Rodemack lies in the far northeast of France, in the Moselle department, part of the historic Lorraine region and today belonging to Grand Est. The village is close to Luxembourg and Germany, making it a convenient stop on the way to Alsace or the Vosges or even if you are continuing towards the Black Forest just across the German border. Thanks to its 700-meter-long ramparts, Rodemack is often called Petite Carcassonne Lorraine (the Little Carcassonne of Lorraine). The city gate and the citadel have also been largely preserved, which helped earn Rodemack a place on the prestigious list of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Read this article in DutchHistory of Rodemack
The history of Rodemack goes back to the early Middle Ages, when the area belonged to the abbeys of Fulda and Echternach. From the 12th century onward, the lords of Rodemack built a castle on the rock, which grew into an impressive citadel. Because of its strategic position on the border, the stronghold was often besieged and reinforced, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries. The 14th- and 15th-century walls have largely been preserved, rising 6 to 9 meters high and stretching for about 700 meters.
Sights in Rodemack
Rodemack may be small, but there are plenty of beautiful spots to discover. The village is compact, so it is unlikely you will miss much, yet here are a few highlights not to overlook.
Chapelle Notre-Dame
On the hill just outside Rodemack stands Chapelle Notre-Dame, a small chapel built by the villagers in 1658. According to tradition, it was constructed either in gratitude or as a vow after the Thirty Years’ War. The chapel is simple in design, but it adds significantly to the authentic character of the village.
The old post and telegraph office
Walking from the chapel back into Rodemack, the former post and telegraph office immediately catches the eye. This characteristic building, with its sandstone façade, blue shutters and enamel sign reading Rodemack Télégraphe-Poste-Téléphone, is one of the oldest in the village. In the 19th century, it served as the central hub for communication in Rodemack, where residents could send mail and receive telegrams. Today the building no longer functions as a post office, but its authentic façade and nostalgic sign have been preserved. Together with the surrounding houses, it offers a vivid impression of the village’s historic core.
Plaques and signboards
One of the things I especially enjoy in Rodemack are the many plaques and signboards displayed on the walls. Finding them all could almost be a treasure hunt in itself. They are colorful panels with drawings or historical references, sometimes original pieces and sometimes created by local associations dedicated to preserving heritage. Traditional hanging signs can also be seen above the narrow streets, depicting riders, trades or crafts. They give the village an authentic feel and ensure that every corner and façade has a new story to tell.
Lavoir, the old washhouse
The village lavoir or covered washhouse, was renovated in 1862. Water was supplied from several springs in the nearby hills. In the past, women would gather here to do the laundry. It was not only a place for practical chores but also an important spot for social interaction. At the entrance stands a 16th-century Bildstock, one of the oldest wayside crosses in the village.
Église Saint-Nicolas, the parish church
The parish church of Rodemack, Église Saint-Nicolas, was built in 1783 on the site of a much older church. As early as 915, a place of worship stood here. The current church shows influences of late Baroque architecture and houses the tombstone of its builder, priest Pierre Emeringer, recognizable by the symbols of a chalice and monstrance.
The fortress and citadel
The citadel of Rodemack stands on the foundations of the 12th-century castle. Over the centuries, the complex was reinforced with additional ramparts, barracks and a powder magazine. In the 19th century, Baron Charles de Gargan converted parts of it into a residence and park. Today you can visit the remains and the park and explore the cellars and defensive structures.
The water pump on the square
On Place de la Fontaine you’ll find the historic village pump, once an important meeting point in daily life. It was truly the heart of Rodemack, where several streets and alleys come together. From here you can see parts of the ramparts, the church on one side and the city gate on the other. The elevated fortress is also clearly visible from this spot.
Porte de Sierck, the entrance gate
The impressive city gate, Porte de Sierck, with its round towers, marks the entrance to the historic center. The gate is part of the 15th-century fortifications. In 1944, the arch was partially demolished to allow passage for Allied tanks and it was not until 1989 that the gate was rebuilt identically. Today, Porte de Sierck is the striking landmark that welcomes visitors to Rodemack.
The cemetery outside the ramparts
Just outside Rodemack’s ramparts lies the old cemetery, a quiet spot that enhances the village’s medieval atmosphere. Here you’ll find richly decorated tombs and crosses, some centuries old, standing out beautifully against the backdrop of the church tower and the walls. It’s well worth taking a walk around the ramparts through the gate, passing by the cemetery. From this path, you not only see the impressive graves but also the solid walls that have protected the village for centuries.
The narrow path outside the ramparts with the little bridge
A charming short walk in Rodemack is to follow the chemin des remparts, a narrow path running along the outside of the ramparts. You walk through greenery beside the thick walls and cross the former moat via a small bridge.
Other beautiful places to discover in and around Grand Est
Rodemack is a wonderful stop in Grand Est, but there is much more to explore in the Moselle area and beyond. In Sarrebourg, you can admire Chagall’s famous stained-glass window in the Chapelle des Cordeliers, while the village of Saint-Quirin (like Rodemack) is listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. A unique heritage site is the Vallée des Éclusiers, where old locks and towpaths recall the shipping history of the Marne-Rhine Canal. Slightly further north lie the French Ardennes, a region of forests, rivers and picturesque towns such as Givet, Sedan and Charleville-Mézières.
Alsace is also nearby, world-renowned for its wine villages along the Route des Vins d’Alsace. Colorful towns such as Colmar, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and Hunspach showcase timber-framed houses, vineyards and medieval streets. Cross the border into Germany and you’ll reach the Black Forest, where the Baumwipfelpfad in Bad Wildbad offers breathtaking views across the region. Families and thrill-seekers should not miss Europa-Park, one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. Rodemack can easily be combined with these highlights, making it an ideal stop on your journey.
