Clervaux
Geographical area
The municipality of Clervaux (in French: Clervaux) is a municipality in the north-east of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Located in the heart of the Luxembourg Ardennes, the municipality of Clervaux comprises 17 charming and picturesque villages. In the northeast the municipality of Clervaux meets Belgium, in the east the river “Our” forms the border with Germany. The surface of the municipality of Clervaux is 85.6096 km2, which corresponds to 3.31% of the total area of the Grand Duchy. In terms of area, Clervaux is the second largest municipality in Luxembourg.
Heritage
The ensemble of the medieval castle of Clervaux, together with the parish church and the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Maurice, is characteristic of the townscape of the town of Clervaux. Clervaux Castle, in particular, has shaped the image of the municipality of Clervaux, not least because of the settlement of well-known permanent art exhibitions. The castle not only houses the Clervaux municipal administration, but also 3 collections: the exhibition of models of the castles and palaces of Luxembourg, the Museum of the Battle of the Bulge and the famous photography exhibition "The Family of Man" by Edward Steichen, which is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List will. “Clervaux - cité de l’image”, a contemporary outdoor photo exhibition, highlights the little town Clervaux all the year with new themes open to be visited by everyone.
Discover more about Clervaux on www.clervaux.lu or www.visit-clervaux.lu
Economy
Located and related to the Natural Park Our, the municipality of Clervaux supports the concept of sustainable product range diversification through its consultancy service for “Regional Products”, which also helps the agricultural entrepreneurs of the region to market new products.
For example: The Zero Kilometer Climate Pact Plate: this is a pilot project to raise the awareness of local restaurateurs for the potential impact of their menus on the ecology.
The kitchen of the Robbesscheier Nature Experience Centre in Munshausen (10 min. from Clervaux) serves regional products and delicacies that were made from home-grown vegetables, herbs and potatoes. Even some of their meat dishes were made from animals bred on the center’s own premises.
Presence of Slow Food presidia
Slowfood Luxembourg
Indications of one or more requirements and/or Projects already implemented among the most significative ones which express of being Cittaslow.
The climate commitment of the municipality of Clervaux became the guide for all municipal projects and considerations. In 2022, the municipality's efforts were confirmed with a certification of 83.2%. Clervaux is thus among the 71 best European Gold municipalities out of more than 1700 participating municipalities. In this context, the implementation of the public lighting master plan should be listed as a "best practice", with replacement of the outdated lighting technology in public spaces with sustainable LED lighting systems. This lighting significantly reduces light emissions and counteracts light pollution. In addition, all public lighting will be dimmed for the night.
The municipality of Clervaux is committed to enhancing the local history and developing the public spaces of its villages. The history of the town and its surroundings serves as a potential for development. It is a matter of aiming at a careful urban renewal and promoting a sustainable urban development. In this context, Clervaux has worked to promote, in close collaboration with the Our Nature Park, the revival of the historic former wildlife park in Clervaux. The project revives the historical heritage together with the nature park and the forester through the planning and implementation of a circuit through the former game park of the counts.
The opening is planned for spring 2023.
The municipality of Clervaux invests its efforts in the heritage of future generations. Unlike the rhythms of a big city, which are often considered too fast, a Cittaslow is a city where you can find tranquility and which bases its image on gastronomy, local products and its heritage. Sustainable agriculture, crafts and tourism are important areas to define a community where it is good to live.
The project "Climate Pacte plate 0 km" is a "best practice" example. Here, the local gastronomy is encouraged to offer a menu with products from own or local cultivation. This is the aim of the name "0 km". In doing so, the project strengthens local restaurants' awareness of the environmental impact of menu items.
Indications of any project organized together with other cities/call etc..
Clervaux has many years of cooperation and exchanges with the Cittaslow municipality of Eijsden-Margraten in the Netherlands. And looks forward to strengthen the relations with the city of Deidesheim in Germany and the city of Horn in Austria.
Additional items:
Main events
- Luxembourg Museum Days, on May 20th & 21th 2022
During the third weekend in May, visitors can discover museums across the country and Luxembourg's museum heritage for free. The castle of Clervaux opens its doors this weekend from 10 am to 6 pm with free admission to the historical museums and the exhibition of the Edward Steichen photographic collection "The Family of Man." - International Trombone Competition, April 12th to 16th
- The auditions of the 62 participants, internationally renowned trombonists, take place at the Edward Steichen High School and are open to the public. Admission is free.
- The final will take place on April 16 in the Cube521 House of Culture in Marnach. https://www.michelbecquet.fr/
- Summer Castle Festival, July 14th to August 6st 2023
Over four summer weekends (always on Friday and Saturday evenings) will be held against the backdrop of the historic castle of Clerf, an extensive series of concerts and performances. The festival is open to all styles of music: reggae, punk, jazz, pop, country, electro, indie pop, funky rock, ... The festival is dedicated to young promising bands and artists from Luxembourg. Free entry. - VëloViaNorden, national Cycling Initiative, July 29th & 30th, August 5th & 6th and 12th & 13th
On 3 weekends in the summer (Saturday and Sunday) the tourist communities of the North of Luxembourg: Kiischpelt, Clervaux, Weiswampach, Troisvierges and Wincrange reserve a road section of about 30 km for cyclists. www.velovianorden.lu
Fairs and Markets
- Traditional fresh Market in Clervaux centre, every third Thursday of the month (from March to October)
- Easter Market in Clervaux centre, on Monday, April 10th 2023
- Local Fair in Clervaux centre, on September 1st to 4th 2023
- Outdoor Seasonal Clearance Sale, in Clervaux centre, September 10th 2023
- “Haupeschmaart“, traditional spirited market of regional products, in Munshausen, November 12th 2023
- Christmas Market, December 10th 2023
Typical Products
Ourdaller products, grown and processed in the Our valley nature park in northern Luxembourg, in Kalborn (municipality of Clervaux)
https://www.ourdaller.lu/
A selection of fresh products such as cheese, bread and sausages are produced entirely at "La Ferme de Drauffelt". The farm is located in Drauffelt (municipality of Clervaux).
https://www.lafermededrauffelt.com/
Beer lovers will appreciate the fact that the Our valley brewery produces 4 unique beers, including an absolutely exceptional buckwheat beer. Produced in Heinerscheid, at Cornelyshaff (municipality of Clervaux).
https://en.cornelyshaff.lu/brasserie-ourdaller
Representatives of Cittaslow:
Mayor and member of the Chamber of Deputies, Emile Eicher
emile.eicher@clervaux.lu
City Manager Clervaux, Nadine Nicks
city.management@clervaux.lu
PHOTO GALLERY