuous collection of Art Nouveau glass, including exceptional pieces by Emile Gallé. From the mezzanine of the glass workshop, you can observe the work of the craftsmen who make the famous Meisenthal Christmas ball.

 The day will continue in the afternoon with the discovery of the interdisciplinary research device that is the Human-Environment Observatory of Bitche County. That device is a tool for studying the socio-ecosystems, designed to respond to their complexity by implementing a holistic approach by creating the dynamics for the development of interdisciplinarity research projects at territorial scale. Such device is driven at national level by the labEx DRIIHM of the INEE-CNRS. It focuses here on the territory of the Pays de Bitche, which is a rural and landlocked border area bordered to the north by Germany (Rhineland-Palatinate) and south by the department of Bas-Rhin. The territory has just under 35 000 to 46 municipalities. Structured for centuries by a strong military presence, the gradual withdrawal of the military has had the effect of transforming the territory in depth over the last twenty years. The Pays de Bitche thus appears as a territory through profound changes as a result of widespread abandonment (industrial, railway, agricultural...) whose dynamics need to be explored to the articulation of social phenomena and ecosystems.

Practical information

Timetable: 8:30 – 18:00

Departure/Return place : Centre de Congrès de Metz Métropole Robert Schuman 

50 places

More information:

https://ohm-pays-de-bitche.in2p3.fr/

https://www.driihm.fr/images/fiches_ohms/FichePdB_ENG.pdf

https://ciav-meisenthal.fr

 

Excursion 3 (full day) => Cultural and socio-ecological heritages: The Human-Environment Observatory of Bitche County and the archaeological parc of Bliesbruck-Reinheim

With the CNRS LabEx DRIIHM (https://www.driihm.fr)

To start we will go at the discovery of the interdisciplinary research device that is the Human-Environment Observatory of Bitche County. That device is a tool for studying the socio-ecosystems, designed to respond to their complexity by implementing a holistic approach by creating the dynamics for the development of interdisciplinarity research projects at territorial scale. Such device is driven at national level by the labEx DRIIHM of the INEE-CNRS. It focuses here on the territory of the Pays de Bitche, which is a rural and landlocked border area bordered to the north by Germany (Rhineland-Palatinate) and south by the department of Bas-Rhin. The territory has just under 35 000 to 46 municipalities. Structured for centuries by a strong military presence, the gradual withdrawal of the military has had the effect of transforming the territory in depth over the last twenty years. The Pays de Bitchethus appears as a territory through profound changes as a result of widespread abandonment (industrial, railway, agricultural...) whose dynamics need to be explored to the articulation of social phenomena and ecosystems. E3-1
The day will continue in the afternoon with the visit of the archaeological park of Bliesbruck-Reinheim, on the French-German border. Blies flows into a large and beautiful valley dominated by a small hill, the Homerich, whose appeal has been appreciated for thousands of years. The development of the occupation as from the end of the Bronze Age (around 1200 BC) gave birth to a Celtic princely site (7th to 3rd century BC), whose extraordinary tomb, that of the Princess of Reinheim, is the most valuable proof. In the Roman era, a small town known for its thermal public baths and artisanal districts, shares the valley with an imposing villa. Today this small territory, where the border cuts through, evidence of a turbulent history since the late 18th century, has become, following the creation of the archaeological park, a European centre for research and enhancement of heritage, open and accessible to all.

Practical information

Timetable: 8:45 – 18:00

Departure/Return place : Centre de Congrès de Metz Métropole Robert Schuman 

56 places

More information:

https://ohm-pays-de-bitche.in2p3.fr/

https://www.driihm.fr/images/fiches_ohms/FichePdB_ENG.pdf

http://www.archeo57.com/index.php/en/

 

Excursion 4 (full day) => Natural and semi-naturals wetlands in Lorraine

This all-day long trip proposes to discover the Lindre pond. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is also a Natura 2000 and RAMSAR site. It is also the largest fishery in France, with a complex of 12 ponds labelled Organic Farming.

