City of Metz in France. Open left menu Metz
An ancient town located in the eastern part of the country. The city has a rich history that began more than three thousand years ago. Today Metz is a large industrial center, which at the same time attracts with its exquisite natural landscapes and tranquil environment, conducive to a relaxing holiday.
One of the main attractions of the city is the St. Etienne Cathedral, made in the Gothic style. This is one of the largest religious buildings in France. Not far from the central square is the Museum of Art and History, whose halls display exhibits telling about the most significant moments in the history of Metz.
The city is located in close proximity to the Moselle River; if you cross it, you can find yourself on the picturesque island of Solcy. Most of the island's buildings were erected in the 18th century.
If during the day the city is ideal for leisurely walks and sightseeing, then at night it turns into a mysterious and unknown place, transformed beyond recognition. The fact is that all the houses are lined with a kind of iridescent stone, which begins to play with all the colors of the rainbow in the light of the lanterns. Boutiques and shopping centers are open on the central streets until late in the evening, and you can also find French restaurants and bars here. One of the traditional dishes that you will be offered in any restaurant is the Mirabella dessert. This fruit was bred by local breeders from an ordinary plum; you will not find its like anywhere else. Copyright www.site
If you relax at the resort in the summer, you will be able to enjoy the splendor of local parks, where grandiose performances are held in the evenings. Each park is decorated with beautiful dancing fountains, which you can admire endlessly.
The city has an outstanding exhibition center, the Pompidou-Metz, which will interest all fans of modern culture. Its building is one of the most beautiful modern buildings in the city; construction of the center was completed in 2010. The spectacular building houses the largest exhibition spaces in France; exhibitions of contemporary European artists, sculptors and photographers are regularly held here. Thanks to its uniquely shaped roof, the Pompidou-Metz exhibition center is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
Place de la Comédie is home to the oldest opera house in France, dating back to 1753. Just like many years ago, today the most popular opera productions are held within its walls. Over the years of its existence, the theater has managed to preserve its unique historical interior.
The railway station building in Metz is also an important historical site; it began to be built in the 19th century by order of Emperor Wilhelm II. At the time of construction, this railway station was one of the largest and most technically equipped in the country; during the war, it played an important strategic role. Every day at this station, trains served 25,000 soldiers and were used to transport cavalry.
One of the most unusual symbols of the city is the Bridge of the Dead, which owes its appearance and gloomy name to the local archbishop. In the Middle Ages, many amazing decrees were issued by order of the archbishop, all of which were carried out unquestioningly. According to one of these decrees, after the death of each citizen, his richest attire was to become the property of the bishop. Expensive clothes were sold, and all the proceeds from the sale were invested in the construction of the bridge.
Metz is a city on the border of three states at once - France, Germany and Luxembourg. It is not surprising that historically it was part of different states, and was also independent. In the Middle Ages the city was an independent bishopric, then the French king forced it to join France. Over the province of Lorraine, the capital of which is the city of Metz, already in modern times, disputes and even wars constantly arose between Germany and France. After the Franco-Prussian War of 1871-1872. the city went to Germany. It was German until the end of the First World War (1918), when after the war France took over all the disputed territories. Then, during World War II, the Reich regained the city for a couple of years. The constant change of citizenship of the city greatly affected its appearance. There are traces of the presence of the Roman Empire, the Frankish State, French, German and even Italian. Only the founders of the city - the Celts and the invaders the Huns - did not leave anything of architecture behind.
Metz is easily reached by moving between Strasbourg, Nancy, Paris and Luxembourg. Traveling by train, we end up at the wonderful Metz station. It was built by the Germans in 1901-1902. It was built on a grand scale, clearly for military purposes, to make it more convenient to transfer troops in the event of war. Nearby there are several more buildings typical of Germany in style, such as a water tower, a hotel, an old train station, etc. The city center already begins from the station. Here it is unusually large. It can be roughly divided into new and old. Old - this is mainly the Middle Ages and early modern times. The new center is from the 19th - early 20th century. There are very few modern buildings and many fit well into the appearance of the city. Moreover, in the new part of the city there are medieval and even ancient buildings. If you turn left from the station, you will find yourself in, relatively speaking, a new city, and if you turn right, you will find yourself in an old one. And behind the station is the Pompidou Center (contemporary art). It’s worth coming to Metz for at least two days; it will be difficult to get around everything in a day.
