Metz

Metz is in the Grand-Est region of France and in the Moselle departement that borders Luxembourg and Germany.

Understand
Due to its German heritage and military tradition, Metz has yet to earn much respect in the eyes of the French. Most of the criticism about Metz is clichéd and unwarranted; in fact, Strasbourg has stronger German heritage yet has been overwhelmingly embraced by the French and visitors alike.

Metz and the rest of the region offer much to view of historical interest, as well as a well-rounded shopping scene, ranging from the low- to high-end and including a great Saturday farmers' market.

History and name
This location has been inhabited from the days of early man, and was subsequently settled and fought over too many times to name. The first known permanent settlers in the area were a Celtic tribe known as the Mediomatrici. They found that the area was rich in resources, and supposed it easier to defend, as the confluence of the Seille and Moselle rivers created several islands at this spot. The area became known as the Oppidum of the Medioatrici until the Greco-Roman times, when the city was incorporated into the Roman Empire and become known as Divodurum Mediomatricum, meaning the "Holy Fortress of the Mediomatric". Later, the name evolved to Mediometrix. In the 5th century the name evolved into 'Mettis', which ultimately evolved into 'Metz'.

Metz was the birthplace of the Carolingian Dynasty before becoming the capital of the burgeoning Kingdom of Lotharingia (855-958 AD); then it was the capital of the Duchy of Upper Lorraine (959-1233), before breaking away to form an independent city state during the high Middle Ages (1234-1552). As such, Metz was one of the most powerful cities in feudal Europe, and this rich cultural history can still be seen, particularly in its grand Cathedral and its beautiful old town built using the "pierre de Jaumont", a local yellow-colored limestone.

Tourism information

 * Metz city website
 * Metz Tourist Office

Talk
Although Metz is close to Luxembourg and Germany, locals are not fluent in German and speak French as in any other French city. The local German dialect (Platt) is spoken in some parts of northern and eastern Moselle but spoken in Metz infrequently.

By car
Metz lies along the A31, north of Nancy and south of Luxembourg. From Paris or Strasbourg, take the A4 to the A31; Metz is just to the south.

By plane

 * If you are feeling adventurous or do not mind taking your time, you can also fly from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Strasbourg, and Saarbrücken airports.
 * If you are feeling adventurous or do not mind taking your time, you can also fly from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Strasbourg, and Saarbrücken airports.
 * If you are feeling adventurous or do not mind taking your time, you can also fly from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Strasbourg, and Saarbrücken airports.

By train
If you have a Eurail pass you will probably not be able to leave for a few weeks (you must make reservations way in advance).

The train from Luxembourg costs €16.50.

By car
Driving in the centre of town is not recommended. Park in one of the parking areas (well-marked from the main roads in) and walk or use public transport.

Be aware of immigrant beggars in parking areas offering to watch your car and approaching you at ticket machines when your wallet is in your hand. Local police refuse to prevent this activity even though they accept it is illegal and keeps visitors away.

On foot

 * This is an easy city to navigate on foot as most any-place is a short walk and it takes less time to walk than to spend time looking for parking.
 * Take a downtown map if you do not know your way around, however, you will find it easy to learn the layout and will very soon be comfortable on your own.
 * Take your time and enjoy the varied sights and sounds of this city. Its buildings are varied in design, style and age with fun and fanciful details you will miss if you are not looking.
 * Everything in the city centre is easily accessible on foot, and much of the main downtown/shopping area is pedestrian. There are a few hills, though!

By bicycle

 * Bikes are also a great way to get around, though the same comment about hills applies here too.
 * If the weather is nice, rent a bike and head south along the river Moselle in the direction of Nancy or Thionville. Paths are well-marked, well-maintained, and mostly flat.  Bikes are available next to the train station or across the street from the cathedral.  Cost is €10 per day (but requires a credit card number or cash deposit of €100 per bike).

Do

 * In December, Christmas markets can be found in many places. They are the best places to drink hot mulled wine (vin chaud).
 * Drive down Foch street and check out the apartment and homes built by the former wealthier inhabits of the city.
 * Attend a performance of The Metz Philharmonic Orchastrata\ra.
 * Visit the Metz TI center
 * Take "The Little White Train" city tour (Starts in front of the TI Center)
 * Football: FC Metz were promoted in 2023 and now play soccer in Ligue 1, the top tier in France. Their home ground (capacity 25,600) is 2 km southwest of city centre.
 * Other professional sports teams include H2ML (women's handball), SMEC (men's handball and table tennis), RC Metz (rugby). If you want to see ice hockey games, you can drive to Amneville which is home of the "Amneville Galaxians".

Buy

 * A book at the TI Center for the kids that illustrates the story of the St. Clement and the dragon.

Budget
All these are in the city centre:



Stay safe
Metz is quite a safe town. Even so, it might be a good idea to avoid suburbs like Borny or St Eloy, and the old town's small alleys by night.

In the centre, some people are likely to ask you to give them some money or a cigarette. Feel free to say no.

Don't walk from Lafayette to Resam (Résidence Arts & Métiers de Metz-Technopôle) late at night.

Connect
As of June 2022, Metz has 5G from all French carriers.

Go next

 * Amnéville, small town 10 km north of Metz, that features an indoor skiing hall, a casino, two thermal centers, a zoo, a large swimming pool, an ice-rink and the largest arena in eastern France, all in the same area.
 * World War II Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial: Take Highway N-3 about 45 kilometers (28 miles) east to Saint-Avold then go north on Highway N-33 for 1.2 kilometers (3/4 mile). Open daily except for December 25 and January 1; 09:00-17:00. The cemetery is the second largest American cemetery in Europe and is the final resting place for 10,489 American military dead lost during the drive to push the Germans from France.  A monument is inscribed with the names of 444 Americans whose remains were never found or identified.  The memorial contains mosaic maps of World War II campaigns. Free. The largest American Cemetery and Memorial is in Meuse-Argonne France, which covers, rest the largest number of American military dead in Europe, a total of 14,246. Most of those buried here lost their lives during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I. It is one hour and 15 minutes away from Metz.
 * Thionville, 30 km north of Metz, is Moselle's second largest town.