Despite a low interventionist management since the end of  the 1970s, numerous hydraulic rehabilitation and ecological restoration works have been necessary and carried out following environmental studies showing a loss of specific diversity. These actions, combined with strong management measures, have shown real effectiveness in terms of diversity and in fish stock preservation, while at the same time making it possible to support the aquaculture industry in the east of France. So, how this combination of exploitation and conservation is managed locally? The trip will take place just after the “Grande pêche”, that occurs every three or four years, when the pond is drained to collect the fish produced inside.

Once this 2 hours visit finished, you will eat a traditional Lorraine meal at the Auberge du Saulnois, in Marsal, a small fortified town, thanks to a particular richness left behind by the sea several million years ago: salt! Today, the Marsal Museum tells the story of "white gold" through the exploitation techniques used from prehistoric times to the 18th century.

Located in the Porte de France, a central element of the fortifications to which Vauban had lent his hand, the museum also evokes the history of Marsal as a former stronghold. This museum is made up of archaeological remains, historical and artistic works, as well as evidence of daily life in relation to salt production. After an 1 hour guided tour at the Salt Museum, an ecologist from the “Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels - Lorraine” will show you the salted marshes surrounding the town, breathing sea spray in the core of Lorraine!

Practical information

Timetable:  8:30 – 18:00

Departure/Return place: Centre de Congrès de Metz Métropole Robert Schuman

29 places

More information:

http://www.domainedelindre.com/

 http://www.mosellepassion.fr/index.php/les-sites-moselle-passion/musee-du-sel

 

Excursion 5 (full day) => Metz surroundings: Guided tour in the « pays Messin », looking after architectural heritage, wine producers and calcareous grasslands 

With the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels de Lorraine (https://www.cen-lorraine.fr)

During this full day journey around Metz, let's discover in a guide tour, a rich and diversified historical architectural heritage. Among others, we will go to the Roman Aqueduct of Jouy-aux-Arches, the village of Scy-Chazelle to see its fortified church, and to Sillegny to visit the wonderfull chapel nicknamed “the Sistine of the Seille”.

On the way, we will stop to the vineyard of “Château de Vaux” to have a guided visit of the vault and for a degustation of the local wines. 

Then, we will make a stop on a calcareous grassland of the riverside of the Moselle. The site is managed by the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels de Lorraine for biological conservation. The local manager will guide us on the site, to explain its specifies and its management.

For the lunch break, we will visit the distillery “Chez Mélanie” to see the site, to try the local spirits, and local food (cheese, mirabelle plums, sausage,…).

Practical information

Timetable:  9 :00 – 17 :30

Departure/Return place: Centre de Congrès de Metz Métropole Robert Schuman

49 places

More information:

https://www.cen-lorraine.fr

https://www.inspire-metz.com/en/

 

 HALF DAY DESTINATIONS

Excursion 6 (half day) => Nancy historical center

Discover the richness of the territory of the capital of the Dukes of Lorraine and immerse yourself in a history, a culture and an art of living. Accompanied by a heritage guide, discover the historic centre of Nancy.

The visit will allow you to discover the heritage of the Dukes of Lorraine. The charm of the Nancy Old Town, medieval and Renaissance, is revealed thanks to its architectural jewels (ducal palace, private mansions, Porte de la Craffe) but also its good addresses. Made up of small winding streets winding between old buildings. The former ducal palace has become the Lorraine Museum, and the Cordeliers chapel contains the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine.

The visit also includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site complex, including the Place Stanislas, which was dedicated to the last Duke of Lorraine, and the Place de la Carrière. Other emblematic places such as the Saint-Epvre basilica will also be presented to you. 

