The 12 things to do in Metz

You spend your holidays in Moselle and want to visit Metz? Discover with us the 12 must-sees of the city and its surroundings!

The city of Metz is located northeast of France and has been in existence for more than 2000 years. Its rich and diverse architecture, with French and German influences, dates back to antiquity. With a population of just over 100,000 inhabitants, it is considered a medium-sized city. Turning to the future, Metz is now a city of communication and information technology. Culturally and historically very rich, the city of Metz has been asking for a few years to be classified as the world heritage of humanity by Unesco. Visiting Metz is thus discovering a city full of riches and promises of future.

Metz is full of interesting places and deserves to be visited. Would you like to go to Metz and discover the must-sees of this city? So here we present the 12 things to do in Metz!

1. Centre Pompidou-Metz

Visiting Metz without making the uncontourable Centre Pompidou-Metz is unthinkable! Little brother of the Centre Pompidou de Paris , that of Metz is also a masterpiece of contemporary art.

Opened in 2010, it is covered by a bold roof reminiscent of a Chinese hat. The top arrow is 77 metres tall. It is a glance at the year 1977, the opening date of the Pompidou Centre in Paris. Its three galleries host temporary exhibitions, to show you the best of modern and contemporary art.

2. Musée de la cour d’Or

The Musée de la Cour d’Or derives its name from the palace of kings d’Austrasie . In the past, it was in Metz.

It brings together beautiful collections to see absolutely. Indeed, its archaeological section is of exceptional wealth, and that for medieval architecture is superb. A maze of rooms and passages leads from the attic of Chèvremont to the ceilings of the Voué or chancel of St-Pierre-aux-Nonnains. Also, the Gallery of Fine Arts allows to admire the works of Monsù Desiderio or those of the School of Metz.

3. The opera-theatre

To visit Metz at best, we recommend that you see the opera theater Metz Métropole, one of the first theatres built in France. Inaugurated in 1752, it is still in service to date. This makes it the oldest theatre active in the national territory.

It is beautiful and very well decorated. In particular, statues representing muses are placed throughout the balustrade. These were carved by a local artist in 1858. The programming of this opera-theatre ranges from traditional lyrical to contemporary creation, to young public performances.

4. The Nine Temple

Inspired by the Rhine Cathedrals of Spire and Worms, Temple Neuf shows a medieval aspect. Nevertheless, it was actually built in the early twentieth century. It is located in the Garden of Love. Thus, it contrasts incredibly with the classical architecture of the opera-theatre, the latter being nearby.

Visiting Metz the day is rich in emotion but, visiting Night Metz is magical! The temple is even more amazing and beautiful. Indeed, as soon as the night reaches its nose, the building illuminates completely and is reflected in the Moselle. Thus, it offers one of the most beautiful night views of the city.

5. Place Saint-Louis

The design of Place Saint-Louis, in the heart of the old city, dates back to the middle age, in the 13th century. Metz was then an important commercial and banking platform. Place Saint Louis is named elsewhere Place du Change .

Yet located hundreds of kilometres away Italy , the architecture of this place has Sienese influences. Indeed, the arcades and houses stuck between them give a very southern atmosphere. In short, visit Metz makes you travel to the four corners Europe !

6. Foch Avenue

Other place, other times and other style. Foch Avenue is located on the ramparts of the old town. This is a perfect example of the mix of materials and styles chosen by its architects during the 20th century. Moreover, often, the city of Metz, and especially Foch Avenue, is considered to be a architectural laboratory .

In addition, in the centre of this avenue, you can find a well shaded green space. It is in fact the old riding aisle that was converted into a park. The result of all this? An urban landscape without equivalent in France, and even across Europe.

7. Metz station

The Metz station was also built in the early twentieth century, under the reign of Guillaume II . This three-hundred-metre building also included the apartments and the Emperor’s reception hall. Very large, the Metz train station was designed to facilitate the transport of goods and passengers. More strategically, it also allowed in times of war to quickly move a maximum of soldiers.

