It’s pronounced Mess! This city has been traded between France and Germany many times over the centuries, and both cultures have left their indelible mark on the city.
At a glance…
- Days To Spend: 1 is plenty
- Get Around: Buses when you need them, including water buses!
- Get In and Out: By train. The closest airport is in Luxembourg
- Pay: With Euros
- Speak: French is helpful, not that many locals speak English
- See: Temple Neuf, Metz Cathedral, the Train Station (yes, really), the German Gate
- Should you go?: Yes!
General Impressions
We visited Metz almost by accident. Our host in Luxembourg cancelled on us on short notice, so in order to avoid paying for a Luxembourgish hotel, we found a host in Metz instead. I’m so glad this happened, as Metz captured my heart.
Metz has a stunning mixture of medieval French architecture, which makes you feel like you’re almost on the Mediterranean, combined with imposing German Gothic Revival edifices, which wouldn’t look out of place in Berlin.
Public Transport
Getting Around
There is a bus network that works fairly well, as well as water buses that can take you to some of the districts, which is a fun way to travel. The centre is decently walkable, but a bus is worth considering as some things are spread quite far.
Getting In and Out
Metz has a train station with connections to Luxembourg, Germany and various French cities, even as far as Marseille. The closest major airport is in Luxembourg, with Strasbourg being the next closest. It’s definitely easiest to arrive by train into Metz.
Money
The Euro is used in France. Cards are generally accepted, but there’s a distinct lack of appetite for card payment in this country. Cash is definitely preferred.
Language
The people in Metz speak French and only French. English is understood by some people, and spoken by less. It is definitely worth brushing off your secondary school textbooks before coming to Metz, and having a handful of French words and phrases.
Time
There’s not a huge amount of attractions in Metz, and they are generally doable in a day. You can extend the trip by another day if you want to visit some of the museums. One thing to note, is that on Sundays, things really shut down in Metz. Most shops will be closed, as will many attractions. Those attractions that are open, are likely to have shorter hours.
My Favourite Spots
Metz Cathedral
A simply stunning gothic building, that stands in the centre of Medieval Metz. It’s huge and well decorated inside.
The German Gate
A very well preserved gate from the Middle Ages, it gets it’s name from the direction it faces. It’s a nice place to take some scenic photos.
Temple Neuf
One of the newer churches in Metz, it looks really good when it’s lit up after dusk. When we went there, it was unfortunately shut, so we couldn’t see inside, but the pictures from the outside speak for themselves.
Spots That Might Be Good
Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains
A church dating back to the Roman times, it is now deconsecrated and used as an events venue. When there isn’t an event, it’s open for tourists. There’s not a whole lot to see here, but if you’re lucky you’ll catch a free talk explaining the history of the church, and the few preserved artworks.
Golden Courtyard Museum
This museum mainly displays Roman and Medieval artifacts. It’s free, but we didn’t get a chance to really explore it, as we were there on a Sunday. Still, it’s probably worth visiting if the history of Metz interests you.
Conclusion
Metz took us by surprise. It is criminally underrated, and I would highly recommend a visit, even if it is a pain to get there!
We May Roam 