Checking out Metz with Élise

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Inspire-Metz©Benoît Lapray ©Mathieu LeclercMADGAS – Création agence MMAP
© Inspire-Metz©Benoît Lapray ©Mathieu LeclercMADGAS – Création agence MMAP

Reading time: 0 minPublished on 1 February 2023

No matter the weather or time of year, Metz is always a charming city with an easy-going way of life. It is a place where nature, heritage, art and technology are never far away. You can join the crowds at major events like “Constellations de Metz”, the summer cultural programme, and the Christmas markets, or find a quiet corner to contemplate nature and savour the sunset.

When you first get to Metz...

Élise Gaultier
© Élise Gaultier

You are met with a striking contrast between the gentle colours and the neoclassical architecture of the train station and the post office, built by the Germans in the early 20th century.

A view of the Moselle

Élise Gaultier
© Élise Gaultier

The swans that swim along the Moselle river are just as iconic a symbol of Metz as the triangular rooftops of Temple Neuf!

The Fêtes de la Mirabelle festival

Philippe Gisselbrecht – Ville de Metz
© Philippe Gisselbrecht – Ville de Metz

When the summer holidays are over, we look forward to heading back to Metz and joining the festivities at the traditional Fêtes de la Mirabelle festival!

The Opéra Théâtre pop-up garden

Élise Gaultier
© Élise Gaultier

Last summer, the kids of Metz loved being able to explore the pop-up garden in front of the Opéra Théâtre theatre and opera house, on a quest to find Graoully, our legendary dragon!

A terrace on Place de Chambre

Élise Gaultier
© Élise Gaultier

You can’t help but have a good time with your friends, soaking up the sun and sipping on a local aperitif out on the terrace at one of the many excellent wine bars and French or Italian restaurants.

The Centre Pompidou-Metz

Shigeru Ban Architects Europe et Jean de Gastines Architectes, avec Philip Gumuchdjian Architects pour la conception du projet lauréat du concours / Metz Métropole / Centre Pompidou-Metz / Photo Roland Halbe
© Shigeru Ban Architects Europe et Jean de Gastines Architectes, avec Philip Gumuchdjian Architects pour la conception du projet lauréat du concours / Metz Métropole / Centre Pompidou-Metz / Photo Roland Halbe

A 21st century icon for Metz? It’s the Centre Pompidou-Metz. This Centre was the “first brick” in the brand new Amphithéâtre neighbourhood, which has brought a whole new feel to this 3000 year-old city!

Metz esplanade

Élise Gaultier
© Élise Gaultier

Metz Esplanade beneath a pink crowd of 15,000 local female runners, running against breast cancer.

Sunset over the marina

Élise Gaultier
© Élise Gaultier

When I first moved to this city in eastern France, I didn’t anticipate being able to enjoy a marina with beautiful sunsets and a holiday vibe every single day!

Saint-Etienne Cathedral illuminated by Lux Animae

Philippe Gisselbrecht – Ville de Metz
© Philippe Gisselbrecht – Ville de Metz

In 2017, 600,000 curious onlookers – including me, came to see the very first musical and digital show projected onto Saint-Etienne’s Cathedral: Lux Animae.

The Christmas Market and its big wheel

Élise Gaultier
© Élise Gaultier

In winter, come nightfall, the lights of the Christmas Markets bring the Pierre de Jaumont (a stone used frequently in Metz’s architecture) to life, as gold as a mirabelle plum!

La Place Saint-Louis

Philippe Gisselbrecht / Benoît Lapray / agence Inspire Metz
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Benoît Lapray / agence Inspire Metz

Metz stays up all night! The arcades in Place Saint-Louis ring out with shouts, laughter, and music well into the night.

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By Élise Gaultier

When she moved to Metz two years ago, Élise started writing the blog, www.adoptemetz.com, to reveal the beauty and vibrancy of the city as she went about exploring it. She wants to give everyone a reason to spend 2 hours, 2 days… and why not 2 years in Metz!