Nature Weekend in Eastern Moselle: What to Do Around Saint-Avold, Forbach and Sarreguemines?

Between Lorraine and Germany, Eastern Moselle remains a little-known destination for a short break. Yet the area between Saint-Avold, Forbach and Sarreguemines makes it easy to organise an immersive weekend without travelling long distances.

Forests, ponds, industrial heritage and historic sites such as the Maginot Line: the region offers enough activities to fill two full days, while remaining calm and accessible.

Here is a simple example of a 2-day stay to make the most of the area without rushing from one site to another.

Why Choose Eastern Moselle for a Weekend?

• Immediate proximity to Germany (Saarbrücken)
• Numerous accessible nature walks
• Unique historic sites
• Less crowded than major tourist areas
• Ideal for a relaxing break of 2 or 3 days

Most visitors come here looking for a peaceful stay, but with enough activities to keep themselves busy.

Day 1: Nature and Local Discovery

Morning: walk in the Warndt Forest

The Warndt forest offers several easy, shaded trails. It's the ideal place to start the weekend calmly, walk for a few hours and enjoy a very peaceful environment.

Midday: stop in Saint-Avold, Forbach or Sarreguemines

The three towns are just a few minutes' drive from each other. You can have lunch there, do some shopping and prepare for the next day's visit.

Afternoon: ponds or heritage

Depending on the weather, several options:

• walk around the ponds
• short town visit
• rest before the big visit the next day

Day 2: The Essential Maginot Line Visit

It's impossible to spend a weekend in the region without discovering at least one Maginot Line fortification. The visit generally lasts several hours and is the highlight of the stay.

👉 To plan your visit in detail (distances, organisation and choice of fort):

See the guide to visiting the Maginot Line and organising the weekend

What to Do When It Rains in Eastern Moselle?

One advantage of the area is its proximity to indoor activities, both on the French and German sides:

• Aquagliss Aquatic Centre – Freyming-Merlebach: official website
• CGR Cinema – Freyming-Merlebach: showtimes
• Bowling Center – Saint-Avold: website
• Saarland Therme – Kleinblittersdorf (Germany): official website

Where to Stay to Enjoy the Weekend?

To avoid long journeys, many visitors choose a central accommodation located between Saint-Avold, Forbach and Sarreguemines. This allows quick access to nature walks, indoor activities and historic sites.

Which Season to Choose?

• Spring: ideal for walks
• Summer: visits and ponds
• Autumn: very pleasant forests
• Winter: Christmas markets in Moselle and Germany