Bitche facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bitche
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View from the citadel
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 Bitche
Location in France
Bitche
Location in Grand Est
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Grand Est | |
| Department | Moselle | |
| Area
1
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41.13 km2 (15.88 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2012)
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5,267 | |
| • Density | 128.057/km2 (331.67/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
57230 /57089
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| Elevation | 249–432 m (817–1,417 ft) (avg. 290 m or 950 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
Bitche is a small town, also called a commune, located in the Lorraine region of northeastern France. About 5,000 people live in Bitche.
This town is famous for its huge citadel, which is a strong fortress. The area around the town is known as "le Pays de Bitche" in French, meaning "the Land of Bitche," or "Bitscherland" in German.
Contents
Exploring Bitche: A French Town
Bitche is a charming town in France with a rich history. It is situated in the Moselle department, which is part of the Grand Est region. The town is known for its beautiful landscapes and its important historical sites.
What is a Commune?
In France, a commune is the smallest unit of local government. Think of it like a city or a town. Each commune has its own mayor and local council that manage things like schools, roads, and local services. Bitche is one of many communes in France.
The Famous Bitche Citadel
The most well-known landmark in Bitche is its impressive citadel. A citadel is a strong fortress built to protect a town or city. The Bitche Citadel sits high on a hill, overlooking the town. It was designed by a famous military engineer named Vauban in the 17th century.
History of the Citadel
The citadel has a long and interesting history. It played a key role in several wars, especially during the 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian War. Despite being surrounded and attacked, the fortress held out for a very long time. This showed how strong its defenses were. Today, you can visit the citadel and explore its tunnels, rooms, and defenses. It's like stepping back in time!
The Land of Bitche
The area around the town is called "le Pays de Bitche." This region is known for its natural beauty, including forests and hills. It's a great place for outdoor activities like hiking. The culture here is a mix of French and German influences because of its location near the border.
Images for kids
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The city hall in Bitche
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Looking down a street in Bitche
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Overlooking Bitche from the Citadel
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Bitche Citadel Drawbridge
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Garrison Chapel at the top of Bitche Citadel
