· FR

Metz

Metz, Grand Est, France

Discover Metz: Where French Elegance Meets Ancient History Nestled in the heart of the Grand Est region, Metz is a captivating city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern charm. Forget the typical tourist tr…

#Metz#Grand Est#France#Historic city#Cultural hub

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Metz.

Top Hotels in Metz

Top Flights to Metz

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Metz.

Tours

Visit to Metz Cathedral

Explore the magnificent Gothic architecture of the Metz Cathedral, one of the tallest cathedrals in the world.

Walking Tour of Metz Old Town

Discover the old town of Metz with its charming streets and historical landmarks.

Shopping

Shopping at Metz Covered Market

Explore the local flavors and products at this vibrant covered market.

Outdoor

Outdoor Adventure at Parc de la Seille

Engage in outdoor activities like jogging and cycling in this beautiful urban park.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Metz.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

117,000

Languages

French, French, German

Average weather

Metz

Jan

4°-1°

Feb

6°0°

Mar

11°2°

Apr

15°5°

May

19°9°

Jun

23°12°

Jul

26°15°

Aug

25°14°

Sep

21°11°

Oct

15°7°

Nov

9°3°

Dec

5°0°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Metz.

What people love

Metz, located in the Grand Est region of France, offers a unique and charming travel experience with several pros for visitors:

Rich history and culture: Metz is a city with a long history, dating back to Roman times. Visitors can explore its historical sites such as the Cathedral of Saint Stephen, the Centre Pompidou-Metz, and the Porte des Allemands, which offer insights into the city's past.
Architectural beauty: The city is known for its stunning architecture, with a mix of medieval, Gothic, and modern styles. The historic old town is filled with picturesque streets, squares, and buildings that are a delight to explore.
Culinary delights: Metz is a great destination for food lovers, with a variety of local delicacies to savor. From traditional Alsatian dishes to French pastries and wines, visitors can enjoy a culinary journey through the city's cafes, restaurants, and markets.
Strategic location: Metz is conveniently located near the borders of Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding regions. Visitors can easily take day trips to nearby cities and attractions.
Green spaces: The city is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, providing peaceful retreats for visitors to relax and unwind. The Parc de la Seille and the Jardin Botanique de Metz are popular spots for nature lovers.

Overall, traveling to Metz offers a mix of history, culture, architecture, cuisine, and natural beauty, making it a rewarding destination for tourists looking to experience the charm of northeastern France.

What to know

Metz is a beautiful city in the Grand Est region of France with a rich history and stunning architecture. However, like any travel destination, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when visiting Metz:

Weather: Metz experiences a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Depending on your preference for weather, you may find the temperature extremes uncomfortable during certain times of the year.
Language Barrier: While many people in Metz speak English, French is the primary language. If you are not fluent in French, you may encounter some challenges in communication and navigating the city.
Limited Nightlife: Compared to larger cities in France, Metz may have a more subdued nightlife scene. If you are looking for a vibrant party atmosphere, you may find the options in Metz to be more limited.
Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Metz is not as heavily touristed as some other cities in France, which means that the tourist infrastructure, such as transportation and accommodation options, may be more limited compared to popular tourist destinations.
Potential Crowds: While Metz is not as crowded as some larger cities in France, popular attractions and events can still draw a significant number of visitors. If you prefer to avoid crowds, it's worth considering the timing of your visit.

Overall, while Metz offers a lot to see and experience, it's important to be aware of these potential drawbacks to ensure that your trip is as enjoyable as possible.

Metz, located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, is a city with a rich and varied history, marked by its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe. Here's a detailed history of Metz, including its significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

Ancient Times: Metz's origins can be traced back to the Celtic tribe of the Mediomatrici. The city was known as Divodurum Mediomatricorum during Roman times and became an important Gallo-Roman city.
Roman Era: Metz was a key administrative center in the Roman province of Gallia Belgica. It was renowned for its thermal baths and an amphitheater, indicative of its significance and prosperity.

Middle Ages

Merovingian Period: Metz became the capital of the kingdom of Austrasia. It was during this period that the city saw the emergence of the Carolingian dynasty, with figures like Pepin the Short and Charlemagne having connections to the area.
Bishopric and the Holy Roman Empire: From the 10th century, Metz was a free imperial city within the Holy Roman Empire. It became a significant ecclesiastical center, with its bishops wielding substantial influence.

Early Modern Period

Renaissance and Reformation: Metz was annexed to France in 1552 under the reign of Henry II. This transition was formalized by the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. The city was a site of tension during the Reformation, reflecting broader religious conflicts in Europe.

Modern Period

19th Century: Metz was incorporated into the German Empire following the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, becoming part of the Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen.
World Wars: Metz was returned to France after World War I. During World War II, it was annexed by Nazi Germany, but liberated by American forces in 1944.

Significant Events and Developments

Railway Development: The 19th century saw the development of railways, enhancing Metz's strategic and economic importance.
Modern Urban Development: Post-war reconstruction and modernization efforts have shaped the city's contemporary landscape.

Historical Figures

Charlemagne: Although he was not born in Metz, Charlemagne's early reign was closely associated with the city.
François Rabelais: The famous French Renaissance writer served as a canon at Metz cathedral.
Paul Verlaine: The renowned poet was born in Metz in 1844.

Important Landmarks

Saint Stephen’s Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz): Known for its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows, it stands as a symbol of Metz's rich ecclesiastical history.
The Temple Neuf: An impressive Protestant church built during the German annexation as a symbol of German architecture.
Porte des Allemands: A well-preserved medieval city gate that reflects Metz's fortifications.
Centre Pompidou-Metz: A contemporary art museum and a branch of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, showcasing modern and contemporary art.

Metz's history is characterized by its position at the heart of European conflicts and cooperation, a theme reflected in its diverse architectural styles and cultural heritage.