Longwy

France, France

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Longwy is a town in northeastern France, located in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department near the borders of Belgium and Luxembourg.

It is historically part of the former duchy of Bar and was annexed by France in 1678. Longwy is best known for its 17th-century Vauban fortifications, which have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town developed from two parts, the old castle site and the new fortified town built on a plateau, featuring a hexagonal layout with bastions and curtain walls.

Longwy has a strong industrial past centered around the Lorraine iron mining district and metallurgical industry, though the town later had to restructure its economy after factory closures in the late 20th century. It is also famous for its artistic faience pottery, which has been produced since 1798 and includes internationally renowned enamel decorations. Today, Longwy combines its industrial heritage with cultural attractions, offering preserved historical sites and ongoing artisanal craft traditions.

Its population has declined somewhat due to the economic transition but remains an important cultural and historical town in the Grand Est region of France.