What to do in Metz? Discover 5 not-to-be-missed activities!

A city of art and history, Metz has plenty to offer. Here are 5 activities not to be missed when you visit this magnificent city in Lorraine.

1. Wander the city streets

Metz is a very pleasant city to visit, with plenty of pedestrianised streets to wander around. There are many interesting places to discover, including the Place d’Armes, Place Saint-Louis, the Porte des Allemands, the parks and gardens, the Arsenal, the railway station, the opera house and Place de la République.

Take your time wandering around and discovering the city’s beautiful buildings.

2. Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne is undoubtedly one of Metz’s best-known monuments. Dating back to the 12th century, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s a must-see when you visit this magnificent city. A true symbol, it dominates Metz from the top of its hill, standing 42 metres high and making it the 3rd highest cathedral in France. And that’s not all, with 6,500 m2 of colourful stained glass windows, it ranks 1st among all the cathedrals in France – no other cathedral has as much. Several eras are mixed together, including stained glass windows by the painter Chagall.

It is for this very reason that it is nicknamed God’s Lantern. Built of Jaumont stone, a local stone, its yellow colour gives it a certain presence that is all the more evident at night when it is illuminated. Inside, Roman and Merovingian elements blend with the Gothic style.

3. Take a boat trip on the Moselle

The Moselle is a magnificent river that flows through Metz. You can take a boat trip to discover the city from a different angle.

It’s a very pleasant activity to do, especially in summer! The small islands are linked by bridges, some of which date back to the Middle Ages, and you’ll learn that the Moselle once played a major role in enriching the city.

Another option: a boat trip with a full meal served on board…

4. Visit the Cour d’Or museum

The Cour d’Or museum is a very interesting art and history museum to visit. It houses many works of art dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. The archaeological section will delight enthusiasts and the curious who want to know more about medieval architecture.

This museum will take you on a journey back in time through its many rooms and passageways, which lead you to the Chèvremont granary (15th century), the Voué ceilings (13th century) and the chancel of St-Pierre-aux-Nonnains (considered to be one of the finest and best preserved collections of Merovingian sculptures on the European continent). It’s an ideal place to immerse yourself in the history of Metz.

5. Taste the local specialities

The cuisine of Lorraine is rich and varied, and Metz is no exception. There are plenty of restaurants where you can sample local specialities such as tarte au maugin, pain d’épices, crème aux mirabelles, trout au vin gris and boulet de Metz.

And don’t forget that Metz is also :

The Metz Fair

A funfair that takes place over 3 full weeks in May and features almost 150 very different attractions.

Metz-Plage

2,500 m 2 of beaches, including 2 supervised pools, are available to locals and tourists alike, along with beach games and a variety of entertainment.

Metz Constellations

A wide variety of artistic and cultural events are on offer for 2 months: exhibitions, concerts, etc.

Mirabelle plum festival

This regional fruit is celebrated each year in a flower parade through the streets of the old town.

The Montgolfiades

If you’re in the mood for a bit of height, head for the Montgolfiades in September!

Saint Nicholas Parade

An extremely important traditional figure in eastern France, St Nicholas takes to the streets of Metz at the beginning of December.

The Christmas market

From Advent until the last days of the year, come and discover a market full of colour and delicious scents. You’ll want to buy everything in these little temporary villages made up of wooden chalets!

As you can see, Metz is a very pleasant city to visit, with lots of activities and interesting places to discover. So don’t hesitate to come and discover this magnificent city in Lorraine.