Lasauvage Village
Esch an der Alzette
Lasauvage is a small village in the commune of Differdange, Luxembourg, notable for its unique French-speaking population in a predominantly Luxembourgish-speaking country. The village's name, meaning "Valley of the Wild Woman," stems from a local legend of a wild woman who lived and was buried in the valley. Historically, Lasauvage developed around ironworks established in the early 17th century, utilizing local surface iron ore and charcoal from surrounding forests. The metalworks experienced periods of prosperity and decline, reaching its peak under Count Fernand de Saintignon in the late 19th century, who expanded worker housing, built a church inspired by Paris's Sainte-Chapelle, and established community amenities like a school and grocery store with wage deductions. Despite attempts to revive the area as a spa and shift to coal mining, these plans failed. During World War I, mining was halted to resist German demands, and in World War II, a casemate was built beneath a house to serve as a refuge for Grand Duchess Charlotte, though it was never used due to the rapid German invasion. Today, Lasauvage retains its historical charm and reflects its industrial and cultural heritage.
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Astuce: Visitors to Lasauvage should explore the village during spring and summer for pleasant weather and better access to outdoor historical sites. While visiting, consider arranging guided tours in advance where available to gain insights into the village's industrial past and wartime history. Although the village is small, checking local schedules for museum or site openings is recommended. Discounts may be available for groups or seniors, so inquire locally. Comfortable walking shoes are advised to explore the historic streets and preserved workers' houses.
Faits intéressants
- •Lasauvage was one of the few French-speaking towns in Luxembourg, a country predominantly Luxembourgish-speaking.
- •The village's name originates from a legend about a wild woman who ate only raw meat and lived under a rocky promontory.
- •Count Fernand de Saintignon expanded the village's worker housing in the late 19th century, building about 70 houses in a uniform style.
- •A casemate was constructed beneath House No. 55 during World War II as a potential refuge for Grand Duchess Charlotte, but it was never used.
- •Lasauvage metalworks was the first in Luxembourg to process Minette, a low-quality iron ore from the south of the country.
Histoire
Lasauvage's origins trace back to the early 17th century with the establishment of water-powered hammerworks and a blast furnace in the valley, utilizing local iron ore deposits.
The village grew around these ironworks, which were owned by various families, including the d'Huart and Giraud families.
In the late 19th century, Count Fernand de Saintignon took over the operations, marking both the peak and the beginning of decline for the metalworks.
Attempts to transition to coal mining failed after exploratory drilling revealed water instead of coal.
The village's industrial activity ceased by 1978 when the last mine closed.
During World War II, Lasauvage was prepared as a potential refuge site for Luxembourg's Grand Duchess Charlotte, with a casemate constructed beneath a house, although it was never used due to the swift German invasion.
Guide du lieu
Rue Principale Worker Houses1880s
A row of about 70 uniform workers' houses built in the late 19th century by Count de Saintignon, reflecting the Lotharingian 'coron' style, each with three rooms and a kitchen.
Saintignon ChurchLate 19th century
A church built by Count de Saintignon inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, serving as a religious and cultural landmark in Lasauvage.
Casemate under House No. 551939-1940
A fortified casemate constructed between 1939 and 1940 beneath House No. 55, intended as a refuge for Grand Duchess Charlotte during a German invasion in World War II, though it was never used.
