Accueil > France > Grand Est > Metz
Metz, the historic capital of Lorraine, sits at the confluence of the Moselle and Seille rivers in the Grand Est region. Its skyline is defined by the soaring Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz, whose vast expanse of stained glass — 6,500 square metres, the largest in the world — casts jewel-coloured light across the 41-metre-high nave. Beyond the cathedral, this city of 120,000 offers layers of history: Gallo-Roman ruins, a medieval old town with 13th-century arcaded houses on Place Saint-Louis, imperial German architecture from the 1871–1918 annexation, and a world-class contemporary art museum at Centre Pompidou-Metz. The Moselle river wraps around the city in a series of green islands and riverbanks, making Metz one of France's most walkable and bike-friendly urban destinations.
Travelling sustainably to Metz is straightforward — the TGV Est from Paris Gare de l'Est arrives at Metz-Ville in just 82 minutes, and the compact city centre is largely pedestrianised and cycle-friendly. Choosing an eco hotel in Metz through IMPT means you earn 5% cashback in IMPT tokens while supporting properties that reduce energy use, minimise waste, and source locally. Every booking also offsets approximately 1 tonne of CO2 through verified carbon removal projects, and new members receive EUR5 free credit to start.
Pourquoi Séjourner à Metz
Metz offers something rare: a compact European city where Roman, medieval, French, and German layers sit visibly and accessibly side by side. The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Metz, built between 1220 and 1520, is the centrepiece — its 6,500 square metres of stained glass span the 13th to 20th centuries, with modern contributions by Marc Chagall (installed in the 1960s) and Jacques Villon. The cathedral's lantern tower rises 88 metres above the old town, visible from across the Moselle valley. The nave reaches an extraordinary 41 metres in height, making it one of the tallest Gothic naves in France.
Across the river, the Quartier Impérial (Imperial District) showcases the grand urban vision of Wilhelm II's Germany between 1871 and 1918. Monumental neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic buildings line Avenue Foch and surround the vast Place de la République — a civic ensemble unlike anywhere else in France. The Esplanade park on Île du Petit-Saulcy and the Jardin Botanique de Metz provide green spaces for quiet moments, while the Centre Pompidou-Metz — a soaring wave-like structure of wood and glass designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Shigeru Ban — brings world-class contemporary art exhibitions to the heart of Lorraine. The rooftop terrace offers a panoramic view over the city and cathedral that rivals any in Grand Est.
Metz holds the distinction of being designated a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History) and has invested heavily in pedestrian zones, cycle paths, and electric public transport. The river islands — Île du Petit-Saulcy, home to the Temple Neuf, and Île de la Comédie — form a green spine through the heart of the city. For the eco-conscious traveller, Metz delivers extraordinary cultural density with a remarkably low carbon footprint. Add in Lorraine's culinary heritage — quiche lorraine, Mirabelle plums, Moselle wines — and you have one of France's most compelling mid-sized city destinations.
Metz at a Glance
Profiter au Maximum de Your Visit
Metz rewards the visitor who takes time to explore on foot. The TGV Est high-speed line connects Paris Gare de l'Est to Metz-Ville in just 1 hour 22 minutes, making it an easy weekend trip or a convenient base for exploring the broader Grand Est region. From Luxembourg's Gare Centrale, the regional TER train reaches Metz in around 60 minutes, and Luxembourg Airport (LUX) is just 60 km north — ideal for international arrivals with a low-carbon rail connection onward.
The city centre is remarkably walkable. From Metz-Ville station, it is a 15-minute stroll through the Imperial District to the cathedral. The old town's pedestrianised streets — Rue des Tanneurs, Rue de la Tête d'Or, and the Place Saint-Louis with its arcaded 13th-century houses — reward aimless exploration without a car. A bicycle-sharing scheme, Le Vélo Metz, offers station-to-station rentals across the city, with the first 30 minutes free. The Moselle riverbanks provide level, scenic cycling routes through the city and beyond, connecting the city centre to the Plan d'Eau lake and the Jardin Botanique.
For art lovers, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is a 20-minute walk from the cathedral across the Moselle, or a short ride on the Mettis bus rapid transit system — fully electric, frequent, and running on dedicated lanes. A single ticket costs EUR1.50, and a day pass is EUR4. The Musée de la Cour d'Or, housed in a 12th-century abbey, traces Metz from Gallo-Roman times through the Merovingian era; its Gallo-Roman baths rank among the best-preserved north of the Alps, complete with the original hypocaust underfloor heating system.
