What to do around Metz? 16 unmissable activities

Metz is a city of art and history, with an exceptional heritage. But did you know that the surrounding area is also full of charm and beauty? Whether you’re looking for nature, culture, gastronomy, games or entertainment, you’ll find plenty to do in the villages around Metz and in the capital of Moselle.

Rodemack, the little Carcassonne of Lorraine

Located 39 km north-east of Metz, Rodemack is one of France’s most beautiful villages. It owes its nickname of the little Carcassonne of Lorraine to its medieval ramparts, which surround the village for almost 700 metres. You can admire the castle of the Margraves of Baden, the church of Saint-Nicolas and the half-timbered houses that bear witness to the village’s historic past. Every year in June, Rodemack organises a medieval festival to immerse you in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

Vic-sur-Seille, birthplace of the painter Georges de La Tour

Vic-sur-Seille is a small, picturesque town 45 km south-east of Metz. It is the birthplace of the famous painter Georges de La Tour, whose works you can discover in the museum dedicated to him. You can also visit the collegiate church of Saint-Gengoult, home to a remarkable organ, and wander through the picturesque village streets. Vic-sur-Seille is also famous for its Vin Gris, which you can taste at local wine producers.

Gorze, a stop-off on the wine route

Gorze is a village 18 km south-west of Metz, on the Moselle wine route. It has a rich historical heritage, linked to its former Benedictine abbey founded in the 7th century. You can admire the Saint-Étienne abbey church, which combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, the cloister and the abbey palace. You can also take advantage of the village’s lush green setting, with its beautiful walks along the Moselle river and through the national forest.

Pont-à-Mousson, a town of art and industry

Pont-à-Mousson is 28 km south of Metz, at the confluence of the Moselle and Seille rivers. It is famous for its metal industry, in particular the famous Saint-Gobain PAM brand, which specialises in cast-iron pipes. But Pont-à-Mousson is also a city of art, home to the prestigious university founded in 1572 by Cardinal Charles III of Lorraine. You can visit the church of Saint-Martin, which contains the cardinal’s tomb, the Au fil du papier museum, which traces the history of the local paper industry, and the Château des Princes de Lorraine, which overlooks the town.

The Butte de Mousson

If you’re in Pont-à-Mousson, be sure to climb up to the Butte de Mousson, a rocky promontory offering an exceptional panorama of the Moselle valley. Here you can discover the remains of the feudal castle of the Counts of Bar, as well as the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel, a place of pilgrimage since the 17th century.

Sillegny, Lorraine’s Sistine Chapel

Sillegny, a village 20 km south-east of Metz, is home to a hidden treasure: the church of Saint-Martin. This 15th-century Gothic church is entirely decorated with 16th-century wall frescoes depicting biblical scenes, saints and angels. These frescoes are of rare beauty and finesse, earning it the nickname of the Lorraine Sistine Chapel. The church was miraculously spared the bombardments of the Second World War, and has been carefully restored.

Pange, a castle of romantic charm

Pange is a village 15 km south-west of Metz, home to a magnificent 18th-century château. Château de Pange is an example of classical French architecture, with its symmetrical façade, slate roofs and mullioned windows. It is surrounded by English-style parkland, including a pond, vegetable garden, rose garden and maze. The château can be visited by appointment, and regularly hosts cultural events such as concerts and exhibitions.

Amnéville-les-Thermes, a spa with a wide range of activities

Amnéville-les-Thermes is a spa resort located 18 km north of Metz, offering a varied range of leisure activities to suit all tastes. You can enjoy the benefits of thermal water at the Thermapolis or Villa Pompei spa centres, which offer relaxation, treatments and fitness facilities. You can also have fun at the Amnéville zoo, home to more than 2,000 animals of 360 different species, at the Walygator Grand-Est amusement park, with more than 60 attractions and shows, or at Snowhall, the longest indoor ski slope in the world.

