Metz

Art lovers, history buffs and architecture fans will thrive in Metz, a compact cultural hotspot where avant‑garde exhibitions meet 2,000 years of heritage. Ideal for city‑breakers who want blockbuster art and design outside Paris, it blends big‑name institutions with intimate historic settings. With excellent rail access, free‑to‑enter museums and a walkable centre, it’s effortless to explore in a weekend.

• History lovers: Explore two millennia at the Musée de la Cour d’Or with in‑situ Roman baths and a superb Merovingian chancel—plus free admission for easy repeat visits.
• Contemporary art fans: At the Centre Pompidou‑Metz, catch original, Paris‑calibre shows—like the 15th‑anniversary Endless Sunday (to Feb 2027)—without the crowds.
• Architecture buffs: Marvel at Shigeru Ban’s soaring timber roof at the Centre Pompidou‑Metz and the 12th‑century Hôtel Saint‑Livier reborn as FRAC Lorraine.
• Public‑art seekers: Wander an open‑air gallery of landmark pieces, from Bernard Venet’s Corten‑steel arcs to Xavier Veilhan’s urban interventions woven into daily life.
• Families & learners: Hands‑on studios, performances and multilingual tours make culture kid‑friendly, while free entry at Cour d’Or and FRAC keeps costs down.
• Weekend city‑breakers: Walkable, steps from the station and packed with top‑tier culture, offers a relaxed alternative to Paris for a 48‑hour escape.

Day 1: Centre Pompidou-Metz and the Amphitheatre District

Begin with Metz’s boldest statement of contemporary culture in the district anchored by the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a short stroll from the main station. The day blends architecture, major exhibitions, and a gentle urban wander through new public spaces.

• Morning: Walk from Gare de Metz-Ville to the Centre Pompidou-Metz; take time outside to appreciate Shigeru Ban’s timber roof. Pick up a PASS‑M or Billet Liberté at the desk, and consider an English-language tour if available; note the museum is closed on Tuesdays and opens longer at weekends in summer.
• Midday: Explore the vast Endless Sunday exhibition (on show through February 2027); if visiting between June 2025 and February 2026, add the Copyists exhibition (in partnership with the Louvre). Break for lunch at the café or picnic on the parvis; in hot weather, the sweeping roof offers welcome shade.
• Afternoon: Take an architecture walk around the Amphitheatre District to see projects by Nicolas Michelin, Jean‑Paul Viguier, and Christian de Portzamparc, then drop back in for any scheduled film, dance, or talks in the auditorium. Families: check the Capsule or Paper Tube Studio workshop schedule before you go.
• Evening: Stay for golden-hour photos of the roofline (the museum typically remains open to 19:00 on Fri–Sun in peak season). Dine in the nearby Quartier Impérial and stroll back past the illuminated station and new public artworks.

Day 2: Two Millennia at the Musée de la Cour d’Or and a Public Art Trail

Today moves through layers of history, from Roman Divodurum to Merovingian sculpture, before stepping into the city-as-gallery outdoors. Free entry at the museum makes it easy to take your time or split your visit around a leisurely lunch.

By Air

• Metz–Nancy–Lorraine Airport (ETZ): about 20 km south of Metz (20–30 minutes by car/taxi). Limited scheduled flights plus seasonal charters.
• Luxembourg Airport (LUX): around 75 km (45–60 minutes by car). About 1h15–1h30 via train to Luxembourg city then airport bus.
• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): direct TGV from Lorraine TGV station to CDG Terminal 2 in roughly 1h15; allow about 1h45–2h total from Metz including the transfer to Lorraine TGV.
• Strasbourg Airport (SXB): about 160 km (1h40–2h by car); rail via Strasbourg station plus short airport shuttle.

By Train

• Main station: Metz-Ville (central; short walk to the Centre Pompidou-Metz).
• High-speed hub: Lorraine TGV (Louvigny) with TGVs to Paris CDG, Marne-la-Vallée, Strasbourg and other cities; linked to Metz by shuttle/TER services.
• Typical journey times from Metz-Ville:
  • Paris (Gare de l’Est): 1h20–1h30 (TGV).
  • Luxembourg: 45–55 minutes (TER).
  • Nancy: 35–45 minutes (TER).
  • Strasbourg: about 1h20–1h40 (TER/TGV).
• Operators: SNCF (TGV inOui, TER Grand Est); easy connections via Forbach/Saarbrücken to Germany (ICE to Frankfurt).

By Coach/Bus

Metz delivers big-city culture without the crowds, pairing headline museums and deep history with an easy, walkable pace.