Central station
station Square
Water tower
Despite the fact that the whole city is, in fact, one big attraction, its main and only highlight is the city’s Cathedral, built in the 16th century. This is one of the tallest churches in France and its towers can be seen from afar. The cathedral is open every day, the hours vary, but usually from 9 to 19. Admission is free. Most of all, besides its size, the cathedral amazes with its numerous stained glass windows, the area of which is the highest in France, and perhaps in the world. Quite a lot of old stained glass windows from the time of construction have survived, but there are also modern ones, in particular, by Marc Chagall.
Main entrance to the Cathedral
On the square in front of the cathedral, called the Armory, there is a tourist center where you can get a map of the city and get advice. However, the staff speak very little English. This is a very big problem for the city. I tried to communicate at the hotel (ibis), find out information at the station (at the information desk) and at the ticket office, and at the tourist center. The level of language proficiency is or zero and in the area of the middle classes of our school. At the central station, out of 5 people at the information desk, no one spoke the language! At the tourist center, a woman sat with an English language badge, but we had difficulty understanding each other.
Tourist centre
The oldest Opera House in Europe
From the same square you can take the sightseeing train for 6 euros per adult. The trip lasts 45 minutes. There is an audio guide in Russian. The train leaves every hour. There is a stand with a schedule. This usually happens in 30 minutes. The train quite thoroughly enters the younger part of the city, where you yourself most likely will not go and will miss a lot of interesting things. I recommend such trains in any city. They are inexpensive, consider it entertainment and an excursion.
In addition to the cathedral in Metz, there are several other large churches from the same period of construction and even much older. Most churches are noticeable by their towers. Very close to the cathedral across the bridge there is a German church from the early 20th century, but externally it copies another famous church - Speyer Cathedral. Although this is another symbol of the city, this church is permanently closed.
German church
Church of Saint Eucaire (12th-16th centuries), next to the German Gate
St Martin's Church
Vessels for holy water are actually made in the shape of a shell, but made of stone, and this is a real giant shell!
Church of Saint Maximin (12th-19th centuries)
Near the Quartier de l'Esplanade à Metz (geographical center of the city near the embankment) is the oldest church in France (at least Lorraine) - the Basilica of Saint-Pierre aux Nonnains. It dates back to early Christianity. In the East of the city, where the stinking water flows the Seil River, there is the only surviving gate to the city, the so-called German gate. There is nothing interesting inside this mini-castle, but it looks very photogenic. There are also some fortifications of the city nearby, which the French decided to tear down and turn into parks and squares. , and they made an embankment near the river.
Basilica of Saint-Pierre aux Nonnains
German gate
German gate
German gate
German gate from the inside
River Seil
What the gate looked like in the 19th century
Once upon a time there was a huge ancient amphitheater in the city, but the French completely destroyed it and then filled up the foundation discovered by the Germans.
I also recommend checking out Place Saint Louis. It is located exactly in the center of the old city and has the shape of a very narrow trapezoid, actually a street. On it you will find buildings of the Italian type, announced earlier. These are the houses of bankers (financiers) from Lombardy.
Place Saint Louis
Saint Louis
I never found any grocery stores in the city. There are only a few small private shops in the eastern part of the old city. The only transport available is buses similar to trams, but there are almost no routes in the old center.
Bell tower of the German garrison church
Small harbor on the Moselle river
Church on Place Joan of Arc
Ancient barn
City Park
Old (French) station building
Remains of medieval fortress walls
Republic Square
The central square separating the New and Old towns
Barracks
When I was in Metz on Bastille Day, there was a military parade there
Firefighting equipment also took part in the parade
And this is how the French watched the final match of the World Cup and cheered for the Germans. Throughout the city, projectors displayed images
Burger King Pizza - something new (emigrant quarter)
Confectionery on Armory Square
These plates in the asphalt indicate the direction to a landmark.