Practical information

Timetable:  8:45 – 13 :00

Departure/Return place: Centre de Congrès de Metz Métropole Robert Schuman

49 places

More information: https://www.nancy-tourisme.fr/

 

Excursion 7 (half day) => The Art Nouveau in Nancy: visit of the Villa Majorelle and Ecole de Nancy museum

The Villa Majorelle: In 1898, the cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle entrusted the architect Henri Sauvage (1873-1932), whom he had met at the home of their mutual friend, the sculptor Alexandre Charpentier, with the task of drawing up the plans for his personal house in Nancy. The Villa Majorelle - or Villa Jika, after the initials of Louis Majorelle’s wife, Jeanne Kretz - was built in 1901-1902 and occupies a very special place in the history of Nancy architecture. The first entirely Art Nouveau house in Nancy, it was conceived as a whole, with each element of its structure and decoration designed in close interdependence with the rest of the building. The fluidity of the forms and decorative motifs and the continuous interplay between the exterior and interior make the Villa Majorelle an example of the application of the notion of unity of art advocated by many artists of the time. An emblematic house of Nancy’s Art Nouveau, a work of total art, a historical monument and the property of the City of Nancy, the Villa Majorelle reopened its doors after a major restoration campaign in February 2020. The meticulous restitution of the known original decorations and furnishings of the reception rooms and bedroom invites visitors to a journey through time and into the artist’s family intimacy. Enriched with reception areas and mediation tools dedicated to all audiences, the Villa Majorelle is a new place not to be missed in the discovery of Nancy’s Art Nouveau, full of emotion and surprises. 
The Museum of the Ecole de Nancy: As the 20th century approached, decorative arts throughout Europe underwent a decisive revival. In Nancy, artists dynamically approached the design of furniture and art objects in a decisive move that gave birth to the "Ecole de Nancy". Under the impetus of Emile Gallé (1846-1904), a ceramist, glassmaker and cabinetmaker, "Art Nouveau" experienced an unprecedented development in Nancy. In the space of a few years, the capital of Lorraine became a very dynamic centre of French decorative art. Textiles, bookbindings, jewellery, ceramics, and above all glassware, furniture, stained glass and architecture were all part of a renovation movement that took as its precept "art in everything" and "art for everyone", and drew its inspiration from nature. In 1901, the Alliance Provinciale des Industries d'Art (Provincial Alliance of Art Industries) was created, an association that brought together the great artists and industrialists of Nancy, such as Gallé, Daum, Majorelle, Prouvé, Vallin, Gruber, André, etc. Together, they wished to promote their know-how and the excellence of their production, and to contribute to the education of workers. At the same time, the success of their creations at major exhibitions brought international recognition to the Ecole de Nancy. 

 The Ecole de Nancy - and the appeal of Art Nouveau - died out with the First World War. In 1935, Jean-Baptiste Eugène Corbin (1867-1952), a patron of the arts and collector, gave the city nearly 750 pieces of Ecole de Nancy art to create a museum dedicated to the Nancy movement. The Ecole de Nancy museum finally opened its doors in 1964, installed in the former Corbin property, in a 1900s atmosphere. The museum holds an exceptional collection of glassware by Emile Gallé, including prestigious works such as the Mains aux Algue and the Amphora of King Solomon.

Practical information

Timetable:  8:45 – 13:30

Departure/Return place: Centre de Congrès de Metz Métropole Robert Schuman

39 places

More information: https://musee-ecole-de-nancy.nancy.fr/accueil-2676.html

 

Excursion 8 (half day) => Guided tour in Metz city: the amphitheater area and the urban garden of Jean-Marie Pelt

Here we go to discover one area of Metz surrounding the Pompidou center, between modern architecture and open “green areas”.

The planning of the Amphithéâtre district is based on 2 guidelines: urban diversity and sustainable development. It hosts a variety of activities, it is a place for meetings, life and business. It includes the Center Pompidou-Metz, the Robert Schuman Congress Center, and soon the hotel "Maison Heler" designed by Starck

Nearby, along the Seille river, is the “Jardin Jean-Marie Pelt”. On 20 hectares, it is a link between the southern districts of the city and the historic center. 

