The name refers to "dwellings on the edge of a bend".[5] Its Latin name is Philestangia. It was Germanised into Vinstingen, and francized into Fénétrange.
The name of Fénétrange was officially mentioned for the first time on 18 September 1070. More precisely in a document authorising the abbesses of Remiremont, who partly owned the domain, to mint coins in Fénétrange, in exchange for the payment of a fee.[6]
In 1224, Merbode de Malberg became the first lord of Fénétrange.
During the Middle-Age, it used to be a fortified town reputed to be impregnable.
Sights
The Fénétrange castle, built during the Middle Age. It was later renovated during the 18th century.[7] The building contains a medieval kitchen,[8] a well,[9] spiral stairs labelled "monument historique".[10] It also contains a catholic gothic chapel constructed in 1584.[11]
The Saint-Rémy gothic collegiate church. It was labelled "monument historique" in 1930.[12]
The former synagogue
The Lutheran Church
The remains of the ramparts
The former Bailiff's House
The "Porte de France", an ancient fortified gate
Oriel windows, located 78, rue de l'Hôpital and 35, rue des Juifs are labelled "monuments historiques".[13][14]
The bridge
Saint-Remy Church.
The castle
Oriel window located Rue de l'Hôpital
Porte de France
Cultural events and festivities
Since 1978, an annual music and gastronomy festival takes place in Fénétrange. It is known as "Festival de Fénétrange, musique et gastronomie"
Fénétrange is one of the few French localities where a night watchman still exists, thus perpetuating a medieval tradition. From July to September, the visitors can follow the watchman, in his medieval attire, during his night patrol.
Every year, from late November to early January, several winter festivities occur in Fénétrange. One of them, is the traditional Christmas market.