Pointer to the Opera House
Pointer to the city museum
In the east of France, in a picturesque place where the Moselle and Seille rivers merge, is the ancient city of Metz. It is one of the greenest cities in France, with exquisite nature and landscapes and a calm, relaxing atmosphere. It was named: “The City Rich in Gardens.”
Romantic Metz is simply created for leisurely walks during the daytime. But at night the city changes significantly: it sparkles and shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow, thanks to the fact that all the houses outside are made of iridescent gems. Metz is famous for its hospitable residents and delicious and varied cuisine. This city has a lot of attractions and interesting places.
Metz Cathedral or St. Stephen's Cathedral is simply surrounded by greenery. This majestic ancient building, located on a high hill on the river bank, commands respect for its scale and unusual appearance. The height of the cathedral exceeds forty meters and stretches over a hundred meters in length.
This cathedral was built over many centuries and was partially restored several times. It is made of limestone, which has a mustard-ocher hue due to the presence of iron oxide in it. On a sunny day, the cathedral shimmers in different shades, and it feels light and magically graceful. Extraordinarily beautiful stained glass windows by skilled craftsmen have also been created over the centuries. The cathedral is located in the Sainte-Croix quarter on Armory Square.
Location: Place d'Armes.
Also on the hill of Sainte-Croix, on Place Joan of Arc, there is a small, modest, compared to the Metz Cathedral, Church of Sainte-Ségolène. She is not so majestic, but beautiful in her own way. Back in the eight hundred years, the first chapel was built, which stood in a block where mainly people working in vineyards lived. This is a sunny-golden extraordinary structure, which is decorated with countless figures. You can stand at the entrance to the church for a long time, looking at and admiring the relief patterns.
Location: 14 - Rue des Capucins.
Many spreading green trees are planted along the Moselle River, and a good-quality bridge stretches across the river. This architectural structure was built back in the thirteenth century. The bridge was originally built of wood, and then it was replaced with stone. This bridge was much stronger and was built to last for centuries.
The bridge is anchored by wide columns. The arched spans with beautiful reliefs also look original. You can stroll slowly along such a beautiful old bridge, enjoying the beautiful scenery around. White swans often fly to the river, which you can feed with crumbs of bread while standing on this luxurious bridge.
In the center of the river, on a stone platform, on Comedy Island, a Protestant church was built separately from everyone else. It has existed since the nineteenth century. This is the Templar chapel. The unusual location of the church evokes admiration for the resourcefulness of the architects.
An austere building made of yellow stone with dark domes rises upward. Her sharp spiers subtly emphasize her desire for the sky. On a clear day, the church looks as if it is completely bathed in sun. There is no shortage of green spaces around the building.
Location: 3 - Bis Rue de la Citadelle.
The Esplanade Gardens are the most picturesque park area located on the Moselle River. This is a neat, well-kept park with many alleys and evenly trimmed lawns. The cypress trees here have a strict pyramidal shape, and the flowers are planted in an even line.
There are many deciduous and coniferous trees along the cozy asphalt paths. The air is filled with freshness thanks to the presence of a fountain. The park is very convenient for walking with children, as well as for recreation and the elderly. For this purpose, the park has wooden benches with metal legs.
Next to the Esplanade gardens there is a triumphal arch - a reliable, durable architectural structure that was erected on the site of the gate in the twentieth century. Previously, there were gates through which entry and exit from the city were carried out.
Today, this rather impressive structure recalls the events of past centuries. This is evidenced by four dates engraved at the very top of the arch. It's called the triumphal arch of Porte Serpenoise.
The most unusual place in Metz is the train station. The word “station” itself is characterized as a waiting room and does not represent anything special. But not in Metz. There's a train station here! There is no such beauty anywhere. This masterpiece of architectural stone construction is more like a fortress or an ancient castle.
