Saarlouis

It is a city in Saarland, Germany, counting about 38,000 inhabitants. It is located at the border with France (20 minutes driving) and Luxembourg (40 minutes driving). It is the fifth largest city in Saarland.
It was built in 1693 at the order of King Louis the 14th, as fortification designed to defend the french borders. Being situated on the river Saar, the city given name eas accordingly: Saar-Louis. Military engineer Vauban Sébastien Le Prestre  designed  the city in a hexagonal shape, surrounded by water. Even today, there are still traces of the ancient fortress, so as casemates and the Greater Market, with Commander's office and Vauban island.
Over the time, Saarlouis belonged to France, then Germany and France again. After the plebiscite held in 1935, the city Saarlouis was voted to belong to Germany. After the Second World War was again occupied by France. Since 1955, Saarlouis belongs to Germany, and Saarland is incorporated as the 10th province of Germany.
Saarlouis is an industrial city and famous for its steel production. Also, Ford is the number one's employer in this city, producting Ford Focus, Ford C-MAX and Ford Kuga.
During the summer,the city center is full of life. Many cafes and terraces are open and rummouring of life untill late-night hours.
The town has three museums: Stadtmuseum, Museum Haus Ludwig and Kunstmuseum.
In the city center, where the Greater Market lays, raises  a very beautiful Catholic church, St. Ludwig, built in 1685, and the City Hall, built between 1951-1954.
In terms of shopping, Pieper offers high quality products, famous brands of clothes, shoes and accessories at higher prices, as well as Peek & Cloppenburg . Also, there is much more convenient options, such as C & A to attract customers through quality products at an affordable price, specially when end-season's sales.
Saarlouis Train Station is decorated with a cheerful and picturesque building and provides links to german cities and  as well to neighboring countries.
Every weekend one can enjoy a short trip, either in France, Belgium, Luxembourg or the Netherlands, which are just a stone's throw away from the city.