Gerbéviller (French pronunciation: [ʒɛʁbevile]) is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France. It is 33 km (as the crow flies) south east of Nancy and 73 km south-south-east of Metz. Culturally and historically, it is part of Lorraine.

Gerbéviller
The chateau in Gerbéviller
The chateau in Gerbéviller
Coat of arms of Gerbéviller
Location of Gerbéviller
Map
Gerbéviller is located in France
Gerbéviller
Gerbéviller
Gerbéviller is located in Grand Est
Gerbéviller
Gerbéviller
Coordinates: 48°29′45″N 6°30′38″E / 48.4958°N 6.5106°E / 48.4958; 6.5106
CountryFrance
RegionGrand Est
DepartmentMeurthe-et-Moselle
ArrondissementLunéville
CantonLunéville-2
IntercommunalityMeurthe, Mortagne, Moselle
Government
 • Mayor (2020–2026) Noël Marquis[1]
Area
1
23.94 km2 (9.24 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[2]
1,321
 • Density55/km2 (140/sq mi)
DemonymGerbévillois
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
54222 /54830
Elevation224–317 m (735–1,040 ft)
(avg. 238 m or 781 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Geography edit

The town lies on the banks of the river Mortagne, which flows northwestward through the commune. The Château de Gerbéviller and its park lie to the west of the town. Both are designated historical monuments.

History edit

Around August 24, 1914, the town was occupied by German troops in World War I. In retaliation for the stubborn defense of the town by the French 2e Bataillon de Chasseurs à Pied, and for the actions of French civilians who took up arms to assist in the defense,[3] the German occupiers systematically burned and pillaged about 80% of the town and massacred its population.[4]

The town is known for the action of Amélie Rigard. As Sister Julie, she kept running the hospice in Gerbéviller during the occupation. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1915.[5][6]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires" (in French). data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises. 13 September 2022.
  2. ^ "Populations légales 2021". The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
  3. ^ "Château de Gerbéviller - Bataille de Gerbéviller". www.chateau-gerbeviller.com. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  4. ^ "Gerbéviller - La bataille du pont - histoire-lorraine". histoire-lorraine.fr. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  5. ^ Madame Rigard (in French), Légion d'Honneur, retrieved 12 November 2017
  6. ^ Bernard, Laurence (ed.), "SŒUR JULIE 1854 - 1925" (PDF), 14/18 Centennaire Les Femmes Celebres de la Grande Guerre (in French), Ville du Pecq, retrieved 12 November 2017