Visit the Parc du Haut-fourneau: tickets, prices, schedules

On vacation in Thionville? Come and visit the Parc du Haut-Fourneau, a landmark of the region!

Visiting the Parc du Haut-fourneau is discovering a place both cultural and artistic. Cultural, because it perfectly represents the French industrial heritage. Artistic, thanks to Claude Lévèque’s contemporary work of art. The park is particularly focused on street and circus arts. It is a true place of inspiration for artists who make you discover their talents in this exceptional place.

Ranked among the Historical Monuments, the Parc du Haut-fourneau dominates the country Thionvillois. A visit is therefore required, since it is a must local. Wanderlix has prepared a guide to facilitate your visit.

History of the Parc du Haut-fourneau

The story began in 1890 with the creation of the factory in Uckange with four high-ends. It was the brothers Stumm, German industrialists who decided to implement their activity there. Faced with high productivity, two other high-ends will be built in 1904. The rise of the factory in Uckange continues to reach its peak in the 1960s-1980s. At that time, the high-ends represent the symbol of the economic growth of the eastern region of France.

From the 1980s, industrial development slowed down in the country and the factory in Uckange had to close in 1991. As soon as it was closed, the Mécilor association took the initiative to preserve this heritage which was part of the rare monuments of steelwork of the twentieth century still in condition. Ten years later, the Ministry of Culture listed the old factory among the historical monuments of France.

It was in 2005 that the agglomeration community of Val de Fensch acquired the park. After two years of work, the site opens its doors to the general public with the presentation of the work All suns de Claude Lévèque .

Our tips to visit the Parc du Haut-fourneau

Visiting the Parc du Haut-fourneau is going to discover an old factory transformed into an artistic place. As such, here are some information to know:

• Animals and bicycles are prohibited within the park;
• Events are regularly scheduled, such as concerts, sensory visits, plant observations, etc. To learn more and not to miss anything, go directly to the site of the Parc du Haut-fourneau.

What to do during your visit to the Parc du Haut-fourneau?

Evolu4

Evolu4 is a project to show you the evolution of industrial sinters. The buildings have been transformed for new uses. The project proponents had to deal with several problems specific to the constraints inherent in the industrial world, such as pollution or the bulking of the basements. With an iron will, the old factory has become a park full of life. The soils have turned into gardens, the friches into residential areas.

The Evolu4 project is divided into four poles:

• Economic: all support services, such as restoration, administrative services, meeting rooms, etc.;
• Habitat: it is a question of linking the surrounding areas to the site;
• Heritage, science and garden: gardens were created around the industrial theme by explaining the processes to value polluted soils, while other gardens host artistic interventions;
• Cultural: here, it's the circus arts that occupy a central place.

During your visit to the high-ends, you will be impressed by the evolution of the park.

Traces garden

Take a walk in the gardens of traces and go to the discovery of the industrial past of Lorraine.

The steel world is presented in three different aspects, divided into three sets:

• The garden of alchemy: four large cylinders present all the necessary elements for the development of the cast iron;
• The garden of the steelworks: which pays tribute to the workers of the factory. You will see five bacs representing the landscapes ofItaly, dSpain, Portugal, Poland and the Maghreb;
• And the garden of the energies: As steelwork is a great energy consummator, the new park wanted to focus on renewable energies, symbols of our future.

All suns

All suns is a work by Claude Lévèque who was the subject of a public order by the community of agglomeration of Val De Fensch. The objective was to allow the reopening of the site through a highlight of the high-ends.

This contemporary art work questions the imagination of each visitor of the park. Several walkways allow to apprehend the site in different ways; day and/or night. On the day you will discover the history of the factory and the men who worked there. At night, a game of light presents a true tribute to the steelworks and its workers. Use the observation binoculars to discover all the installation elements.

With this work, the factory of Uckange is permanently a symbol of French industrial heritage, while remaining firmly anchored in the present and modernity.

Activities for children

To initiate the youngest to the industrial past of France, several animations were planned:

• The lost treasure of the high furnace: a treasure hunt that invites children 6 years of age and older to discover the world of steelwork;
• The pulp explorer: As early as 4 years, children have to pierce the mystery of the high furnace;
• The free visit: A tour booklet is given to the youngest to help them understand the history of the factory.

How much does a ticket cost to the Parc du Haut-fourneau?

• The ticket to the Parc du Haut-fourneau is 3€. An annual ticket is available 12€ ;
• Children 12 to 17€ have a reduction with an entry to 2€. Within 12 years, the entrance is free ;
• If you want to visit the Parc du Haut-fourneau with an audio guide, you will have to plan a supplement 2€.

How do I book a ticket for the Parc du Haut-fourneau online?

Online reservation is very simple. Just go directly to the site and indicate your personal details (name, first name, phone number, email).

Then the site asks you some questions to facilitate the visit:

• What kind of visit do you want to do? Guided in French or German, birthday, unusual, U4 live?
• What is the number of adults? The number of children?

Are there guided tours of the Parc du Haut-fourneau?

There are guided tours whose schedules vary depending on the period of the year:

• April 1st to November 1st: only weekends and holidays between 14:15 and 16:30 ;
• From 15 June to 31 August: night tour 9 p.m. ;
• From July 9 to August 27: Tuesdays to 3 p.m..

Are there combined visits with other monuments in Thionville?

There is no combined visit with other monuments of the Thionvillois Country.

Opening hours

Free visits are possible 1 April to 1 November . Hours vary depending on the season:

1 April to 14 June and 1 September to 1 November:

• Tuesday and Friday: from 10am to 6:30pm ;
• Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 14h to 6h30.

From 15 June to 31 August:

• Tuesday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ;
• Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 14h to 19h ;
• Saturday: 14:00 to midnight.

Night visits take you to the discovery of Claude Lévèque’s work. These are possible every Saturday 19:00 to midnight .

How do I access the Parc du Haut-fourneau?

Located in Uckange, you can access the park in different ways:

• By car: take itA30 and go out to Uckange;
• By train: Uckange stop is just 600 metres from the entrance;
• With the bus: from Thionville, two buses allow you to access the park: Citéline, line 18, descending to the street stop of the ferry / TIM, line 49 down to the Uckange stop

Where to park near the high-end park?

Free parking is available to park a few metres from the park entrance.

Where to stay near the Parc du Haut-fourneau?

To be close to the park, live directly in Uckange, which is part of the Thionvillois country. If you want more animations, Thionville is the perfect place. You will discover all the sights of the city through a heritage plan.

The edges of Moselle, Napoleon Park and Wilson Park in the German quarters are an excellent mix of architecture and nature. You can also visit the Château de la Grange which presents the history of the region.

From now on, visiting the Parc du Haut-fourneau is a children’s game. Only to enjoy the places. Good visit!