Discover Metz: France’s Golden City of Art, Cathedrals and Riverside Charm

Explore the best things to do in Metz, from the Centre Pompidou-Metz and its luminous Gothic cathedral to medieval squares, canals, and riverside gardens.

Tourism Tickets France Metz

Neighborhoods

Vieille Ville, Quartier Impérial, Outre-Seille

Quartier des Îles, Nouvelle Ville, Le Sablon

Vieille Ville for first-time visitors

Signature Sights

Marvel at the golden Cathédrale Saint-Étienne and its Chagall stained glass, explore contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, wander the arcades of Place Saint-Louis, and cross the medieval Porte des Allemands before discovering Metz’s gardens, canals, and riverside walks.

Best Time Windows

Late spring (May–Jun) and early autumn (Sep–Oct) bring mild weather and quiet streets ideal for sightseeing. Summer fills the squares with terraces and festivals, while December transforms the city with one of France’s most beautiful Christmas markets.

Getting Around

The compact old town is best explored on foot

Mettis trams and Le Met’ buses cover the wider city

Bike-share and riverside paths link the main sights

Food & Nightlife

Quiche lorraine, potée lorraine, and mirabelle plum tarts

Place Saint-Jacques and Outre-Seille dining districts

Art nouveau brasseries, wine bars, and lively terraces

Seasonal Highlights

Spring blossom along the Moselle and garden cafés

Summer festivals, river cruises, and open-air concerts

Winter Christmas market and festive illuminations

Side Trips

Nancy, Luxembourg City, Verdun

Saarbrücken and Trier across the German border

Moselle wine route and riverside villages

Famous Metz City Spots

Zoo d'Amnéville Tickets

Things to Do in Metz

Gothic Splendour & Stained Glass

Step inside the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, one of the tallest cathedrals in Europe and home to the largest expanse of stained glass in the world. Nicknamed 'La Lanterne du Bon Dieu' (the Lord's Lantern), it glows with windows by Gothic and Renaissance masters alongside modern works by Marc Chagall and Jacques Villon.

Contemporary Art & Bold Architecture

The Centre Pompidou-Metz, sister institution to the famous Paris museum, is one of France's leading contemporary art venues. Admire its striking Shigeru Ban roof, explore rotating world-class exhibitions, and wander the modern Quartier de l'Amphithéâtre that has grown up around it.

Medieval Streets, Squares & Fortifications

Discover Metz's rich history on foot. Admire the arcaded houses of Place Saint-Louis, cross the medieval Porte des Allemands — the last fortified castle bridge in France — and relax on the lively Place d'Armes and Place Saint-Jacques in the heart of the golden old town.

Gardens, Rivers & Outdoor Metz

Metz is a city of water and greenery. Take a boat trip on the Moselle, stroll the Plan d'Eau and the island quarter, relax in the Esplanade gardens, and enjoy the romantic canals and tree-lined banks that earned Metz its reputation as one of France's greenest cities.

Food, Markets & Local Flavours

Savour the flavours of Lorraine in Metz's covered market (Marché Couvert) and its many brasseries. Try authentic quiche lorraine, hearty potée lorraine, and desserts made with the region's prized golden mirabelle plums, paired with local Moselle wines in an art nouveau setting.

Metz Neighborhoods

Vieille Ville (Old Town)

The historic heart of Metz, built in warm golden Jaumont stone, is a maze of pedestrian streets, lively squares, and centuries-old architecture. Stay here for easy access to the cathedral, Place d'Armes, and Place Saint-Louis, surrounded by the city's best cafés, shops, and brasseries.

Quartier Impérial (Imperial District)

Built during the German annexation in the late 19th century, the Quartier Impérial showcases grand Wilhelminian architecture along Avenue Foch and around the monumental Metz-Ville railway station. This striking, eclectic district is one of the most distinctive parts of the city.

Quartier Outre-Seille

One of Metz's most characterful neighbourhoods, Outre-Seille blends bohemian charm with independent boutiques, artisan workshops, cosy bars, and the church of Saint-Maximin. It's the place to wander narrow streets and discover the city's creative, local side.

Quartier des Îles

Set among the channels of the Moselle, the island quarter is Metz's most romantic area, with canals, leafy banks, and the elegant Temple Neuf rising from the water. It's perfect for tranquil walks, photography, and waterside relaxation near the Plan d'Eau.

Nouvelle Ville

Laid out in the early 20th century, the Nouvelle Ville features wide boulevards, elegant residential architecture, and lively shopping streets. It bridges the historic centre and the modern districts, offering a relaxed, authentic slice of everyday Metz life.

Le Sablon

A lively, well-connected district just south of the centre, Le Sablon is known for its local restaurants, neighbourhood atmosphere, and easy access to the Centre Pompidou-Metz and the modern Amphithéâtre quarter. A great base for travellers seeking value and convenience.

