Metz, FranceChillTrip

City guideFrance

Metz

Metz travel guide · Europe

ContinentEuropeLanguageFrenchCurrencyEURLocal specialtyVin chaud (mulled wine) at Christmas marketsFree to read

Metz is a historic city in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, bordering Luxembourg and Germany. Known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, Roman heritage, and golden limestone old town, it was once one of the most powerful cities in feudal Europe. The city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and a vibrant café and market scene.

01

Best time to visit Metz

mayjunejulyaugustseptember

Warm months allow enjoyment of outdoor café terraces, riverside cycling, and the city's pedestrian old town. December is also popular for its Christmas markets.

02

What to see in Metz

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de MetzChillTrip
Must-see
01church

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz

One of France's most impressive Gothic cathedrals, featuring the third-tallest nave in France and the largest surface area of stained glass windows in the country, including several by Marc Chagall.

FreeAbout 60 minculturehistoryart

Address2 Pl. de Chambre, 57000 Metz, France

4.8/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday8 am–6 pm
  • Friday8 am–6 pm
  • Saturday8 am–6 pm
  • Sunday8 am–6 pm
  • Monday8 am–6 pm
  • Tuesday8 am–6 pm
  • Wednesday8 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Place d'ArmesChillTrip
02monument

Place d'Armes

A historic square next to the cathedral, surrounded by four buildings representing religion, military, civil government, and justice. Also hosts a regular produce and local goods market.

FreeAbout 30 minculturehistory

Address57000 Metz, France

Open in Google Maps

Marché Couvert de MetzChillTrip
03market

Marché Couvert de Metz

A covered market housed in the former bishops' palace, opposite the cathedral. Stalls sell meats, cheeses, and regional specialities.

FreeAbout 45 minfood & diningculturehistory

Address15 Rue d'Estrées, 57000 Metz, France

4.4/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday8 am–6 pm
  • Friday8 am–6 pm
  • Saturday8 am–6 pm
  • SundayClosed
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday8 am–6 pm
  • Wednesday8 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Opéra-Théâtre de Metz MétropoleChillTrip
04other

Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole

The oldest opera house in France, built between 1732 and 1752, located not far from the cathedral.

Paid entryAbout 120 minculturehistory

AddressOpéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole, 5 Pl. de la Comédie, 57000 Metz, France

4.5/5 on Google

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Place Saint-JacquesChillTrip
05neighborhood

Place Saint-Jacques

Formerly the main crossroads of ancient Divodurum and the site of the Roman Forum, today this lively square is lined with coffeehouses and restaurants with outdoor seating.

FreeAbout 30 minculturehistoryfood & dining

AddressPl. Saint-Jacques, 57000 Metz, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • MondayOpen 24 hours

Open in Google Maps

Basilique Saint-Pierre-aux-NonnainsChillTrip
Must-see
06church

Basilique Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains

One of the oldest churches in France, originally built in 380 AD as a Roman bath, later converted into a Benedictine chapel, and now used for concerts and exhibitions.

FreeAbout 45 minhistoryculture

Address1 Rue de la Citadelle, 57000 Metz, France

4.6/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • ThursdayClosed
  • FridayClosed
  • Saturday2–6 pm
  • Sunday2–6 pm
  • MondayClosed
  • TuesdayClosed
  • WednesdayClosed

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

Centre Pompidou-MetzChillTrip
Must-see
07museum

Centre Pompidou-Metz

A striking modern art gallery near the central train station, an offshoot of the famous Paris institution, showcasing contemporary and modern art exhibitions.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistory

Address1 Parv. des Droits de l'Homme CS 90490, 57000 Metz, France

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • Thursday10 am–6 pm
  • Friday10 am–6 pm
  • Saturday10 am–6 pm
  • Sunday10 am–6 pm
  • Monday10 am–6 pm
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday10 am–6 pm

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

03

Where to eat in Metz

Crêperie Le Saint MaloChillTrip
01French (Breton)

Crêperie Le Saint Malo

A classic Breton crêperie with a large selection of both savory and sweet crepes, a friendly atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Best enjoyed with a glass of cider.

Price $$Must trySavory galette with cider

Address14 Rue des Clercs, 57000 Metz, France

4.3/5 on Google

Opening hours+
  • MondayClosed

Official websiteOpen in Google Maps

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04

Things to do in Metz

Stade Saint-Symphorien

otherPaid entryAbout 120 min

Watch FC Metz play in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football, at their home ground with a capacity of 25,600, located 2 km southwest of the city center.

The Box Escape Game

otherPaid entryAbout 75 min

A highly rated English-speaking escape room experience in Metz, with enthusiastic game masters and fun scenarios for groups.

Metz Christmas Markets

otherFreeAbout 90 min

Festive Christmas markets held across the city in December, known as the best places to enjoy hot mulled wine (vin chaud) and local seasonal goods.

05

Where to go near Metz

Amnéville

Car 20min

A small town 10 km north of Metz featuring an indoor skiing hall, casino, thermal centers, a zoo, swimming pool, ice rink, and the largest arena in eastern France.

Thionville

Car 30min

Moselle's second largest town, located 30 km north of Metz, worth visiting for its regional character and proximity.

Saint-Avold

Car 45min

Home to the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, the second largest American cemetery in Europe with 10,489 military graves from World War II.

Luxembourg City

Train 1h30Car 45min

The capital of Luxembourg, easily reachable from Metz by train, offering a mix of medieval fortifications, European institutions, and vibrant culture.

Nancy

Car 40min

A nearby city to the south along the A31, known for its stunning Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its rich art nouveau heritage.

A major Alsatian city reachable via the A4, celebrated for its Germanic heritage, stunning cathedral, and role as a seat of European institutions.

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