Parc de Bétange

Visit a 65-hectare English-style park, entirely enclosed by a fence, which serves as the setting for a château built in 1830, the last private residence of master forgers. The whole complex is listed as a Historic Monument.

From the D653 in Florange, access is via a majestic tree-lined driveway awarded the "Ensemble arboré remarquable de France" label, and winner of the "Concours d'allées d'arbres 2020" organized by the Sites & Monuments association. It is 700 metres long and bordered by 170 hundred-year-old chestnut trees.

The Bétange site is linked to French history, and was visited by General Patton during the liberation of Florange in 1944. Bétange is the only property in the iron and steel valley to have belonged to forge masters - the de Wendel, de Gargan and de Mitry families - and to have remained in the hands of their descendants for 200 years.

The Bétange park features a number of wrought-iron elements that bear witness to the magnificent skills of Lorraine's steelmakers (cast-iron kiosk, cast-iron statue of the Virgin Mary, access gates).

The Bétange site is also an exceptional green lung between the Florange national forest and the Moselle river, with alternating woodlands, meadows and ponds. It is home to a high level of biodiversity, including 70 protected species of birds and 13 protected species of bats. The park and driveway are certified by the L.P.O. and the C.P.E.P.E.S.C. The park is planted with tall trees of varied species, including a 500-year-old oak designated a "Remarkable Tree of France".

The park is open to the public several times a year for the European Heritage Days. Every year, the Association de Sauvegarde du Site de Bétange organizes exhibitions, conferences and concerts.

For further information, visit www.chateaudebetange.com

DATAtourisme France