Once upon a time, the King of Prussia himself stayed here, and it was on his order that this station-castle was built. Like any other castle, there are arches, balconies, and relief sculptures on the building.
Location: 1 - Place du Général de Gaulle.
One of the attractions is Place Saint-Louis. There are residential buildings here that are built on the arches of the ancient Romans. The square itself was built on the same foundation that was laid in the third century.
It is believed that the Roman city of Divodurum once stood here. The inhabitants of Metz began to use this particular stone to build strong houses. Also on Place Saint-Louis is a statue of Louis himself. This is the work of the sculptor Charles Peter. The author conveyed the noble expression on the monarch's face. The folds on the mantle emphasize the aristocratic nature of the figure.
The Opera House in Metz is also a beautiful building, designed according to the drawings of Jacques Auger. The theater, which is located on Comedy Island, was built over twenty years and was opened in the 17th century. It was rebuilt several times. At first, the number of seats in the theater was more than a thousand.
Today it is an amazing cozy building with a lot of arches and windows. Previously, opposite the theater there was a guillotine, in the place of which a fountain has now been built, and a flower bed has been laid out. Great lovers of classical music gather in the theater and enjoy the wonderful works of P.I. Tchaikovsky, I. Kalman and other outstanding composers.
Location: 4-5 Place de la Comédie.
Pompidou Metz is a modern building of the twentieth century. This work of art is by a Japanese architect who incorporated elements used in Chinese art into his work. The roof, curved with bizarre waves, is very unique. It symbolizes the straw headdress that all Chinese women wear.
The city is very nice and cozy. In addition to castles and cathedrals, there are also cafes, shops, and a market. So any visitor to Metz will find something to their liking.
Location: 1 - Parvis des Droits de l'Homme.
The city of Metz in the north-east of what is now France has always been distinguished by its advantageous location: it stands at the confluence of the rivers: the Moselle, which flows here with many channels, and the Zeille. Today the capital of French Lorraine, but for some time Metz was a German city. It is separated from Saarbrücken by less than 60 km. Accordingly, the German heritage and mutually integrated culture of the area constitute Metz's main tourist attraction.
The Pompidou Center was opened in Metz only in 2010, but has already become the most visited museum in France outside of Paris.
How to get to Metz
Metz shares a small airport with Nancy, and this airfield receives passenger flights from Paris and Lyon, as well as from Algeria and Italy, but not regularly. On the other hand, from Luxembourg airport to Metz it takes only an hour by car, and from Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris - 1 hour 20 minutes by TGV train. You can also travel to Metz from Strasbourg by train.
Search for air tickets to Paris (the nearest airport to Metz)
A little history
Metz's history as a settlement goes back deep into prehistoric times. There was both a Celtic and a Roman city here; in the early Middle Ages, Metz was free, then it became episcopal and, at the end of the Thirty Years' War, became part of France by law. But for almost 60 years at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Metz was ruled by the Germans, who demolished the previous fortifications and redesigned the city. During the Second World War, Metz was also occupied, and this left its mark on its architectural appearance and the way of life of the townspeople.
Entertainment and attractions in Metz
The main religious and other attraction of Metz is the Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephen. The cathedral was, as it were, assembled from two churches: the old Romanesque one and the new nave of the 13th century, which was added to it. The cathedral stands on Armory Square and is an extremely impressive, powerful and fortified structure with the third largest nave in the entire country. The height of the latter exceeds 40 m. St. Stephen's Cathedral in Metz was lucky several times: firstly, even during the invasion of Attila's troops in the 5th century, it survived - the only one in the city. Secondly, its amazing stained glass windows of the 14th and 16th centuries survived all the vicissitudes of the city changing hands. And thirdly, the latest decoration of the cathedral was done by M. Chagall himself, who created 19 more stained glass windows for its windows.
Directly opposite the cathedral is the old building of the bishop's palace: today there is a covered market inside where you can buy meat and cheese from local farmers.