• Culture without the crush: See modern masters at Centre Pompidou-Metz (under Shigeru Ban’s striking timber roof), explore FRAC Lorraine in a 12th-century hôtel, and descend to the Musée de la Cour d’Or’s in-situ Roman baths—world-class, queue-light.
• Authentic and good value: Free entry at the Cour d’Or and FRAC, flexible passes at the Pompidou-Metz, and multilingual mediation make high-calibre art accessible—real local life, fair prices, no hype.
• Easy-going urban strolls: Drift between the Amphitheatre District’s contemporary architecture and open-air pieces (Bernard Venet’s 221.5° ARC x 15) and the compact historic centre—everything is walkable from the station.
• Cross-border character: A French–German blend where the 19th-century École de Metz meets bold programming like “Endless Sunday” through 2027—lively yet unhurried, with cosy cafés and plenty of breathing room.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Metz—where cutting-edge contemporary art meets two millennia of heritage. Use this shortlist to plan a culture-packed day without missing the city’s signature experiences.

• Walk under Shigeru Ban’s iconic roof at Centre Pompidou-Metz and dive into Endless Sunday, a landmark show mixing 400 works from the national collection with pieces by Maurizio Cattelan (through Feb 2027).
• Explore FRAC Lorraine (49 Nord 6 Est) in the 12th‑century Hôtel Saint‑Livier—free entry to a sharp contemporary programme, a collection featuring Abramović and Buren, and Liliana Motta’s thought‑provoking gardens.
• Visit the Musée de la Cour d’Or for in‑situ Gallo‑Roman baths, a superb Merovingian chancel from Saint‑Pierre‑aux‑Nonnains, and fine arts including the École de Metz—free to all.
• Take in Metz’s open‑air art, from Bernard Venet’s Corten‑steel 221.5° ARC x 15 by the Palais du Gouverneur to Xavier Veilhan’s perceptual interventions across the city.
• Hike the Amphitheatre District’s cultural promenades linking the station to Centre Pompidou‑Metz, amid bold urban design by Nicolas Michelin, Jean‑Paul Viguier and Christian de Portzamparc.

Here are the unmissable highlights of Metz—where cutting-edge contemporary art meets two millennia of heritage. Use this shortlist to plan a culture-packed day without missing the city’s signature experiences.

• Walk under Shigeru Ban’s iconic roof at Centre Pompidou-Metz and dive into Endless Sunday, a landmark show mixing 400 works from the national collection with pieces by Maurizio Cattelan (through Feb 2027).
• Explore FRAC Lorraine (49 Nord 6 Est) in the 12th‑century Hôtel Saint‑Livier—free entry to a sharp contemporary programme, a collection featuring Abramović and Buren, and Liliana Motta’s thought‑provoking gardens.
• Visit the Musée de la Cour d’Or for in‑situ Gallo‑Roman baths, a superb Merovingian chancel from Saint‑Pierre‑aux‑Nonnains, and fine arts including the École de Metz—free to all.
• Take in Metz’s open‑air art, from Bernard Venet’s Corten‑steel 221.5° ARC x 15 by the Palais du Gouverneur to Xavier Veilhan’s perceptual interventions across the city.
• Hike the Amphitheatre District’s cultural promenades linking the station to Centre Pompidou‑Metz, amid bold urban design by Nicolas Michelin, Jean‑Paul Viguier and Christian de Portzamparc.

Metz’s food scene blends Lorraine comfort classics with seasonal produce and a love of mirabelle plums. Think hearty pies, rustic tarts and crisp Moselle wines enjoyed in snug cafés, lively markets and along the river. The compact centre makes grazing between the covered market and cathedral squares easy.

• Quiche Lorraine – the region’s iconic egg, cream and lardons tart. Best savoured warm in cosy cafés around Place Saint-Louis.
• Pâté lorrain – puff pastry filled with marinated pork/veal. Grab a slice at the Marché Couvert and eat at the standing counters.
• Tarte aux mirabelles – golden plum tart with buttery pastry. Enjoy in pâtisseries or on sunny terraces near the cathedral.
• Moselle wines & mirabelle eau-de-vie – crisp Auxerrois and Pinot Gris, plus fragrant plum brandy. Sip in intimate wine bars or at weekend tasting stalls in the market.

Metz’s food scene blends Lorraine comfort classics with seasonal produce and a love of mirabelle plums. Think hearty pies, rustic tarts and crisp Moselle wines enjoyed in snug cafés, lively markets and along the river. The compact centre makes grazing between the covered market and cathedral squares easy.

• Quiche Lorraine – the region’s iconic egg, cream and lardons tart. Best savoured warm in cosy cafés around Place Saint-Louis.
• Pâté lorrain – puff pastry filled with marinated pork/veal. Grab a slice at the Marché Couvert and eat at the standing counters.
• Tarte aux mirabelles – golden plum tart with buttery pastry. Enjoy in pâtisseries or on sunny terraces near the cathedral.
• Moselle wines & mirabelle eau-de-vie – crisp Auxerrois and Pinot Gris, plus fragrant plum brandy. Sip in intimate wine bars or at weekend tasting stalls in the market.