Lorraine cuisine is a highlight of any visit: authentic quiche lorraine (originally made without cheese, originating here), Mirabelle plums in tarts and eau-de-vie (the only fruit in France with both PDO and PGI protection), potée lorraine (a hearty cabbage and meat stew), pâté lorrain (puff pastry with pork and veal), and local white wines from the Côtes de Moselle vineyards just west of the city. Many central restaurants source ingredients from within 50 km, and the Marché Couvert de Metz, housed in a 19th-century iron-and-glass building off Place Saint-Louis, brims with regional produce every morning.
Où Séjourner in Metz
Metz Centre / Old Town
The historic heart around Place Saint-Louis and Rue des Tanneurs. Cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, cathedral within steps. Best for first-time visitors and culture seekers. Mostly pedestrianised and quiet at night. Hotels include Hôtel Escurial and Hôtel Le Péché Véniel.
Quartier Impérial
The grand Wilhelmine quarter around Place de la République and Avenue Foch. Wide boulevards, impressive civic architecture, greener and calmer. 10-minute walk from both station and old town. Ideal for architecture enthusiasts and those wanting a quieter base.
Metz Nord / Gare District
Around Metz-Ville station. Practical for train travellers with several mid-range hotels including Mercure and Novotel. Not the prettiest quarter but well-connected via Mettis bus or a 15-minute walk through the Imperial District to the centre.
Metz Sud / Île du Saulcy
The Moselle island area home to Temple Neuf, the Esplanade park, and parts of the university. Peaceful, green, and central. The walk across the Pont des Morts into the old town is one of Metz's finest. Close to Centre Pompidou-Metz.
Éco-Hôtels à Metz
La Citadelle Metz
Rue de la Citadelle, near Imperial District
A 17th-century citadel transformed into a 4-star hotel with extensive gardens and an outdoor pool. Rooms blend historic character with modern comfort. Energy-efficient systems and reduced single-use plastics. Breakfast features local Lorraine produce. One of the few hotels in Metz with a proper garden setting — a peaceful retreat minutes from the Imperial District.
Check availability →Mercure Metz Centre
29 Place Saint-Thiébault, near station
Reliable 4-star from Accor between the station and the old town. Soundproofed rooms, fitness room, terrace restaurant. Participates in Accor's Planet 21 sustainability programme — reduced water consumption, local food sourcing, waste sorting. Practical base for TGV travellers with easy walking access to all major sights. Modern, comfortable, and consistently well-rated by guests.
Check availability →Novotel Metz Centre
Quai des Régatiers, Moselle riverbank
Riverfront hotel with direct cathedral views from its Moselle-facing rooms. Family-friendly with children's play area, outdoor pool, and spacious rooms. Part of Accor's Planet 21 programme focusing on energy efficiency, local sourcing, and community engagement. A 10-minute walk across the bridge to the old town. Excellent for families wanting space and sustainability in equal measure.
Check availability →Ibis Styles Metz Centre Gare
Rue Lafayette, station area
Bright, modern 3-star with colourful design and free breakfast. Part of Accor's Planet 21 sustainability programme. Compact but well-equipped rooms, soundproofed for light sleepers. A 10-minute walk to the cathedral and directly opposite Metz-Ville station. Excellent value for train travellers wanting a central base without paying premium rates. Wifi gratuit throughout.
Check availability →Best Western Plus Metz Technopôle
Rue du 25e Régiment de Tirailleurs, near Parc de la Seille
Modern 4-star in south-east Metz near Parc de la Seille, with a fitness centre and seasonal outdoor pool. Soundproofed rooms with air conditioning and smart TVs. The on-site restaurant focuses on seasonal Lorraine ingredients. A 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk to the cathedral, with the Mettis bus line stopping nearby. Best Western's sustainability programme includes energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and waste reduction targets across the group. Free parking makes it practical for those arriving by car from the A31 motorway.
Check availability →Hôtel Escurial
7 Rue de la Petite Boucherie, old town
Well-located 3-star in the heart of the pedestrianised old town, just off Place Saint-Louis. Housed in a traditional Lorraine building with characterful rooms, some featuring exposed beams. A quaint courtyard garden provides a quiet retreat. Steps from the cathedral, Marché Couvert, and Rue des Tanneurs restaurants. The hotel's compact footprint means low energy consumption, and the central location makes a car entirely unnecessary. Breakfast includes fresh baguettes, local jam, and Moselle honey.
