On 22 March 2026, exploring a little-known corner of Moselle, then a hop over to Saarland.
The Puits Simon quarry and EmpireZone pond
In Schoeneck, near Forbach, the former Puits Simon quarry hides a pond with astonishing water, nicknamed EmpireZone. An unusual landscape of sand cliffs, turquoise water and forest. We even went a little further down for a better look.
The headframes, memory of the mine
Right next door, the Puits Simon headframes recall the history of the Lorraine coalfield, when coal kept the whole Forbach area going.
Spring in the Franco-German Park
Late in the day, off to Saarbrücken and the Franco-German Park, already in bloom. Spring is here! On the way, a German speed camera insisted on taking my photo: the shot is black and white, and it isn’t free.