Picking the right base in Metz is about neighbourhood vibe, not hotel stars. Each area offers a distinct rhythm—from Gothic grandeur and medieval lanes to imperial boulevards or cutting‑edge culture by the Centre Pompidou‑Metz—so choose the atmosphere that fits how you like to explore.

• Metz‑Centre (Cathédrale & Old Town) — Honey‑stone streets around Saint‑Étienne Cathedral, Marché Couvert and riverside strolls; ideal for first‑timers, history lovers and café‑hopping.
• Quartier Impérial–Gare — Grand Wilhelminian avenues by the station with leafy squares and quiet nights; best for rail travellers, business stays and easy day trips.
• Amphithéâtre District — Contemporary architecture beside Centre Pompidou‑Metz and the Muse mall with wide promenades; perfect for culture buffs, events and modern comforts.
• Sablon — Calm, residential and village‑like with bakeries and small parks a short walk from the centre; great for families, longer stays and those seeking peace.

Picking the right base in Metz is about neighbourhood vibe, not hotel stars. Each area offers a distinct rhythm—from Gothic grandeur and medieval lanes to imperial boulevards or cutting‑edge culture by the Centre Pompidou‑Metz—so choose the atmosphere that fits how you like to explore.

• Metz‑Centre (Cathédrale & Old Town) — Honey‑stone streets around Saint‑Étienne Cathedral, Marché Couvert and riverside strolls; ideal for first‑timers, history lovers and café‑hopping.
• Quartier Impérial–Gare — Grand Wilhelminian avenues by the station with leafy squares and quiet nights; best for rail travellers, business stays and easy day trips.
• Amphithéâtre District — Contemporary architecture beside Centre Pompidou‑Metz and the Muse mall with wide promenades; perfect for culture buffs, events and modern comforts.
• Sablon — Calm, residential and village‑like with bakeries and small parks a short walk from the centre; great for families, longer stays and those seeking peace.

Getting to and around Metz is straightforward, thanks to a compact historic centre and excellent rail links, but a few details make planning smoother. Use the pointers below to budget, move around, and time your visit with ease.

• Affordability: Expect mid-range hotels at €80–130 per night (budget chains from ~€60), lunch menus €12–18 and dinner €20–35, with major museums ranging from free (Musée de la Cour d’Or, FRAC Lorraine) to about €14 for Centre Pompidou-Metz exhibitions.
• Transport: The old town is very walkable and the Centre Pompidou-Metz is a short stroll from the station; METTIS bus rapid transit and bikes cover longer hops, while frequent TER/TGV trains make easy day trips to Nancy (35 min), Luxembourg (45–60 min) and Strasbourg (~1h30), with a car useful mainly for countryside or Maginot Line sites.
• Language: French is the main language and staff at major sights often speak English (and sometimes German), but a few basic French phrases help in smaller shops and neighbourhood eateries.
• Safety & comfort: Metz is generally safe and welcoming for families and solo travellers; use normal city smarts against pickpockets in busy areas and around the station at night, and book timed tickets for major exhibitions to avoid queues.
• Crowds: Peak periods are spring–early autumn weekends and December for the Christmas markets (plus headline shows at the Centre Pompidou-Metz), while weekdays from January to March are the quietest.

Getting to and around Metz is straightforward, thanks to a compact historic centre and excellent rail links, but a few details make planning smoother. Use the pointers below to budget, move around, and time your visit with ease.

• Affordability: Expect mid-range hotels at €80–130 per night (budget chains from ~€60), lunch menus €12–18 and dinner €20–35, with major museums ranging from free (Musée de la Cour d’Or, FRAC Lorraine) to about €14 for Centre Pompidou-Metz exhibitions.
• Transport: The old town is very walkable and the Centre Pompidou-Metz is a short stroll from the station; METTIS bus rapid transit and bikes cover longer hops, while frequent TER/TGV trains make easy day trips to Nancy (35 min), Luxembourg (45–60 min) and Strasbourg (~1h30), with a car useful mainly for countryside or Maginot Line sites.
• Language: French is the main language and staff at major sights often speak English (and sometimes German), but a few basic French phrases help in smaller shops and neighbourhood eateries.
• Safety & comfort: Metz is generally safe and welcoming for families and solo travellers; use normal city smarts against pickpockets in busy areas and around the station at night, and book timed tickets for major exhibitions to avoid queues.
• Crowds: Peak periods are spring–early autumn weekends and December for the Christmas markets (plus headline shows at the Centre Pompidou-Metz), while weekdays from January to March are the quietest.

