Terres Rouges: Differdange, Esch-sur-Alzette, Dudelange and Bettembourg

Are you ready for a great trip in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg? Remember to always take some warm and waterproof clothes because rain can make an appearance at the least expected moment. Bags ready? Let's go! Set course for Minett, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.

This exploration of the Terres Rouges - a region that shares a border with Belgium and France - begins in Fond-de-Gras, one of Luxembourg's most important mining centers.
Experience the past from the present by boarding the "1900 Train", a tourist train with classic steam locomotives that began operating in 1973 almost 20 years after the closure of the mines (1955) and the closure of the railway line linking Fond-de-Gras and Pétange (1964). Thanks to this railway connection, the extracted ore was transported to be worked in the Luxembourg factories and some of it was exported abroad.
The 1900 train ride between Pétange and Fond-de-Gras takes about 25 minutes. Check the timetables as they vary according to the day of the week on the Official Website. Otherwise you can also reach Fond-de-Gras by car.
Minett Park Fond-de-Gras is an open-air museum attractive for adults and families with children and is centered around iron where you can do a variety of activities such as visiting the village of Lasauvage, the old open-pit mine "Giele Botter", the station of Fond-de-Gras and the Celtic oppidum of Titelberg.
Timetable Most of the places to visit are outdoors and therefore have no opening hours. Check the details according to the date on their Official Website Phone: +352 26582069 Email: info@minettpark.lu

The elegance of the facade of this restaurant matches the splendor of its interior decoration. In this establishment that offers a traditional cuisine with contrasts of modernity, you will also find a corner of intimacy.
The chef of La Maison Lefevre works his dishes with great creativity in which there is always a personal touch with vegetables. Haute cuisine, fair price, superb quality. To awaken your taste buds, how does a low temperature braised octopus, cucumber and watermelon ketchup with spicy smoothed carrot, linseed tuile and watermelon pickles sound to you? O... a Black Angus from Ireland with chanterelle cream, buttered peas, prosciutto, potato confit and Sechuan green bell pepper?
The restaurant has a weekly menu or two types of special menus (Lefèvre and Saveurs).
Opening hours Monday closed Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 to 13:30 and from 19:00 to 21:00. Sunday from 12:00 am to 1:30 pm Official Website Phone: +352 26 53 05 04

The present castle was built on a hill in 1577 on the remains of a 14th century fortification (1310). Throughout its history it has served as a residence and fortress. It formerly had a drawbridge and moat but these were later removed. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the ownership of Differdange castle was taken over by a local steel company ARBED -now Arcelor Mittal- which used it as a hotel and restaurant for its employees.
Differdange Castle is probably the oldest example in Luxembourg of a castle built entirely in Renaissance style. Today this former fortress serves as the campus and residential building of the Dolibois European Center of the University of Miami. It is worth a walk around the exterior.
Hours of operation Open 24 hours

The Church of Saint-Henri of Esch-sur-Alzette is a historical monument of neo-Roman style that has a close relationship with the Franciscan order. Its sobriety - a central characteristic of this catholic order - and its great luminosity give it a special halo for reflection and prayer.
Designed with a cross plan, the Church of Saint-Henri was consecrated in 1923 and is a jewel of contemporary architecture and sacred art. Its entrance portal on the façade and the bronze door with scenes from the life of Jesus Christ stand out.
The adjoining building was restored and converted into a student residence of the University of Luxembourg.
Opening hours Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please confirm opening hours and masses at +352 54 30 63

The zoo is located in Gaalgebierg, a short walk from the center of Esch-sur-Alzette. It is home to about 150 animals of 25 species including goats, horses, deer, rabbits, raccoons and peacocks. There are even several species of ancient domestic animals, such as Konik and Huzule horses and Poitou donkeys. All of them are in their natural habitat, not in cages. There are also two large play areas for children and a cafeteria.
Treat yourself to an unforgettable day at Escher Déierepark, a paradise for nature lovers, and if you have children, share it with them - they will love it! It will not only be fun but educational as young and old will learn about the needs of all these species. Admission is free.
Hours of operation Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Phone: +352 2754 37 50 Official Website

Waassertuerm + Pomhouse is located in the heart of Luxembourg's rich industrial heritage: Dudelange. What ended up as an empty and lifeless place has now become a site dedicated to audiovisual arts, exhibitions and events. Nearby is the headquarters of the National Audiovisual Center.
This architectural space consists of a restored water tower (it has two galleries inside the base and the tank houses temporary exhibitions) and a pumping station that has been transformed into a venue for events and a platform for cultural exchange. When you descend from the tower the hexagonal outdoor staircase will lead you to the panoramic terrace and the tree-lined garden of Waassertuerm + Pomhouse.
From the tower tank you will see a panoramic view of the city of Dudelange, the abandoned rolling mill site and the surrounding landscape. Free admission with the LuxembourgCard.
Opening hours Monday and Tuesday closed Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 am to 6:00 pm Phone: +352 52 24 24 507

Last activity of the day full of fun, adventure and imagination in the town of Bettembourg. A fantasy world where everyone, regardless of age, will have a great time. Merveilleux Park was founded in 1956 by the Dutch landscape architect Willem Ter Braake.
Here entertainment is the last thing missing. In the Fairytale Forest, classic characters such as Snow White and Cinderella come to life. You can see on site and learn about various domestic and exotic animals from 5 continents such as wolves, penguins or a red panda, "dive" - with your eyes - in their aquariums and terrariums as well as enter the tropical houses (Amazonia and Mahajanga, the highlands of western Madagascar).
Other attractions where children can explore and have fun in the Merveilleux Park (Wonderful Park) are the miniature train, the Pony Express, the large playground, driving mini-cars or playing mini-golf.
Free admission with the LuxembourgCard. Leashed dogs are allowed in many parts of the park except in the tropical houses, the mini-zoo and the playgrounds.
See here for ticket prices. You can buy your tickets online in advance.
Opening hours. The ticket office is open daily from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. The park closes at 19:00 Phone: +352 51 10 48 1 Official Website Email: parc@parc-merveilleux.lu

In the purest style of a Parisian Brasserie, L'Atelier Gourmand is not only a restaurant, but also a bar and a wine and delicatessen store in the heart of Dudelange.
Eating is a great pleasure that requires intimacy and relaxation. That is not lacking in this brewery where being better than at home is a must. You can enjoy your culinary choices at your leisure or, if you have a chatty day, share impressions with the regulars of this neighborhood bistro with a warm family atmosphere. Simple, tasty cuisine, with quality products washed down with an eclectic selection of wines. Ask the maître d' for advice, they know what they are talking about.
They have a daily menu at noon on weekdays, breakfast options and a la carte dishes for carnivores (Pork neck with broad beans or breaded veal Cordon Bleu with mushroom cream sauce), lovers of fish of the day from the market or lost for sweets who will not resist their "Dame Blanche" (Vanilla ice cream, hot chocolate and whipped cream).
Bon appétit!
Opening hours Monday and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm Sunday closed Phone number: +352 621 291 042

Traditional French-style comfort in a centrally located hotel-restaurant-brasserie. La Charbonnade is a family-run establishment that has been open for four generations in the heart of Dudelange.
Whichever of the 14 renovated rooms you choose, you will rest like an angel. Gutt Nuecht (Good night)!