Check availability →Que Faire à Metz
Metz Cathedral (Saint-Étienne de Metz)
The cathedral with the world's largest stained-glass surface — 6,500 m² spanning the 13th to 20th centuries. Chagall's five windows in the axial chapel (Creation, Eden, Isaac, Jacob's Ladder, Moses) are unmissable. The nave soars 41 metres high. Climb the 88-metre lantern tower for panoramic Moselle valley views (open April–October, EUR5). Free guided English tours Saturdays at 10:30.
Centre Pompidou-Metz
Shigeru Ban's spectacular wave-like wooden roof spans 8,000 m² and houses major rotating exhibitions from the 120,000+ works of the Centre Pompidou Paris collection. The free rooftop terrace offers a stunning Metz panorama. A 20-minute walk or 5-minute bus from the cathedral. Free for under-18s. One of France's best modern art museums outside Paris.
Temple Neuf and the Moselle Island
The neo-Romanesque Protestant church built in 1904 sits on its own Moselle island — Île du Petit-Saulcy. Surrounded by water on all sides, it is one of Metz's most photographed landmarks. The adjacent Esplanade park is perfect for a picnic or evening stroll with cathedral views reflected in the river. Open-air cinema in summer.
Imperial Quarter (Quartier Impérial)
The grand Wilhelmine quarter built between 1871 and 1918. Place de la République, the main post office, the Palais du Gouverneur, and the thermal bath building showcase neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic civic architecture on a monumental scale unique in France. Guided English tours available Saturdays at 14:00 from the tourist office.
Musée de la Cour d'Or
Housed in the former 12th-century Petites Carmes abbey. Traces Metz from Gallo-Roman times through the Middle Ages. The Gallo-Roman baths are exceptionally well-preserved — among the best north of the Alps, with original hypocaust heating. The Merovingian collection includes jewellery, weapons, and sarcophagi. Allow 2 hours minimum.
Porte des Allemands
A stunning 13th-century fortified gate where the Moselle and Seille rivers meet. Expanded with 15th-century towers, it is the last surviving city gate of Metz's original fortifications. Walk along the ramparts for a sense of medieval defensive architecture at the water's edge. Particularly atmospheric in late afternoon light.
Plan d'Eau and Metz Lake
A recreational lake on the western edge of Metz connected by a canal to the Moselle. Walking and cycling paths circle the 3 km shoreline. In summer, pedal boats (from EUR8/hr), paddleboarding (EUR10/hr), and open-air swimming with lifeguards are available. A favourite local escape within the city limits, 30-minute walk from the cathedral.
Jardin Botanique de Metz
8 hectares of themed gardens at Montigny-lès-Metz with tropical greenhouses, an arboretum with over 500 tree species, a rose garden, medicinal plant collections, and a Japanese-inspired garden. Particularly beautiful during the Mirabelle blossom in spring. The tropical greenhouses date from the 19th century. A peaceful retreat for plant lovers.
Moselle River Cruises
Scenic boat cruises along the Moselle river departing from near the Temple Neuf. See Metz from the water — the cathedral, the Imperial Quarter, the Porte des Allemands, and the river islands from a unique perspective. Commentary available in French and English. Evening cruises with dinner available in summer.
Planetarium
Metz's modern planetarium near the Parc de la Seille offers immersive astronomy shows under a 15-metre dome. Shows in French with English audio guides available. Especially popular with families. The surrounding Parc de la Seille is Metz's newest green space with playgrounds and walking paths.
Recommended Randonnées and Tours
Moselle River Walk
Start at the Plan d'Eau and follow the Moselle upstream through the city islands. Pass the Temple Neuf, cross the Pont de la Préfecture, and end at the Porte des Allemands. Approximately 5 km on flat paved paths, allow 90 minutes with photo stops. The late afternoon light on the cathedral from the Quai des Régatiers is spectacular, especially in autumn. The route is fully accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Old Town Heritage Trail
Begin at Place Saint-Louis with its 13th-century arcaded houses — among the oldest preserved civic squares in France. Follow Rue des Tanneurs (the tanners' quarter) to the cathedral, then circle through Rue du Sauvage, Rue de la Tête d'Or, and Rue de la Fontaine. Finish at the Musée de la Cour d'Or. This 2 km loop takes about an hour. Free self-guided maps available at the tourist office on Place de la République.
Imperial Architecture Walk
Start from Metz-Ville station (a striking neo-Romanesque building from 1908). Walk up Avenue Foch to Place de la République, circle the Palais du Gouverneur, the main post office with its distinctive clock tower, and the thermal baths building. The tourist office runs guided English tours on Saturdays lasting 2 hours (EUR10). The district is also self-explanatory with information plaques in French, German, and English.