4 things to do in Metz:
- Go to the island of Solsi along the Great Bridge of the Dead with its seventeen arches, built in the 13th century, and learn the history of its name. Leave the island along the Middle Bridge of the Dead.
- See the stone that covers the dragon's grave.
- Go to Amneville, 10 km north of Metz, to take a walk through one of the largest zoos in Europe.
- Go to Luxembourg for a day.
Not far from the cathedral there is an opera house built in the mid-18th century. This is the oldest opera house in the country. In front of the theater there is a Protestant church built by the Germans in the 19th century. This typical Lutheran church was at first perceived by the townspeople as an outrage against the appearance of the city, but today it has become one of its full-fledged symbols.
Another notable city building is the Church of Saint-Pierre, the oldest in France and one of the oldest in Europe. Its history dates back to the 4th century BC. e., when the building served as a Roman gymnasium. The gymnasium became a church at the Benedictine monastery in the 7th century, in the 11th it was decorated with a new nave, and from the 16th century to the 70s. In the 20th century, the building served as a warehouse. It was then restored and today is used for concerts and exhibitions. In addition to the Basilica of Saint-Pierre in Metz, there are baths from the Gallo-Roman heritage (at the base of the historical Museum of the Golden Court) and several fragments of the old aqueduct.
Another very picturesque attraction of Metz is its medieval castle bridge, which is called the German Bridge (also known as the Alleman Gate). This imposing structure - at once a bridge, a castle and a city gate - was built in the 13th century and was one of the last medieval castle bridges in the country. The gate-castle-bridge over the Seil protected the city from the east thanks to two fortified towers, half destroyed in 1944, but restored in 1946.
In general, medieval Metz is a classic European Old Town with narrow cobbled streets and arches. The Templar chapel on Place Saint-Louis is symbolic, but more than modest. Also from the Middle Ages, several other churches and hotels and two municipal granaries have been preserved in the city. Metz also has its own “House of Heads” - a Renaissance building built in the 16th century. Another postcard medieval attraction of the city is its stone bridges, of which the most famous are the Bridges of the Dead: the Big Bridge and the Middle Bridge, which continues it.
In the Middle Ages, the Christian shelter of St. Nicholas was responsible for the condition of the Great Bridge of the Dead. By episcopal decree in the 13th century, anyone who felt the approach of their own death was required to donate their best dress to the shelter. The shelter sold clothes and used the proceeds to repair and maintain the bridge. Hence the name.
The three-hundred-meter-long train station building (built in 1908) and the German-style Imperial Quarter surrounding it are also noteworthy. Unlike the rest of the city's buildings, which were made primarily of yellow limestone, this quarter was built with buildings made of pink and gray sandstone, granite and basalt. According to the plan of Wilhelm II, the area was intended to demonstrate the greatness of German culture and the nation in general. The architecture of the quarter mixes Germanic, Renaissance, neo-Romanesque and neoclassical styles, as well as elements of Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Alsatian and Bavarian styles.
Place Saint-Jacques is the center of city life and the best place to have an afternoon coffee or a chic dinner. Once upon a time there was a Roman forum here. During the German occupation after World War I, Metz's Catholics feared that the city might become a second Verdun and asked the bishop to erect a statue of Our Lady for protection. Consent for this was received, and the bronze statue of Notre-Dame de Metz was placed on the square in 1924.
This is a sculpture almost 2 m high, which is installed on an 8-meter stone column. And during the second occupation in August 1940, patriotic citizens gathered around the column, expressing their desire to see their country free by violating the curfew and spontaneously starting Catholic chants. In memory of this, every year on the day of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary, August 15, a solemn procession from the cathedral takes place to the historical column.
The legendary symbol of Metz is the terrible dragon Graulli, who flew here from the Moselle and settled in the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater. Saint Clement, the first bishop of the city, was able to drive away the terrible monster in the 3rd century: he simply took it out of Metz, wrapping a piece of his vestment around the reptile’s neck. The saint brought Graulli to the island on Zeila, where the dragon fell underground. To be sure, the bishop rolled a block of stone on top, which is still shown to tourists to this day.
