Thionville has had plenty of strife over the years. Its strategic location near Germany and Luxembourg meant the town witnessed gruesome battles during both World Wars, and the post-war years were not been kind to the local industry. However efforts have been made to turn Thionville into a tourist destination, with several festivals devoted to contemporary music, performance and literature. The 11th century Tower Flea remains one of its most impressive monuments; the former dungeon is named after the legend of the princess held captive here that was devoured by fleas. The Museum of Resistance and Deportation is a grim, if significant reminder of the Second World War. On a lighter note, there’s Fonzie’s Burgers, a sort of Planet Hollywood filled with statues of comic book characters.
