Metz
Metz is a quaint city in northeastern France. Its deep green trees help line the streets alongside the Moselle and Seville river. The Old Town is filled with history, from the cathedral, to the nearby museum. There is so much to explore in this scenic city.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 112
- Language: French
- Currency: Euro
- Country Code: FR
- Travel Visa: None required
- Population: 117,492
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 112 from any phone.
Hospitals in Metz
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Metz has an up and coming Bike service called Plan Vélo. The town is creating more cycle paths, making it easier to explore. The MET, bus service is another form of transport. There are 34 lines and 1,000 stops. This is a cheap way to wonder around the city.
Airports
Train Stations
Metz Safety
How do I keep up with the local news?
What are some safety tips I should know?
Be careful on or around the roads if you are driving or a pedestrian, French drivers can be unpredictable in their actions and road laws are not always obeyed.
Make sure you keep important documents safe in your hotel. If you need to carry them on you use a money belt or front pocket. This will help deter any pickpocketers.
When withdrawing cash from ATM try to go inside the bank. Beware of withdrawing cash from cash points on pedestrian walkways. Try to withdraw small sums and don’t flash your cash around even in the bank.
What are some of the common crimes?
Credit card fraud, cloning cards can be an issue be careful where you use your cards. Also if you are withdrawing money from cash machines make sure you cover your pin and be discreet about the amount of cash you withdraw.
Pickpocketing can be an issue for tourists, take extra care in busy tourist areas and keep your belongings and valuables secure at all times.
Are there any areas to avoid?
In general, Metz is a fairly safe town, but it’s best to avoid suburbs such as Borny or St Eloy late at night.
It’s also best to avoid the small alleys in the town after dark, and you shouldn’t walk from Lafayette to Resam late at night.
Be aware also of beggars offering to watch your car in parking areas, who will try to approach you whilst you are at the ticket machines.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Metz Events
Le Livre á Metz
A literature and journalism festival that takes place over 3 days. From meeting authors, exhibitions and conferences, this event is one for all reading lovers. Taking place in April, this can be a really inspiring visit.
Montogolfiades de Metz
This is a gathering of aerostats, making it one of the most popular aerostat events. The Metz ballon first launched in 2001, floating around the sky all over Europe, promoting the wonderful city.
Metz Marathon
Since 2010, the Metz has held an annual marathon. This completion is not only to reveal a winner, but to undercover those who find the beauty in historic cities. The course of the event pass cultural heritage sights. The marathon takes place mid-October.
Metz Highlights
Where else is great to visit?
Centre Pompidou-Metz
A satellite branch of Paris’ Centre Pompidou, the Centre Pompidou-Metz stages regular temporary exhibitions, including the famous “Masterpieces” (‘Chefs d’oeuvre’) exhibition, which includes pieces by Picasso, Matisse and Kandinsky. The centre also hosts regular cultural events and performance art. The building itself, which was built in 2010, is an interesting architectural feat in itself, with curved ceilings providing an ideal space for the works of art housed within.Quartier Impérial de Metz
Built in 1871 to celebrate Metz’ reincorporation into the Second German Reich, the Quartier Impérial is today a mixture of art-deco, neo-Romanesque and neo-Renaissance architecture, including the Central Train Station, the church of Saint-Therese and the “Porte Serpenoise”, a 19th century archway marking the old city limits. The square is currently a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Status.Musée La Cour d’Or
The former haunt of Merovingian Kings and Queens, the Musée La Cour d’Or is nowadays home to many Gallo-Roman artefacts, including Roman baths preserved in situ, and a statue of the Egyptian goddess Isis. The museum also contains art from the Medieval period, paintings from the 15th century and information and artefacts pertaining to Metz’ ancient Jewish population. Open every day except for Tuesday, free entry on the first Sunday of every month.What are the main attractions?
Esplanade
Flanked by the imposing forms of the Arsenal cultural centre and the Palais de Justice, these 9,200m2 formal gardens were originally created in 1916. Look out for the sculptures around the gardens, particularly of Marshall Michel Ney, who fought in the Napoleonic wars and was much beloved by the Emperor Napoleon. Also adjacent to the gardens is the Église St-Pierre-aux-Nonains, as well as the 13th century Chapelle des Templiers (Chapel of the Knights Templar), which is unique in the region.St Stephen’s Cathedral
This cathedral, built between 1220 and 1522, is famous for its copious stained glass windows, ranging in age from the 13th to the 20th century and forming the longest stretch of stained glass in the world. Also notable are the Gothic windows on the main wall of the north transept, as well as the stylistically-contrasting Renaissance-style windows on the south transept wall.