The Pompidou Center was opened in Metz only in 2010, but has already become the most visited museum in France outside of Paris. This is an ultra-modern building, which, with its external extravagance, leaves far behind the building of the same name in Paris. There are at least three permanent exhibitions inside, and visitors under 26 can view them for free.
Metz is a green city: it has more than 470 hectares of garden areas. Thanks to the abundance of rivers, excellent conditions have been created here for everything to bloom and turn green, and tributaries and rivulets form many islands in the center. Walking along them in the summer is a pleasure, as is the esplanade with a large fountain where young people relax. And in the city’s botanical garden, which was opened in 1866, more than 4,500 plants of different species were planted.
Popular hotels in Metz
Metz Events
In August, the city hosts a popular festival dedicated to the Mirabelle plum. This is a two-week festival with many open markets. There you can buy Mirabelle itself, Mirabelle tarts and Mirabelle liqueur. Plus, the festival features flower parades, art exhibitions, and at the end the coronation of the Mirabelle Queen.
Other Metz events include the Montgolfier balloon festival in September and the second most popular French Christmas market, which starts back in November. Also in early December, the city hosts a parade of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of Lorraine.
) is the capital of the province of Lorraine. In fact, the city is located on the eastern bank of the Moselle River, which is in close proximity to the western national road connecting Paris And Strasbourg .
In addition, the city of Metz is located on the main railway route from Strasbourg to Brussels. As for its origin, it dates back to Roman times.
After the death of Charlemagne, the settlement became the capital of Lothair's kingdom and continued to prosper despite subsequent dynastic wars. IN medieval era Metz was already rich and strong enough to allow it to declare itself an independent republic, which it remained until it joined France in 1552.
The border Metz, which was for a long time between the two warring sides, constantly passed into one or the other hands. In 1870, when the defeated army Napoleon III surrendered to Kaiser Wilhelm I, it was given to Germany. He managed to regain his independence only at the end of the First World War. However, already in 1940, Hitler re-annexed the city to Germany, and only in 1944 was Metz finally liberated by the Allied forces.
Its only noteworthy attraction is the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral(Cathedrale Saint-Etienne de Metz) or Metz Cathedral. However, Metz is not as rugged as one might think, given its northern location and industrial background.
Still, it deserves its status, which determines the style of the city - the title of the city of gardens. This is how it is characterized by its immaculate flower beds, warm shades of mustard yellow stone buildings and the Moselle River. All together creates an attractive urban landscape. University, founded here in the 1970s, provides at least some of the city's energy.
Arrival, city information and accommodation in Metz
The huge granite train station is opposite the post office at the end of rue Gambetta. The bus station is located east of the train station (on the other side of the tracks) on Avenue l`Amphitheatre. The tourist office (place d`Armes) is located next to the municipality on the Place d'Armes in the old town. You can get here by almost any bus from the station.
The French city of Metz has a fairly large number hotels, as well as cheaper options for temporary accommodation, including the HI boarding house, hostels(at the tourist office you can get information about all the hostels available in summer) and camping. At the same time, there is no shortage of luxurious, expensive establishments. Most hotels at budget prices are located near the railway station, but at the height of the tourist season they often have no available rooms.
Metz Hotels
1). Hotel de la Cathedrale– A charming hotel with stained glass windows is located opposite the cathedral. Hotel address: 25 place de Chambre;
2). Hotel Du Center– A well-furnished, modern hotel located between rue des Clercs and Place St-Louis. Hotel address: 14 rue Dupont-des-Loges;
3). Grand-Hotel Metz– An old, characteristic establishment, next to the cathedral in the very center of the old town with friendly staff. Hotel address: 3 rue des Clercs;
4). Hotel Lafayette– Cheap hotel on a busy shopping street leading from Place de la Republique to the cathedral. Hotel address: 24 rue des Clercs;
5). Hotel Metropole– Not a very hospitable place, but you can stay there. The hotel is located opposite the station. Hotel address: 5 place du General-de-Gaulle;
6). Hotel Moderne– Comfortable hotel with friendly staff, located a little to the left of the station. Hotel address: 1 rue Lafayette;
7). Hotel Du Theater– Luxurious hotel, excellent location on an island in the Moselle River, behind the cathedral. The hotel has a swimming pool. Hotel address: 3 rue du Pont-St-Marcel.
