Metz, France
Region: Moselle
Geographic Coordinates: 49.120300, 6.177800
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 118489
Language: French
Metz is a charming city located in the northeast of France. It is the capital of Moselle department and has a population of approximately 120, 000 people. The city is situated on the banks of the Moselle River and is known for its rich history, Beautiful architecture, And cultural heritage. One of Metz’s most prominent landmarks is its Gothic-style cathedral, Which dates back to the 13th century. The cathedral’s stunning stained glass windows are considered some of the finest in Europe and attract visitors from all over the world.
Another must-see attraction in Metz is its historic center, Which features narrow winding streets lined with colorful buildings that date back to medieval times. Metz also boasts several museums that showcase its rich cultural heritage. One such museum is Musee de la Cour d’Or, Which houses an impressive collection of Roman artifacts as well as works by local artists such as Georges de La Tour. Another popular museum in Metz is Centre Pompidou-Metz, A contemporary art museum designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. In addition to its cultural attractions, Metz also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The city has several parks where visitors can enjoy picnics or take leisurely strolls along tree-lined paths. Parc des Arènes is particularly popular with locals and tourists alike due to its beautiful gardens and stunning views over the city. Foodies will be delighted by Metz’s culinary scene too; there are many restaurants serving traditional French cuisine alongside international options like Italian pizza or Vietnamese pho soup! Local specialties include quiche Lorraine (a savory pie made with bacon and cheese), Mirabelle plums (which grow abundantly in this region) and pâté lorrain (a meat-filled pastry).
it’s worth noting that Metz hosts several annual events that draw crowds from near and far. One such event is Fêtes de la Mirabelle, A celebration of the local mirabelle plum that takes place every August. Another popular event is the Christmas markets, Where visitors can browse stalls selling handmade crafts and sample seasonal treats like gingerbread and mulled wine. Metz is a beautiful city with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, Art, Food or just want to relax in a picturesque setting, This charming French town has it all.
So why not plan your next trip to Metz and discover all that this hidden gem has to offer?
- Metz Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz)
- Centre Pompidou-Metz
- Porte des Allemands
- Place d’Armes
- Temple Neuf
- Esplanade Garden (Jardin de l’Esplanade)
- Arsenal Concert Hall (Arsenal de Metz)
- Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains Basilica
- Saint-Maximin Church
- Opera-Theatre of Metz Métropole
- Manufacturing: Metz has a robust manufacturing sector that produces machinery, electronics, and automotive parts.
- Services: The service industry is also significant in Metz, with many businesses providing financial services, healthcare services, and tourism-related services.
- Education: Metz is home to the University of Lorraine and several other educational institutions that contribute significantly to the city’s economy.
- Retail: There are numerous retail stores in Metz selling fashion items, electronics gadgets and other consumer goods catering to the local population as well as tourists.
- Logistics & Transportation: With its strategic location close to Germany and Luxembourg borders; it serves as a hub for logistics companies that transport goods across Europe via road or rail.
- Food & Beverage Industry- The city boasts some famous restaurants serving traditional French cuisine along with international offerings catering to tourists visiting this region of France.
- Roman Empire: Metz was an important Roman city known as Divodurum Mediomatricorum.
- Battle of Metz: During World War II, the Battle of Metz took place between November 1944 and January 1945.
- Joan of Arc: Joan of Arc stayed in Metz in 1429 on her way to Reims to be crowned King Charles VII.
- Charlemagne: The famous emperor Charlemagne built a palace in Metz during his reign.
- François Rabelais: The famous French writer François Rabelais was born near Metz in 1494.
- Gothic architecture: Many notable examples of Gothic architecture can be found in the city, including the Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the Porte des Allemands gatehouse.
- Émile Durkheim: One of the founders of modern sociology, Émile Durkheim, studied at a school in Metz before going on to become a professor at the University of Bordeaux.
- Jacques-François Blondel: A prominent architect during the Enlightenment period, Jacques-François Blondel designed several buildings in Metz including the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall).
- German occupation: During World War I and World War II, Germany occupied Metz for extended periods which had significant effects on its culture and development.
- Paul Verlaine: The French poet Paul Verlaine died in hospital at rue Haute-Seille (Metz) on January 8th, 1896.
- Centre Pompidou-Metz is a contemporary art museum that branches from the famous Centre Pompidou in Paris.
- Musée de la Cour d’Or showcases the rich cultural heritage of Metz, from Roman times to the present day, through history and art exhibits.
- Cathedral of Saint Stephen is a Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Metz and known for its stunning stained glass windows.
- Porte des Allemands is an ancient gatehouse and fortification dating back to the 13th century, offering a beautiful view over the Moselle River.