Its interior architecture is as surprising as the exterior. So, don’t hesitate to visit Metz by making a tour there, even if you don’t take the train.

8. The door of the Germans

The Gate of the Germans is a true small and autonomous castle. Its name comes from the teutonic knights, or hospital brothers, who founded a hospital nearby in the 13th century. It served as a double entrance gate of Metz and bridge over the Seille River.

It is also considered the most important vestige of the medieval city walls. Moreover, it is from here that the tour of the ramparts starts. This walk allows you to discover what remains of the fortifications of the city of Metz. Do not hesitate to do it alone, or accompanied by a local guide!

9. La Cathédrale Saint-Étienne

Visiting Metz without seeing his cathedral is quite unthinkable! Built between the 12th and 16th century, St. Stephen's Cathedral is the fruit of two distinct churches.

Its nave has a height of forty-two meters is more than impressive. Also, its surface of stained glass is 6500 m2 and it is worth the nickname Lantern of the Good God . Indeed, between the 13th and the 20th century, many artists contributed to the decoration of the cathedral. Their masterpieces revealing themselves by light constitute a true encyclopedia of the art of glass.

10. L’Arsenal

The Arsenal was a military building for the storage of weapons and ammunition. Built under Napoleon III, it is now a place of shows and exhibitions. Thanks to exceptional acoustic quality, the Arsenal has become a place for music.

This cultural space also has two other buildings worthy of interest because there are also uncontournable things to do in Metz.

• Indeed, Chapel of Templars is the only octagonal chapel in Lorraine and it also serves as an exhibition room.
• Next, theSaint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains church is the oldest in the city. Indeed, it dates from the fourth century.

11. The parks and gardens of Metz

Metz’s agglomeration panels display four flowers, reflecting its philosophy. Indeed, the city is an example of urban ecology, with the equivalent of almost 50m2 of green spaces per capita. Vister Metz is discovering numerous esplanades, water plans, green parks and gardens, lush and blossom.

It is a real pleasure to walk in the many green spaces that rhythm the city.

12. Other interesting points in Metz

The surroundings of Metz are full of places to visit.

• You can start by going to Mont Saint-Quentin to visit its fortified group composed of seventy-two buildings.
• By descending from the southern slopes, stop at the home of Robert Schuman, establishing a lasting peace in Europe.
• Continue until Jouy to the arches to admire his Roman aqueduct.
• Then take full east to reach the Château de Pange And let you count his story.
• On the way back, stop by Laquenexy fruit gardens. Wine tasting tours of Moselle and a mirabelles distillery can also be put on the programme.

How do I get to Metz?

• By plane: Metz has a small international airport, inaugurated in 1991 and located 30 kilometres from the city centre. Four low-cost companies are present and provide national or international flights. To find the flight that suits you, do not hesitate to help you with flight comparisons such as, for example, Ulysses. For the transfer, many shuttles take you in 30 minutes to downtown. If you prefer, the taxi option is also possible. You can book your taxi to Metz Airport with TaxiTender. It is an online booking platform for reliable and affordable airport transfer.
• By bus: Metz is located on important European roads. It is therefore very easy to reach this city by bus. In addition, its bus station is nearby with the railway station. Indeed, you can combine several types of public transport easily.
• By car: With the A31 motorway in a north-south axis or the A4 in the east-west, it is easy to reach Metz by car. For those who wish to take their time, many departmental roads converge towards this city.

Where to stay in Metz?

Metz's must-sees are not far from each other. In fact, you can easily reach them on foot or by taxi, if envy takes you. Therefore, you could easily house anywhere in the city. However, Metz’s hypercentre is actually the place where you will find housing in number and quality. So you should probably go through one Compare hotels in order to find the establishment that really suits you.

If you wish to enjoy a typical and traditional accommodation, we recommend you book a Airbnb . There you will find many apartments and houses for all tastes and prices.

You're now set to visit Metz. You only have to enjoy the city and marvel at all its riches and history!