How to Get to Metz

Airport
Train
Bus
Car

Metz has no major commercial airport of its own, so most visitors arrive via nearby hubs. The closest options are Metz–Nancy–Lorraine Airport (around 25 km south) for limited domestic flights, plus Luxembourg Findel and the Paris airports for international arrivals. Getting to the city centre:

Lorraine TGV station High-speed shuttle to Metz-Ville in about 30 minutes
Luxembourg Findel Around 1 hour from Metz by car or shuttle
Paris CDG TGV to Lorraine TGV in ~1h10, then shuttle to Metz
Taxi/Rideshare Metz–Nancy–Lorraine Airport is about 30 minutes by road

Plan your perfect Metz City itinerary

Metz in One Day

We recommend: Metz Highlights in a Day

Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, Place d'Armes, and Place Saint-Louis
Explore the Centre Pompidou-Metz and the Quartier de l'Amphithéâtre
Finish with a riverside stroll along the Moselle and Plan d'Eau

Art & Architecture Metz

We recommend: Metz Culture Itinerary

Spend time with rotating exhibitions at the Centre Pompidou-Metz
See the Chagall stained glass in the cathedral and the Musée de la Cour d'Or
Admire the Wilhelminian architecture of the Quartier Impérial

Medieval & Historic Metz

We recommend: Metz Heritage Walk

Cross the Porte des Allemands and the old city fortifications
Wander the Place Saint-Louis arcades and the golden Vieille Ville
Discover the Temple Neuf and the romantic island quarter

Food & Local Flavours

We recommend: Metz Gastronomy Trail

Browse the Marché Couvert for seasonal Moselle produce
Taste quiche lorraine, potée, and mirabelle plum desserts
Relax in art nouveau brasseries and local wine bars

Beyond Metz: Day Trips

We recommend: Best Day Trips from Metz

Discover Nancy's Place Stanislas and art nouveau heritage
Visit Luxembourg City and the Verdun battlefields
Cross into Germany for Saarbrücken, Trier, and the Moselle wine route

Beyond Metz City: Best Day Trips & Nearby Escapes

Nancy

Just 30–40 minutes by train from Metz, Nancy is famous for its UNESCO-listed Place Stanislas and its rich art nouveau heritage. Admire gilded gates, grand squares, and the École de Nancy's decorative arts in one of eastern France's most elegant cities.

Luxembourg City

Around 45 minutes away by train, Luxembourg City is an easy international day trip. Explore its dramatic fortifications and Unesco-listed old town, the Bock casemates, and lively squares — with free public transport throughout the country making it simple to get around.

Verdun

A moving day trip into history, Verdun is home to some of the most significant First World War battlefields and memorials in France. Visit the Douaumont Ossuary, fortified sites, and the Verdun Memorial Museum to understand this pivotal chapter of European history.

Saarbrücken

Just across the German border about an hour away, Saarbrücken offers baroque architecture, riverside promenades along the Saar, and a relaxed café culture. It's a great way to add a taste of Germany to your Metz trip.

Trier

Germany's oldest city, Trier, lies a short drive or train ride from Metz and is packed with remarkable Roman monuments. Marvel at the Porta Nigra, Roman baths, and amphitheatre, set in a charming town on the banks of the Moselle.

Moselle Wine Route

Follow the Route des Vins de Moselle through rolling vineyards just outside Metz. Tour family wineries, sample crisp local whites and the region's famous mirabelle eaux-de-vie, and enjoy countryside landscapes along the river valley.

FAQs About Visiting Metz City

What is the best time to visit Metz?

The best time to visit Metz is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and the streets are pleasantly quiet for sightseeing. Summer fills the squares with terraces and festivals, while December brings one of France's most beautiful Christmas markets.

How many days do you need in Metz?

One to two days is enough to enjoy the main things to do in Metz, including the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, the Centre Pompidou-Metz, and the golden old town. Add an extra day or two if you want to take day trips to Nancy, Luxembourg City, or the Verdun battlefields.

What are the top things to do in Metz?

Top things to do in Metz include visiting the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne with its Chagall stained glass, exploring contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, relaxing on Place Saint-Louis, crossing the medieval Porte des Allemands, admiring the Quartier Impérial, and strolling along the Moselle riverside.

How do you get to Metz?

Metz is easy to reach by train, with TGV services from Paris (Gare de l'Est) in about 1h25, and frequent connections from Luxembourg City (around 45 minutes) and Nancy. International travellers can fly into Luxembourg Findel or Paris and continue via the Lorraine TGV station, while drivers reach Metz via the A4 and A31 motorways.

What is the best way to get around Metz?

Metz's compact old town is easily explored on foot, with most major sights within walking distance of each other. For the wider city, the modern Mettis trams and Le Met' buses are punctual and easy to use, and bike-share and riverside paths make active sightseeing simple.

What are the best day trips from Metz?

Popular day trips from Metz include Nancy and its UNESCO-listed Place Stanislas, Luxembourg City, the Verdun battlefields, and the German cities of Saarbrücken and Trier. Wine lovers can also follow the Route des Vins de Moselle through nearby vineyards.

Is the Centre Pompidou-Metz worth visiting?

Yes. As the sister institution of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is one of France's leading contemporary art museums, known for its striking Shigeru Ban architecture and rotating world-class exhibitions. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for major shows.

Is Metz worth visiting?

Absolutely. Metz combines a luminous Gothic cathedral, cutting-edge contemporary art, golden-stone medieval streets, romantic canals, and excellent regional food. Its central location near Luxembourg and Germany also makes it a perfect base for exploring north-eastern France.