Hostels and campsites Metz
1). Hostel Carrefour– Conveniently located hostel with double and multi-bed rooms, close to the cathedral. Friendly staff. You can use both your own bed linen and those offered here. Internet access is provided. Cost of living: 12-14 euros per day. Hostel address: 6 rue Marchant;
2). Hostel Metz Plage– Clean hostel on the island. Friendly staff. From the train station, take bus number 3 or number 11 and get to the Pontiffroy stop. Cost of living: 15 euros per night, including breakfast. Hostel address: 1 allee de Metz-Plage, lle Chambiere.
3). Municipal camping– Quiet, good campsite. Opening hours: open May-September. Camping location: Allee de Metz-Plage, lle Chambiere;
Sights of Metz
The city of Metz is actually made up of two cities: the French quarters, centered around the cathedral, and the German city, which is part of the process of Germanification that began after the Prussian occupation in 1870. The German city has features of the Teutonic style, which is in many ways elegant and majestic. The railway station sets the tone. A large and very impressive granite building from 1870, in the Rhenish Romanesque style. It looks like an eccentric cross, located between the hunting lodges of Scottish landowners and the main tower.
Its enormous size perfectly demonstrates German long-term strategic plans: it was intended to be used as a fulcrum for the German military transport system in subsequent wars with the French. The station building is similar in style to the post office located opposite, as well as some imposing bourgeois buildings and apartments on the surrounding streets. This quarter was intended to serve as the main example of the city's layout, and also to contrast well with the squalid, impoverished Latin clutter of the adjacent French streets, which begin a 5-minute walk north of the Place de la République.
Place de la République is the main park area, with a large number of shops and cafes at the eastern end, army barracks to the south and the formal esplanade gardens, overlooking the Moselle to the west. To the right, there is the beautiful classic Palace of Justice, built from the city's characteristic yellow stone. On the left, a gravel road leads past the ancient armory, now converted into a prestigious concert hall by the post-modern architect Ricardo Bofill. The arsenal building extends to the church of Saint-Pierre aux Nennes, which claims to be one of the oldest churches in France. Nearby is another historical building - the 13th-century Templar Chapel.
At the northern end of Place de la République, rue des Clercs cuts through the attractive, lively and largely pedestrian heart of the old town, where most of the shops. Passing Place St-Jacques with its many cafés on the terraces, you will come to Place d'Armes, an 18th-century place dominated by the towers of the Gothic Cathedral of St. Etienne. The church is famous for having the third highest nave in France - after the cathedrals of Beauvais and Amiens - but its main distinguishing feature is undoubtedly the stained glass windows, both medieval and modern, including Chagall's stained glass windows in the northern part of the cathedral.
A short distance from it, up the Rue de Jardin, is the main museum complex of the city - the Museum of the Golden Court (Musees de la Cour d'Or - 2 rue Haut-Poirier). It houses a treasure trove of Gallo-Roman sculpture, but also displays models of local architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. In the 1930s, when the complex was expanding, the remains of Roman baths were discovered here, which are now the most interesting exhibits of the museums.
To make the most of the cityscape and get the best view of the cathedral, go down the promenade and walk to the Ile de la Comedie, where you will see the 18th-century square, Metz Opera House(Opera-Theatre de Metz Metropole is the oldest in France) and a rather striking Protestant church that was built during the German occupation. The oldest and equally beautiful square is Place St-Louis, with its Gothic arcades. It is located about 10 minutes' walk east of the cathedral along En-Fournirue Street.
