Overview
Metz is the unexpected jewel of Lorraine, where centuries of French-German cultural exchange created a city unlike anywhere else in France. The star is the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, whose interior holds the largest stained-glass surface area in France, including works by Marc Chagall.
Architecture · Day Trips · Festivals · History · Museums
Before you go
Connectivity
5G available from all French carriers as of June 2022. Standard French power plugs (Type E, 230V, 50Hz) are used throughout.
Language
French is the local language. Although Metz is near Luxembourg and Germany, locals are not fluent in German; the local Platt dialect is spoken sparsely. English is limited outside tourist areas.
Money
France uses the euro (€). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Small vendors and markets may be cash-only.
Safety
Metz is generally safe. Avoid the suburbs Borny and St Eloy after dark, and the old town's narrow alleys at night. Decline politely if approached for money or cigarettes.
Transport
Metz railway station (Gare de Metz-Ville) sits at the southern edge of the city center with TGV connections to Paris (1h20), Luxembourg (50min), and Strasbourg (2h). Luxembourg Airport is reachable by car in under an hour or by train-plus-bus in 1.5 hours.
Weather
Metz has a continental climate with cold winters (ideal for Christmas market season in December) and warm summers. Outdoor seating at Place Saint-Jacques cafes is common when weather permits.