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Metz

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City
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Metz (France)
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Practical info — Metz

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The stained glass windows of the Metz Cathedral, particularly those by Chagall, are best viewed on a sunny morning.
  • To explore the historic center effortlessly, use the free mini-bus shuttle 'Navette N83'.
  • Don't miss a walk along the Moselle river during the golden hour for impressive reflections of the architecture.
  • If arriving by train, take time to admire the grand imperial station, Gare de Metz-Ville.

🍽 Food

🍽
Quiche Lorraine

The classic savory tart is a must-try. Find an authentic slice at traditional bakeries around Place Saint-Louis.

🍽
Mirabelle Plums

Metz is famous for these small yellow plums. Try them fresh at the Covered Market or in tarts, jams, and brandies.

🍽
Pâté Lorrain

Marinated meat wrapped in puff pastry. First-rate for a quick, hearty lunch from a local charcuterie.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Marché Couvert

A historical covered market located near the cathedral. Great for local produce, cheeses, and regional specialties.

🛍
Rue des Clercs

The main pedestrian shopping street offering a mix of well-known brands and independent boutiques.

🧘
Plan d'Eau

A beautiful park centered around a lake near the city center, great for a peaceful walk or a picnic.

🧘
Esplanade

French-style gardens with fountains and statues, offering lovely views over the Saint-Quentin mountain.

Highlights of 2026

10

Metz is located at the confluence of the Seille and Moselle rivers in northeastern France and is home to a history spanning over 3,000 years. The city is renowned for its architecture made of yellow Jaumont limestone, which gives the townscape a warm hue. Its most significant landmark is the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, featuring one of the world's highest naves at 42 meters and famous for its vast stained-glass windows, some designed by Marc Chagall. A distinctive area is the Imperial Quarter, built in an eclectic style during the German annexation between 1871 and 1918, which includes the monumental Metz railway station. Since 2010, the city has been home to the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a major contemporary art museum with a spectacular roof design. Metz is also rich in green spaces and gardens, earning it the nickname 'The Green City.' The medieval Place Saint-Louis and the Germans' Gate (Porte des Allemands) bear witness to its fortified past as a border city.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C125913172019151052
Rain mm655557457065627055656877

Live webcam – Metz

See what it looks like near Metz right now.

Metz: Place d'Armes 2 · 0.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
123,914
Coordinates
49.11930, 6.17570

Facts

  • Cathedral has 6,500 m² of stained glass
  • Station planned by Emperor Wilhelm II
  • Centre Pompidou-Metz (since 2010)
  • Yellow Jaumont limestone building material
  • Porte des Allemands (fortified gate)
  • One of the highest naves in France (42m)

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Metz (19)

Metz Cathedral⛪ religious

Known as the 'God's Lantern', it has one of the largest expanses of stained glass in the world.

Centre Pompidou-Metz🎭 culture

An architectural landmark housing temporary exhibitions of modern art under a giant undulating roof.

Temple Neuf⛪ religious

A neo-Romanesque Protestant church built on an island, creating one of the most iconic river views in Metz.

Porte des Allemands🛡️ fortress

A medieval fortified gatehouse and bridge that stands as a remnant of the city's ancient defensive walls.

Place de la Comédie🏙 civic

A classic square home to the Metz Opera House, the oldest continuously operating opera house in France.

Imperial Quarter🏺 historical

A district famous for its eclectic architecture from the German period, including the massive central station.

Place Saint-Louis🏺 historical

A medieval square with arcaded houses, known for its Italian-inspired architecture and lively atmosphere.

Gare de Metz

A monumental railway station built during the German annexation, famous for its Neo-Romanesque architecture.

Basilique Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains⛪ religious

One of the oldest churches in Europe, originally built as a Roman gymnasium in the 4th century.

Musée de la Cour d'Or🏛 museum

An archeological and art museum housing exceptional Gallo-Roman collections and medieval remains.

Esplanade de Metz🎡 recreation

A beautiful urban park offering panoramic views of the Moselle valley and the surrounding historic buildings.

Jardin Botanique de Metz🌿 nature

A 4.4-hectare botanical garden featuring greenhouses, rare plants, and a variety of themed gardens.

Arsenal de Metz🎭 culture

A former military building converted into a world-class concert hall by architect Ricardo Bofill.

Cloître des Récollets

A serene 14th-century Franciscan cloister that now houses the European Institute of Ecology.

Opéra-Théâtre de Metz🎭 culture

The oldest opera house in France still in activity, featuring an elegant 18th-century facade.

Jeux de l'Ecrevisse👨‍👩‍👧 family

A creative playground in Metz for varied play.

Pass Partoo👨‍👩‍👧 family

Pass Partoo is a theme park in Metz. A handy place for family outings.

🕒 Tu,Th 15:30-19:00; Fr 16:00-20:00; Sa,Su 10:00-19:00

Ancien chateau Lasalle🏰 castle

The remains of a historic castle in Metz that was once part of the city's defenses.

Fort Queuleu🛡️ fortress

A major fortification in Metz used as a camp and prison during World War II.

Frequently asked questions

What is the landmark of Metz?
The Saint-Étienne Cathedral, famous for its massive stained glass windows, including works by Marc Chagall.
Where is the Centre Pompidou-Metz located?
It is located right behind the main train station in a striking modern building with a white roof.
Is the city center pedestrian-friendly?
Yes, Metz has one of the largest pedestrian zones in France, well-suited for shopping and sightseeing.
What should I buy as a souvenir?
Products made from Mirabelle plums, such as jam, brandy, or pastries, are typical of Lorraine.
Is Metz worth a weekend trip?
Absolutely, the blend of French elegance and German history, along with the gardens, is worth seeing.
Metz: where is it located?
Metz is located in Grand Est, France.
Metz: what is there to see?
Highlights include Metz Cathedral, Centre Pompidou-Metz, Temple Neuf.
Metz: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Metz: why is it worth visiting?
Metz is located at the confluence of the Seille and Moselle rivers in northeastern France and is home to a history spanning over 3,000 years.
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