Metz, Regional capital in Grand Est, France.
This regional capital sits where the Moselle and Seille rivers meet, showing neighborhoods with medieval buildings and numerous public gardens spread across the urban area. Wide avenues lead from the historic center to residential districts, while pedestrian bridges span both rivers to connect the different quarters.
First founded by a Gallic tribe, the settlement grew into a Roman town and was fortified during medieval times. In the 16th century it lost its independence and later came under French control, bringing several conflicts over the following centuries.
Every evening the old town lamps light up the ochre stone facades while residents fill the squares and terraces, keeping the habit of crossing the city on foot. On weekends the covered markets fill with cheese vendors and butchers, and locals shop for regional produce while exchanging greetings and news with the sellers.
The Mettis bus system links all neighborhoods, while the high-speed train station offers direct connections to Paris, Luxembourg, and other European cities. Many attractions sit close together in the center and can be reached easily on foot, with most public buildings providing accessible entrances.
The Centre Pompidou-Metz hosts contemporary art exhibitions under a striking white roof structure that resembles a Chinese hat. Beneath the cathedral lie underground Roman rooms that visitors can explore by appointment, offering direct access to the oldest layer of the city.
Location: arrondissement of Metz
Location: Eurométropole de Metz
Elevation above the sea: 189 m
Shares border with: Pouilly, Ars-Laquenexy, Le Ban-Saint-Martin, Coincy, Longeville-lès-Metz, Lorry-lès-Metz, Marly, La Maxe, Montigny-lès-Metz, Peltre, Plappeville, Saint-Julien-lès-Metz, Vantoux, Woippy
Address: Metz, France
Phone: +33800891891
Website: https://metz.fr
GPS coordinates: 49.11970,6.17636
Latest update: December 3, 2025 09:27
This collection brings together the 50 most populous cities of France, from the metropolis to overseas territories. It includes the major urban centers shaping the national territory, from Paris with its capital status to regional metropolises like Marseille with its Mediterranean port, Lyon where the Rhône and Saône meet, or Toulouse with its aerospace industry. These cities represent the main economic, cultural, and administrative hubs of the country. The selection covers all French regions and illustrates the diversity of territories: dense communes in Île-de-France, southern cities like Nice on the Côte d'Azur and Montpellier near the Mediterranean, eastern cities such as Strasbourg hosting the European Parliament, northern centers like Lille close to Belgium, or Bordeaux known for its architecture and vineyards. From Nantes, former capital of the Dukes of Brittany, to communes of La Réunion, this collection offers a complete overview of major French urban areas and invites exploration of their history, heritage, and unique vitality.
Around Metz, there are several restaurants that serve carefully prepared food blending traditional recipes and modern ideas. The chefs focus on local ingredients and follow the seasons to build their menus. You can find these restaurants in the busy old town of Metz as well as in nearby villages, sometimes in old buildings or by the water. Some of these places put a new spin on French classics, like Derrière or Emotions in Plappeville, while others explore influences from abroad, like Yozora which mixes French skills with Japanese techniques. Some places emphasize the local scene, such as Aux Poulbots Gourmets in Thionville or Le Martin Pêcheur in Ay-sur-Moselle, highlighting Lorraine specialities. Whether in a garden in Metz, an old train station in Delme, or a peaceful farm setting in Montenach, these restaurants pay close attention to ingredients and cooking style.
Metz Cathedral
87 m
Centre Pompidou-Metz
1.3 km
Gare de Metz-Ville
1.1 km
Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains
723 m
Germans' Gate
704 m
Temple Neuf, Metz
342 m
Musée de la Cour d'Or
200 m
Palais du Gouverneur
910 m
Château de Mercy
6.3 km
Arsenal de Metz
733 m
Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole
341 m
École d'application de l'artillerie et du génie
386 m
Église Saint-Maximin de Metz
682 m
Abbey of Saint-Arnould
387 m
Saint-Vincent
502 m
Marché Couvert
168 m
Temple de Garnison
571 m
Pont des Morts
419 m
Moselle River in Metz
905 m
Place d'Armes
29 m
Prefecture hotel of Moselle
334 m
Metz Citadel
766 m
Esplanade
612 m
Botanical garden of Metz
2 km
Église Saint-Clément de Metz
557 m
Église Saint-Martin de Metz
570 m
Templar Chapelle in Metz
748 m
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