Metz is a year‑round cultural city: world‑class museums and public art make it rewarding in any weather. Summer is busiest; spring and autumn offer the best balance of mild weather and active programming, while winter is colder but rich in indoor exhibitions.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct): Mild, changeable weather; lighter crowds; relaxed, local vibe with many exhibition openings.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Warm to hot, occasional heatwaves; peak visitor numbers; lively, outdoor events and long evenings.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Chilly and occasionally damp; generally quiet except around Christmas; cosy, museum‑focused atmosphere with strong indoor programming.

Metz is a year‑round cultural city: world‑class museums and public art make it rewarding in any weather. Summer is busiest; spring and autumn offer the best balance of mild weather and active programming, while winter is colder but rich in indoor exhibitions.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct): Mild, changeable weather; lighter crowds; relaxed, local vibe with many exhibition openings.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Warm to hot, occasional heatwaves; peak visitor numbers; lively, outdoor events and long evenings.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Chilly and occasionally damp; generally quiet except around Christmas; cosy, museum‑focused atmosphere with strong indoor programming.

Day 3: FRAC Lorraine, Living Gardens, and a Collector’s Detour

Shift to Metz’s cutting-edge side in a 12th‑century setting, then finish with a gallery visit beyond the city limits. It’s a day for fresh perspectives, from experimental collections to living artwork in the garden.

• Morning: Ease into the day with coffee in the centre; FRAC Lorraine opens later, so use the morning for a relaxed wander or a short excursion to Galerie 125 in nearby Argancy (pre‑book; it mixes modern masters with contemporary street art).
• Midday: Return to Metz for lunch in the old town; if the weather’s fine, choose a terrace and map your FRAC priorities (performance, moving image, or the current thematic show).
• Afternoon: Visit FRAC Lorraine (49 Nord 6 Est) at the Hôtel Saint‑Livier; admission is free and hours are typically 14:00–18:00 Tue–Fri and 11:00–19:00 on weekends. Explore a collection attentive to women artists and alternative canons, then step into Liliana Motta’s garden to consider “alien plants” and adaptation; families should check the hands‑on workshop calendar (activities exist even for very young children).
• Evening: If there’s a performance or screening on, pair it with an early dinner nearby; otherwise, close the trip with a gentle riverside or city‑centre stroll and one last look at the public art you’ve been collecting with your eyes. For departures, the station is an easy walk, and most institutions provide multilingual information if you need a final stop for catalogues or souvenirs.

• Long-distance coaches (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) serve Metz with frequent links to Paris (about 3.5–5 hours), Luxembourg (around 1–1.5 hours), Strasbourg (about 2–3 hours) and Brussels (roughly 4–5 hours).
• Main stop: Metz bus station (Gare routière) by Metz-Ville station.

By Car

• Motorways: A4 (Paris–Reims–Metz–Strasbourg) and A31 (Luxembourg–Metz–Nancy–Dijon).
• Approximate drive times in normal traffic:
  • Luxembourg City: 45–60 minutes (A31).
  • Nancy: 45–50 minutes (A31).
  • Strasbourg: 1h45–2h (A4).
  • Paris: 3h30–4h (A4).
  • Brussels: 3–3h30 (via Luxembourg/E411 or via Reims/A26–A4).

Art lovers, history buffs and architecture fans will thrive in Metz, a compact cultural hotspot where avant‑garde exhibitions meet 2,000 years of heritage. Ideal for city‑breakers who want blockbuster art and design outside Paris, it blends big‑name institutions with intimate historic settings. With excellent rail access, free‑to‑enter museums and a walkable centre, it’s effortless to explore in a weekend.

• History lovers: Explore two millennia at the Musée de la Cour d’Or with in‑situ Roman baths and a superb Merovingian chancel—plus free admission for easy repeat visits.
• Contemporary art fans: At the Centre Pompidou‑Metz, catch original, Paris‑calibre shows—like the 15th‑anniversary Endless Sunday (to Feb 2027)—without the crowds.
• Architecture buffs: Marvel at Shigeru Ban’s soaring timber roof at the Centre Pompidou‑Metz and the 12th‑century Hôtel Saint‑Livier reborn as FRAC Lorraine.
• Public‑art seekers: Wander an open‑air gallery of landmark pieces, from Bernard Venet’s Corten‑steel arcs to Xavier Veilhan’s urban interventions woven into daily life.
• Families & learners: Hands‑on studios, performances and multilingual tours make culture kid‑friendly, while free entry at Cour d’Or and FRAC keeps costs down.
• Weekend city‑breakers: Walkable, steps from the station and packed with top‑tier culture, Metz offers a relaxed alternative to Paris for a 48‑hour escape.