Illange lies on the right bank of the Moselle. The Charles the Bold cycle route passes through the village, while the Saint-Roch Chapel, Saint-Hubert Church and Fort d’Illange showcase different aspects of the area’s history. When looking for a holiday rental, it may help to first decide what matters most to you: the cycle route and river, history outdoors, or architectural and art history.
The Moselle, the cycle route and Fort d’Illange
The village has a varied landscape between plateau and valley. The Charles the Bold cycle route offers a direct connection to the river: it passes through Illange and runs alongside the Moselle.
Fort d’Illange also combines local history with outdoor trails. The fort was incorporated into the Maginot Line in 1940, and walking trails have been laid out across its grounds. The historical trail at Fort d’Illange is 2,200 metres long. The interiors of the fort buildings are not open to visitors. Check the current conditions before visiting.
Other attractions offer different experiences: a sensory discovery trail is available at an educational site on Rue des Prés, renovated in 2022. The Illange sports complex, which opened in 2024, includes a pump track, a multisport court, a fitness trail and fitness areas. Illange therefore offers a range of activities, from exploring the surroundings to using the sports facilities.
Saint-Roch Chapel and Saint-Hubert Church
The small Saint-Roch Chapel is built in the Gothic style and has been converted into a cultural venue. Numerous exhibitions are held there each year; check the dates before visiting. The chapel houses two polychrome-painted limestone statues from the 19th century: Saint Roch and Saint Wendelin. Both are listed in the General Inventory of Cultural Heritage. After the war, village volunteers restored the chapel; it took on its present appearance in the 1960s.
The present-day Saint-Hubert Church is a Neo-Gothic building in the centre of Illange. It is dedicated to Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters and foresters. The foundation stone was laid on 24 March 1881, and the new church was consecrated on 26 October of the same year. During the consecration, a lead reliquary containing the relics of four martyrs was placed in the high altar: Saint Livier, Saint Valentinus, Saint Crescentius and Saint Innocentus. Saint Livier was martyred in Metz.
The furnishings also tell of different periods. A painting of Christ from the Munich School was installed in the church in 1889 and is now above the altar. One of the three bells in use today dates from the construction of the new church. The other two were cast in 1950 to replace bells that had been requisitioned during the Second World War. The historic centre also reflects the layout of an agricultural village: adjoining houses line passageways 3 to 7 metres wide. These usoirs were used to store wood and manure in front of the properties.
Another trace of the past is winegrowing, which shaped village life for almost 17 centuries. Together with the buildings and historic centre, it gives a picture of Illange that extends beyond individual landmarks.
Getting to Illange and finding a holiday rental
For travel by road, the A31 towards Metz and Luxembourg can be accessed at the edge of the village. Thionville railway station is 4 kilometres away and can be reached by car in less than 10 minutes. There are also regular bus services. Check the bus timetables for your travel dates. When searching for a holiday rental in Illange, this information can be a useful starting point for planning your journey.
Discover more destinations: Vantoux, Haselbourg, Montenach, Plappeville, Contz-Les-Bains, Rugy, Buhl-Lorraine, Bourgaltroff
For the broader travel overview: Moselle.