Amnéville zoo

The Amnéville zoo is one of Europe’s finest animal parks, covering 18 hectares and welcoming over 600,000 visitors a year. Here you can discover rare and endangered animals such as red pandas, white tigers, gorillas and polar bears. You can also watch amazing shows such as the ballet of sea lions, the flight of birds of prey and the parade of elephants.

Walygator Grand-Est

Walygator Grand-Est is the largest amusement park in the Grand Est region, offering thrilling sensations and magical moments. Here you can try out breathtaking attractions such as Monster, Europe’s largest inverted roller-coaster, G-Lock, a 360° flight simulator, and Mistral, a 55-metre free-fall tower. You can also have fun with your family or friends on the quieter attractions, such as the ghost train, the wild river or the carousel. And don’t miss the fairytale shows, like the Waly Illuminations night show or the Walywood musical.

U4 Blast Furnace Park

The U4 Blast Furnace Park is an industrial site located in Uckange, 25 km north-west of Metz. It is the last remaining blast furnace in Lorraine, bearing witness to the region’s steelmaking history. Blast furnace U4 was built in 1890 and ceased operations in 1991. It has now been transformed into a cultural and artistic venue, offering guided tours, exhibitions and shows. The U4 blast furnace is highlighted by the visual artist Claude Lévêque, who has created a work entitled “Le Ciel Bleu”, which consists of a sound and light installation.

Thionville, a city with many facets

Thionville is located 31 km north-west of Metz, and boasts a diverse and contrasting heritage. It has seen a number of important periods in its history, including Spanish domination in the 16th century, German annexation in the 19th century and resistance to Nazi occupation during the Second World War. You can discover traces of these events in the town’s monuments and museums, such as the Volkrange castle, the Tour aux Puces, the Guentrange fort and the Tour aux Puces museum. You can also take advantage of Thionville’s cultural and commercial dynamism, which offers numerous events and activities throughout the year.

Volkrange castle

Volkrange castle is a medieval building located 4 km from Thionville town centre. It was built in the 13th century by the Lords of Volkrange, and has been modified over the centuries. Its architecture is remarkable, with its round towers, crenellated curtain walls, square keep and Gothic chapel. The castle has been listed as a historic monument since 1930, and can be visited by prior arrangement.

The Flea Tower

The Tour aux Puces is Thionville’s oldest monument, dating back to the 11th century. It was once a defensive tower, part of the town’s ramparts. It owes its name to the fleas that infested the prisoners held there. The tower now houses a museum of history and archaeology, which traces the history of Thionville and its region through objects, models and documents.

Malbrouck, a castle steeped in history

Malbrouck is a village 26 km north-east of Metz, famous for its 15th-century castle. Malbrouck castle is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture that has been faithfully restored. It owes its name to the English Field Marshal John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, who stayed there in 1705 during the War of the Spanish Succession. The château can be visited all year round, and offers temporary exhibitions, events and shows.

Napoleon” exhibition

From 1 April to 31 October 2023, the Château de Malbrouck will be hosting an exceptional exhibition devoted to Napoleon Bonaparte, to mark the bicentenary of his death. The exhibition features over 300 original objects linked to the emperor and his era, including weapons, uniforms, medals, paintings and documents. The exhibition traces Napoleon’s life, from his youth in Corsica to his exile on St Helena, via his military campaigns and political reforms.

Gravelotte 1870 War and Annexation Museum

This museum is entirely dedicated to the history of the 1870 war following the annexation of Alsace and part of Lorraine into the German Empire (1871-1918): life during the annexation, the First World War…

The activities in and around Metz are an invitation to discover and marvel. Whether you’re a lover of history, art, sport or nature, you’re bound to find something to suit you in these charming and authentic places. These are experiences not to be missed on your next holiday in Metz!

In our section on discovering Metz, admire the works of art and intangible heritage at the Metz Pompidou Centre, take part in an escape game, take time to breathe in the green spaces… Follow your mood of the moment and make your choices with family or friends to spend some exceptional moments.

The activities around Metz invite you to discover and marvel. Whether you’re a lover of history, art or nature, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in these places steeped in charm and authenticity.