- Place Saint-Louis is a picturesque square lined with historic buildings that houses many cafes and restaurants.
- Arsenal Concert Hall is one of France’s premier concert venues featuring classical music performances as well as contemporary music and dance events.
- Jardin Botanique de Metz features over 4,000 plant species from around the world in its botanical garden setting.
- Musée de la Mine et du Terril Wendel provides insight into life for miners during Industrial Revolution times through an industrial heritage museum housed in an old coal mine.
- Maison des Têtes is an ornate 16th-century mansion adorned with carved stone figures on its facade which now serves as a cultural center for exhibitions and events.
- Temple Neuf, built-in neo-Romanesque style Protestant church located on an island in Moselle River offers stunning views over Metz’s skyline at sunset or sunrise time!
- 1. FC Metz was founded in 1932 and is the most popular football club in Metz. The team has won several titles, including Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue.
- Moselle Amnéville Hockey Club is an ice hockey team that was founded in 1989. They play their home games at the Patinoire Municipale d’Amnéville.
- Metz Handball was established in 1967 and has won numerous titles, including the French Women’s Handball Championship and EHF Champions League.
- Rugby Club Metz Moselle was founded in 1908 but disbanded due to financial difficulties in 2006. They played their home games at Stade Dezavelle.
- ASPTT Volley-ball Metz is a volleyball club that was founded in 1975. Their women’s team has had great success winning multiple French Women’s Volleyball Championships and CEV Champions League titles.
- Mirabelle Festival: This is a celebration of the local Mirabelle plum, which is held annually. The festival features parades, concerts, and tastings.
- Fêtes de la Musique: This is a national music festival that takes place on June 21st every year. It features free concerts and performances throughout the city.
- Les Nuits Blanches: This cultural event takes place all night in October and includes art exhibitions, music performances, and other cultural activities.
- Jazz à Metz Festival: This annual jazz festival attracts musicians from around the world and takes place in November.
- Christmas Markets: During the holiday season, Metz has several Christmas markets that offer traditional food and crafts.
- L’Été du Livre (Summer Book Festival): Held in July, this literary festival features book signings, readings, and discussions with authors.
- Le Jardin éphémère (The Temporary Garden): Every summer Place de la République transforms into a floral paradise for this annual garden exhibition.
- La Fête des Vendanges (The Grape Harvest Festival): In September/October each year local winemakers organize wine tasting sessions to celebrate wine-making traditions during this festival.
- Metz en Scènes: An outdoor performing arts festival that brings together theatre companies from across France for several weeks each summer.
- Quiche Lorraine: A classic dish from the Lorraine region that consists of a savory tart filled with eggs, cream, and bacon.
- Tarte aux Mirabelles: Another traditional dessert from the area made with small yellow plums called mirabelles.
- La Table de Patrick: A Michelin-starred restaurant that serves modern French cuisine using local ingredients.
- Le Comptoir à Huîtres: A seafood restaurant specializing in oysters and other fresh seafood dishes.
- Le Bistrot Gourmand: A cozy bistro serving typical French dishes such as escargots, foie gras, and beef bourguignon.
- Au Petit Tonnelier: A rustic tavern famous for its Alsatian-style tarte flambée (a thin pizza-like dish topped with cheese, onions, and bacon).
- La Maison des Têtes: An elegant restaurant housed in a 16th-century building that offers fine dining with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- Chez Nous Chez Vous: A casual eatery known for its homemade burgers and fries as well as its vegetarian options.
- La Cloche à Fromage: A cheese shop that also serves cheese plates paired with wine or beer for a delicious snack or light meal.
- Brasserie Flo Metz: An upscale brasserie serving classic French dishes like steak frites and bouillabaisse in an elegant setting reminiscent of the Belle Époque era.
- Parc de la Seille – a large park with walking paths, playgrounds, and a lake for boating.
- Jardin Botanique – a botanical garden with over 3,000 plant species.
- Parc du Pas-du-Loup – a forested park with hiking trails and picnic areas.
- Centre Pompidou-Metz – an art museum with exhibitions and events throughout the year.
- Les Arènes de Metz – an outdoor amphitheater used for concerts and cultural events.
- Place Saint-Louis – a historic square in the city center with cafes and restaurants.
- Canal de la Moselle – a scenic waterway popular for boating, fishing, and cycling along its banks.
- Golf de Metz Technopole – A golf course located near the city center.
- Plan d’eau du Saulcy – A recreational area located just outside of Metz featuring swimming pools, picnic areas, and sports fields.
- Stade Saint-Symphorien – The home stadium of FC Metz football club where visitors can watch matches or take guided tours of the stadium facilities during non-match days.
