Fénétrange (, Lorraine Franconian: Finschtinge) is a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France.

Geography

Fénétrange is located near the border between the Moselle department and the Alsace bossue. The river Saar flows through Fénétrange. The municipality is part of the Lorraine regional natural park.

Etymology

Fénétrange means "dwellings on the edge of a bend". Its Latin name is Philestangia. It was Germanised into Vinstingen.

Previous names

Filestengas ( 10th century ), Filistenges et Vinstringen (1070), Philistingis (1136), Phylestanges (1222), Finstingen (1323), Vinstingen (1328), Vinstinga (1340), Fenestranges (1433), Phinstingen (1558), Vinstringium (1675), Fénétrange (1793), Fénestrange ( 19th century ), Finstingen (1871–1918)

History

The name of Fénétrange was officially mentioned for the first time on 18 September 1070. More precisely in a document authorising the abbesses of Remiremont, who partly owned the domain, to mint coins in Fénétrange, in exchange for the payment of a fee. In 1224, Merbode de Malberg became the first lord of Fénétrange. During the Middle-Age, it used to be a fortified town reputed to be impregnable.

Sights

Cultural events and festivities

Since 1978, an annual music and gastronomy festival takes place in Fénétrange. It is known as "Festival de Fénétrange, musique et gastronomie" Fénétrange is one of the few French localities where a night watchman still exists, thus perpetuating a medieval tradition. From July to September, the visitors can follow the watchman, in his medieval attire, during his night patrol. Every year, from late November to early January, several winter festivities occur in Fénétrange. One of them, is the traditional Christmas market.

Notable People

Notable people born in Fénétrange

Notable people related to Fénétrange