As you climb the Hill of the Holy Cross (Ste Croix), which was owned by the Lombard bankers who began managing the city's finances in the 13th century, stroll through the Italian-style streets. Continuing east from Place des Paraigues, at the end of Rue En Fourniru, down German Street (rue des Allemands), you will see German Gate(Porte des Allemands) - massive fortified double gates that once blocked the eastern entrance to the medieval city.
After a long, tiring day, you can easily find a nice cafe or bar where you can relax. On Sadovaya Street (rue des Jardins) there are several interesting clothing, music, antique and souvenir shops. And at night the cathedral and others attractions are illuminated, which decorates and makes the walk more enjoyable.
Where to eat and drink in Metz
Metz has no shortage of cafe, especially on Place Saint-Jacques, which are popular among both locals and tourists. A few good ones restaurants are located in the old town. If you fancy a drink in the evening, visit bar , club or cafes with music, of which there are plenty in the city.
Metz Restaurants
1). Restaurant De l'Abreuvoir– Located next to Place St-Louis. A comfortable, noisy and prestigious establishment with a typically French atmosphere with simple but good cuisine and a wine list (andoulet and Lorraine casserole for about 8 euros per dish). Restaurant address: 8 rue de l`Abreuvoir;
2). Restaurant La Fleur de Lys– A charming restaurant located between the cathedral and the river, offering traditional French cuisine and great service. The menu changes from time to time. Set of dishes from 18.50 euros. Opening hours: Closed on Saturdays for lunch and Sundays. Restaurant address: 5 rue des Piques;
3). Restaurant Du Pont St-Marcel– A 17th-century building located on the island. The restaurant specializes in excellent local cuisine and the staff wear regional attire. Set of dishes: 18-28 euros. Eels and young piglets are sold, as well as wines from the Moselle River Valley. Opening hours: Closed on Sunday evenings and Mondays. Restaurant address: 1 rue du Pont-St-Marcel, Chambiere island;
4). Restaurant Le Relais des Tanneurs– An incomparable restaurant offering traditional French dishes. A large number of delicacies: oysters, shells and veal meat; set of dishes: 10-25 euros, dishes ordered separately about 18.50 euros, dish of the day 6.50-10 euros. Opening hours: closed Sundays 1-15 August. Restaurant address: 2 bis rue des Tanneurs, at the end of rue En-Fournirue;
5). Restaurant Des Roches– Superbly located on the riverside, this old-fashioned restaurant serves traditional dishes (from €13), including select fish dishes. Opening hours: Closed on Sundays and Monday evenings. Restaurant address: 29 rue des Roches;
6). Restaurant A la Ville de Lyon– Located behind the cathedral. This restaurant specializes in the best traditional cuisine. The atmosphere here is quite formal, and jeans are not suitable for this establishment. Set of dishes from 30 euros. Opening hours: Closed on Mondays and Sunday evenings in August. Restaurant address: 7 rue des Piques.
Cafes and bars of Metz
1). Cafe Jehanne d'Arc– Located 15 minutes walk northwest of Armory Square. This cafe is decorated in a medieval style and plays appropriate music. Every Thursday in the summer in the evenings there are jazz concerts in the park. Opening hours: open until 2.00-3.00 am. Cafe address: Place Jeanne d`Arc;
2). Cafe Mathis– An ancient cafe located in the garden of the Saint-Genet chapel, opposite the house where Rabelais stayed. Opening hours: closed on Sundays. Cafe address: 72 rue En-Fournirue;
3). Comedy Cafe– Student cafe-bar with games and TV. Opening hours: open daily until 2 am. Cafe address: Quai Vautris. From the theater directly across the Pont-des-Roches bridge;
4). Cafe Les Trinitaires– Jazz, rock, folk music and chanson are heard here. It is located in the basement, decorated in Gothic style. Live music starts at 21.00. Opening hours: closed on Sundays and Mondays. Cafe address: 10-12 rue des Trinitaires, which is in the north of Place Ste-Croix, opposite the Joan of Arc cafe;