It is organized around the Seille to offer the Messins a harmonious space, adapted to relaxation, and to cultural and sporting leisure. 

As the result of an ambitious project, the Parc de la Seille takes into account both its use for local inhabitant and the local environmental stakes, through a specific management. Thus, this site is not only beautiful “urban green space” but it also plays a relevant role as biological corridor, contributing to the urban biodiversity management.

Practical information

Timetable:  9 :00 – 11:00

Departure/Return place: Centre Pompidou Metz

50 places

More information: https://www.inspire-metz.com/en/ 

 

Excursion 9 (half day) => From the Récollets to the Pompidou

In the framework of the SFE²-GfÖ-EEF- the exposition “art and ecology” is organized in the cloister of the Récollets, in the historical center of Metz. Thus, the day will starts with the guided visit of that exposition and of the cloister of the Récollets itself. 

The cloister of the Récollets is an high place of ecology and sustainable development in Metz. The first association to settle within the cloister of the Récollets, the European Institute of Ecology (IEE) created in 1971 by Jean-Marie Pelt, an eminent ecological botanist, thus giving the City of Metz the nickname of "cradle of urban ecology".

Then, we will go back in time, passing by the Colline Saint Croix, the Place Saint Louis, the Place Médiévale, to continue towards le quartier Impérial. This picturesque district, built around the train station, is a remarkable illustration of German town planning dating from the beginning of the 20th century. William II took the decision to destroy the ramparts and build "a new city", south of the historic heart in an area free of any construction. 

Finally, the morning will finish with a guided visit of the center Pompidou - Metz for modern and contemporary art. 

Practical information

Timetable: 8:30 – 12:15

Departure place: Cloitre de Récollets (1 Rue des Récollets, 57000 Metz)

Return place: Centre Pompidou - Metz

39 places

More information:

https://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/details/838140152-cloitre-des-recollets

https://www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/welcome

 

Excursion 10 (half day) => Industrial heritage: Uckange blast furnace park (U4) and GISFI experimental station at Homécourt

Immerse yourself in the industrial history of the Fensch Valley by visiting the U4 blast furnace park in Uckange. It is the last blast furnace of the former Uckange steel plant and one of the rare testimonies of the French 20th century steel industry. The Uckange cast iron factory was founded in 1890 by the Stumm brothers, who already owned factories in the Saarland, Germany. The iron factory hosted up to 6 blast furnaces, including the U4 built in 1904, and contributed to the economic boom of the entire region between the 1960s and the 1980s. The factory finally closed its doors in 1991, after a century of history of industrial, human and social activity.

Listed in the supplementary inventory of Historic Monuments, the U4 blast furnace was bought by the Val de Fensch Urban Community I June 2005. It finally opened to the public after a major work of restoration in October 2007. In order to understand fully the process of creating blast iron, the U4 blast furnace is surrounded by adjacent technical buildings. U4 can be discovered both on free (audio-guided) or guided tours, thanks to the volunteers of the Mecilor association who happen to be former steelworkers themselves. 

Come to visit the experimental platform of the scientific interest group on industrial wasteland (GISFI) in Homécourt. This station is an observatory and experimental site dedicated to: the development of scientific knowledge on the functioning and evolution of degraded sites and the promotion of ecotechnologies for a sustainable recovery of degraded areas.

On the site, which in the 20th century housed a coking plant, you will discover the exceptional experimental devices and equipment (experimental plots of various sizes, lysimeters, etc.) set up by the Lorraine laboratories belonging to the GISFI. GISFI was create in 2002 to respond to the scientific and technological questions posed by degraded and polluted territories resulting from former industrial activities. Over the years, the group has developed a multidisciplinary research capacity that is essential for understanding pollution processes and developing appropriate pollution control solutions. 

Practical informations

Timetable: 8:45 – 13:00

Departure/Return place: Centre de Congrès de Metz Métropole Robert Schuman

39 places

More information:

https://www.hf-u4.com/fr/ and http://gisfi.univ-lorraine.fr/fr/

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