Two days in the historic city of Metz, France

Last updated: August 22, 2020

Our road trips through Europe takes us to Metz, which is located in the Northeastern Grand Est region of France.

This underrated city in France is located along the Moselle and Seille rivers, with beautiful gardens, leafy promenades and streets oozing with old world charm.

Metz is an easy day trip with it’s location between Luxembourg and Nancy France.

You can easily see most of the main sights in one day, but if you want to add in some museum visits, two days in Metz is the right amount of time to get to know the city more.

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READ NEXT: How to spend the day in Nancy, France

Top things to do in Metz France

Stroll along the streets of Metz France

Metz rich history goes back 3,000 years, and is one of the oldest republics in Europe. Metz is designated as a French town of Art and History, because of it’s historical and cultural background.

Strolling though the city you will notice it’s historic old world charm, and it’s pretty impressive. You will also notice that most buildings are yellow.

The buildings here were built using the “pierre de Jaumont”, a local yellow coloured limestone, which gives the city its characteristic color. 

Visit the Porte de Allemandes in Metz, France

An icon of the city of Metz,France is the Porte des Allemands. Also known as the Germans door, it is the largest surviving building on the medieval ramparts of the city and served both as a double door and a bridge over the river Seille.

The Porte des Allemandes is free to enter, and is a must see when planning a visit to Metz. If you climb to the top of the turret, you get the most amazing views of the city down below.

Before you leave make sure to check out the little market in the inner court, you will find some pretty unique-one of a kind items.  

Visit the Metz Cathedral

Visit the 13th century Gothic Cathédrale Saint Étienne, which is nicknamed the Good Lord’s Lantern, as it has the largest expanse of stained glass windows in the world, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

The cathedral also has one of the highest naves in the world, standing tall at 42 meters high, it is truly an impressive sight!

Once you enter the cathedral, it’s high ceilings make for a dramatic entrance, and are just left breathless at the beauty of the stained glass and it’s gothic architecture. It’s one of the most amazing cathedrals we’ve seen in Europe!

Visit the Metz Opera

The Opéra Théatre de Metz (or Metz Opera) is the oldest Opera House still in use in France, and one of the oldest in Europe, which was built in 1738.

It is located on the Petit Saulcy Island along the Moselle River in the heart of the Old Town. The Opera house can easily be reached on foot, and is a short walk away from the Cathedral.

Place de Armes (Hotel de Ville)

Place d’Armes is a cobbled square in Metz, France located between the Saint-Etienne cathedral and the Hôtel de Ville.

The square is the scene of festive events and symbolic population gatherings, and also hosts a regular market for produce and other local goods. If you need info on the city, the tourist office is located in the square. 

Visit Temple Neuf in Metz, France

The Temple Neuf or new Protestant temple is a reformed cult building of Alsace and Lorraine built in Metz, France between 1901 and 1905.

It is seen soaring above the island of Quartier des Iles surrounded by the Moselle River, and is quite a dramatic scene.

It’s architecture gives the chapel a medieval look, even though it was built in the 20th century. We visited during the spring and the leafless trees gave it an almost spooky, haunted house feel.

We enjoyed simply strolling through the grounds of the temple, while admiring its uniqueness!

Relax at the Esplanade in Metz France

Enjoy a relaxing day at the Esplanade, its the perfect escape from the urban bustle. This peaceful green space with its gorgeous landscaping and gardens is an oasis in the heart of the city.It sits along the Moselle River, which makes for a perfect setting for a day of relaxation.

Enjoy a stroll in the Promenade along the Moselle River

Nearby is the Moselle River promenade and park. We were here in spring and the trees were blossoming and gardens were filled with colorful flowers, it was beautiful!

It was the perfect place to unwind while sitting in a bench under the tree lined promenade.Take a stroll along the promenade and you will come across a little park full of beautiful swans.

It was one of the most beautiful areas in the city, and we spent quite some time here. There is also a playground here for the kiddos, which was perfect for our little one to burn a little energy.

Visit the Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains

The basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains is a pre-medieval church building. It began life as a Roman gymnasium in the 4th century AD, making it one of the oldest churches in Europe.

It was originally built in 380 AD as part of a Roman spa complex. But has since been converted to a church in the 7th century, becoming the chapel of a Benedictine nunnery.

Today the building is used  for concerts and exhibitions, which is too bad. With so much history in this building, you would think it would have turned into some kind of museum instead.

Regardless, it was pretty amazing to explore the building and still see some traces of its past Roman life. It’s a definite must see when visiting Metz!

See the Governors Palace

The Governor’s Palace is the former palace of the commander of the XVI corps of the German army. It was built in the early 20th century in German neo-Renaissance style.

Located in the square Giraud, it’s architecture was quite stunning. There is a park located nearby where the kiddos can run around and play.

Metz, France truly surprised us with its historic old world charm, its one of those underrated cities you really don’t hear much about. But I guarantee once people start talking about this place, it will be on everyones bucket list.

READ NEXT: Read more about our road trips through France on the blog here.

Where to Stay in Metz

During our visit we stayed at the Hotel Novotel Metz Centre. Located centrally in the old town, it is close to shops and restaurants, and an easy walk to most of the main sights.

Book your hotel in Metz France here:

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