Visit Metz

Just in case you're wondering, the tower you see on your left is the old water tower. It was built at the same time as the train station to supply steam locomotives! It stands 40 meters tall and has a water capacity of 300 cubic meters. Plus, it's really beautiful with its balcony and balustrade surrounding it. Read more

Welcome to Saint Louis Square, where the main streets of downtown Metz converge. It's a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike. Saint Louis Square dates back to the Middle Ages. In fact, in the 3rd century, the Roman rampart of Divodurum ended here. Read more

This elegant square, with beautiful buildings is the magnificent Raymond Mondon Square. I believe you wont be surprised if I tell you, it used to be the imperial square. It was built at the same time as Foch Avenue,in 1904, on the site of the old fortification ditch, to connect the old city to the new city. Read more

The Camoufle Tower you see there is a remnant of the old medieval fortifications of Metz. It's one of the few towers that have been preserved. It was built in 1437 during the strengthening of the city walls on the site of an ancient Gallo-Roman tower. Round, with 3 floors and a high roof: it was designed from the start for artillery . Read more

This beautiful German neo-Renaissance style palace in front of you is the Governor's Palace. It used to be called the "Commando General." It served as a prestigious residence for the General Commanding the XVI German Corps. But if it's so classy and looks more like a princely palace than a military construction, it's because it also served as a pied-à-terre for Emperor Wilhelm II. Read more

You're in front of the old arsenal of Metz, built on the orders of Napoleon III in the 1860s, in response to the growing power of Prussia. This military building, where weapons and ammunition were manufactured and stored, is now a magnificent concert hall. You should know that from the 16th century Read more

You've arrived at the charming Quai des Régates Marina. This small marina is certified with the Blue Flag of Europe, which, by the way, means that the place follows a policy of sustainable tourism development and ensures good environmental quality. Read more

The complex you are now looking at is the church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains. Built in the 4th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the world! If it's still standing today, it's mainly because it has adapted to the needs of each era. In fact, it has been deconsecrated and is part of the same complex as the Arsenal, playing an important role in the cultural life of Metz. Read more

On your left, is the Serpenoise Gate. Nowadays, cities expand and merge, but this was not the case from the 3rd century, when the first Roman rampart was built, to the destruction of the last rampart at the beginning of the 20th century, when city limits were clearly defined and protected. Read more

The Metz waterfront is the perfect place to take a nature break during your city exploration. You could go for a stroll around it, it isjust one kilometer, or settle down to fully enjoy the tranquility of the place. The waterfront offers multiple activity options, both sporty and contemplative. Read more

You're crossing the Moyen Bridge, without which you wouldn't have access to the superb postcard view of Metz. This bridge, built over 700 years ago, now has only one of its original arches remaining. As you may have noticed, water is an inseparable natural element of the city, which is built on several islands separated by the arms of the Moselle Read more

This little stroll along the quays takes you to the Saint-Georges Bridge, which offers a lovely view of the other bank, the old thermal mill, and the old washhouse. With the abundance of water in Metz and all its river branches, you can imagine that the city had several mills. Read more

Here you stand, right in the heart of Place de la Comédie, facing the magnificent Opera Theatre of Metz, . one of the first theaters ever built in France and also the oldest one still in operation. It's also one of the last to have its own workshops creating it’s own costumes and sets. Let's go back to 1732. Read more

So here it is, the famous New Temple! Built during the rule of Metz by the German Empire, its beautifully sculpted details make it even more beautiful up close. ! . Wilhelm II's desire was to transform the city into a showcase of his Empire, this is why Metz saw new constructions popping up everywhere. Read more

Now you're on the other side of the waterfront. You probably didn’t realize it, but you're on an island. Saulcy Island. This is where you'll find the most pleasant university campus in France. Who among you has studied on a lush island, surrounded by a river and a waterfront? Read more

You have now arrived at Place Jeanne d’Arc, which was developed in 1905 during the reconstruction of the beautiful Sainte-Ségolène Church. At that time, the place was called Place des Quatre Maisons, in memory of the houses demolished to make way for its development. Read more

The historical building on your left is home to the FRAC de Lorraine. FRAC stands for "Fond Régional d’Art Contemporain" (Regional Contemporary Art Fund). It was created by Jack Lang in 1982. These are public collections of contemporary art, and every region of France has such a fund. Read more

Do you know why the street you're walking up is called Taison Street, “taison” being “quiet” in french? Because people used to whisper: "let's be quiet, let's be quiet, the Graoully hovers over the city!" The Graoully, is the fearsome dragon you see suspended in the street! Read more

You've now arrived at Place d’Armes. It was envisioned at the end of the 18th century as the centerpiece of urban planning desired by Belle Isle in 1754 and realized by the architect Jacques-François Blondel ten years later. It's a large rectangular paved square that hosts the great powers of this world Read more

Here it is at last, the magnificent Saint-Étienne Cathedral. It's one of a kind and among the most impressive cathedrals in France. Its construction spanned three centuries, and continued to evolve until the 20th century. It's nicknamed the Lantern of God. With its 6,500 square meters of colorful stained glass windows, it is indeed the most glass-covered Gothic cathedral Read more

The cozy little square that opens up on the right side of the street gives you a perfect view of the beautiful facade of Maison des Têtes. Fournirue Street, where it stands, has been known for its stunning buildings since the late Middle Ages. Read more

This cozy little church sitting comfortably on its cobbled square is Saint-Eucaire Church. The very first version of this building dates back to the 5th century, and used to stand outside the city walls. It's dedicated to Saint Eucaire, who was the first bishop of Trier Read more

No, you're not in front of a cathedral or an old castle, this is actually Metz train station! Monumental and impressive, there's no shortage of adjectives to describe it. Voted France’s most beautiful train station for several years in a row, its extravagance is credited to the German Emperor Wilhelm II. Read more

Another imposing monument is the huge Post Office building opposite of the station. This central post office is a gem of neo-Romanesque architecture and is actually classified as a historical monument. If it's so beautiful, it's once again thanks to Wilhelm II. Indeed, for the emperor, Metz had to be a showcase of German power! Read more