Créé par Emilie, le 20 juin 2026
Votre guide Ryo
What to do around Metz? 16 unmissable activities
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Rodemack, the little Carcassonne of Lorraine
Located 39 km northeast of Metz, Rodemack is classified among the most beautiful villages in France. It owes its nickname of little Carcassonne of Lorraine to its medieval ramparts, which surround the village for nearly 700 meters. You can admire the castle of the Margraves of Baden, the Saint-Nicolas church and the half-timbered houses that bear witness to the village's historical past. Rodemack organizes a medieval festival every year in June that will immerse you in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Vic-sur-Seille, the birthplace of painter Georges de La Tour
Vic-sur-Seille is a small town of character, located 45 km southeast of Metz. It is the birthplace of the famous painter Georges de La Tour, whose works you can discover in the museum dedicated to him. You can also visit the collegiate church of Saint-Gengoult, which houses a remarkable organ, and stroll through the picturesque streets of the village. Vic-sur-Seille is also renowned for its grey wine, which you can taste at local winegrowers.
Gorze, a stop on the wine route
Gorze is a village located 18 km southwest of Metz, on the Moselle wine route. It has a rich historical heritage, linked to its former Benedictine abbey founded in the 7th century. You can admire the abbey church of Saint-Étienne, which mixes Romanesque and Gothic styles, the cloister and the abbatial palace. You can also enjoy the green setting of the village, which offers beautiful walks along the Moselle or in the state forest.
Pont-à-Mousson, a city of art and industry
Pont-à-Mousson is a city located 28 km south of Metz, at the confluence of the Moselle and Seille. It is known for its metallurgical industry, notably the famous Saint-Gobain PAM brand, specialized in cast iron pipes. But Pont-à-Mousson is also a city of art, which houses the prestigious university founded in 1572 by Cardinal Charles III of Lorraine. You can visit Saint-Martin church, which contains the cardinal's tomb, the Au fil du papier museum, which traces the history of local papermaking, or the Castle of the Princes of Lorraine, which dominates the city.
The Butte de Mousson
If you are in Pont-à-Mousson, don't miss climbing the Butte de Mousson, a rocky promontory that offers an exceptional panorama over the Moselle valley. You can discover the remains of the feudal castle of the Counts of Bar, as well as the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours, a pilgrimage site since the 17th century.
Sillegny, the Sistine Chapel of Lorraine
Sillegny is a village located 20 km southeast of Metz, which has a hidden treasure: its Saint-Martin church. This 15th-century Gothic church is entirely decorated with wall frescoes dating from the 16th century, depicting biblical scenes, saints and angels. These frescoes are of rare beauty and great finesse, which earns it the nickname of the Sistine Chapel of Lorraine. The church was miraculously spared from the bombings of World War II, and has been carefully restored.
Pange, a castle with romantic charm
Pange is a village located 15 km southwest of Metz, which houses a magnificent 18th-century castle. The castle of Pange is an example of French classical architecture, with its symmetrical facade, slate roofs and mullioned windows. It is surrounded by an English-style park, which includes a pond, a vegetable garden, a rose garden and a labyrinth. The castle can be visited by appointment, and regularly hosts cultural events, such as concerts or exhibitions.
Amnéville-les-Thermes, a spa resort with multiple activities
Amnéville-les-Thermes is a spa resort located 18 km north of Metz, which offers a varied leisure offer adapted to all tastes. You can enjoy the benefits of thermal water in the Thermapolis or Villa Pompéi thermal centers, which offer relaxation, treatment and fitness areas. You can also have fun at the Amnéville zoo, which houses more than 2,000 animals of 360 different species, at the Walygator Grand-Est amusement park, which has more than 60 attractions and shows, or at the Snowhall, the world's longest indoor ski slope.
The Amnéville zoo
The Amnéville zoo is one of the most beautiful animal parks in Europe, which extends over 18 hectares and welcomes more than 600,000 visitors per year. You can discover rare and endangered animals, such as red pandas, white tigers, gorillas or polar bears. You can also attend amazing shows, such as the sea lion ballet, the raptor flight or the elephant parade.
Walygator Grand-Est
Walygator Grand-Est is the largest amusement park in the Grand Est, which will make you experience thrills and magical moments. You can test breathtaking attractions, such as the Monster, the largest inverted roller coaster in Europe, the G-Lock, a 360° flight simulator, or the Mistral, a 55-meter free fall tower. You can also have fun with family or friends on quieter attractions, such as the ghost train, the wild river or the carousel. And don't miss the magical shows, such as the Waly Illuminations night show or the Walywood musical show.
The U4 Blast Furnace Park
The U4 Blast Furnace Park is an industrial site located in Uckange, 25 km northwest of Metz. This is the last blast furnace preserved in Lorraine, which bears witness to the steel history of the region. The U4 blast furnace was built in 1890 and ceased its activity in 1991. It has been transformed into a cultural and artistic place, which offers guided tours, exhibitions and shows. The U4 blast furnace is notably highlighted by plastic artist Claude Lévêque, who created a work entitled "Le Ciel Bleu", which consists of a sound and light installation.
Thionville, a city with multiple facets
Thionville is a city located 31 km northwest of Metz, which has a diversified and contrasting heritage. It has experienced several significant historical periods, such as Spanish domination in the 16th century, German annexation in the 19th century, or resistance to Nazi occupation during World War II. You can discover traces of these events in the monuments and museums of the city, such as the fortress of Volkrange, the Tour aux Puces, the fort of Guentrange or the Tour aux Puces museum. You can also enjoy the cultural and commercial dynamism of Thionville, which offers numerous events and activities throughout the year.
The fortress of Volkrange
The fortress of Volkrange is a medieval building located 4 km from downtown Thionville. It was built in the 13th century by the lords of Volkrange, and has been remodeled over the centuries. It presents remarkable architecture, with its round towers, crenellated curtain walls, square keep and Gothic chapel. The castle has been classified as a historical monument since 1930, and can be visited by reservation.
The Tour aux Puces
The Tour aux Puces is the oldest monument in Thionville, dating from the 11th century. It is a former defense tower, which was part of the city's ramparts. It owes its name to the fleas that infested the prisoners who were imprisoned there. The tower now houses a museum of history and archaeology, which traces the history of Thionville and its region through objects, models and documents.
Malbrouck, a castle steeped in history
Malbrouck is a village located 26 km northeast of Metz, which owes its renown to its 15th-century castle. The castle of Malbrouck is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, which has been faithfully restored. It owes its name to English Marshal John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, who stayed there in 1705 during the War of Spanish Succession. The castle can be visited year-round, and offers temporary exhibitions, events and shows.
The "Napoleon" exhibition
From April 1 to October 31, 2023, the castle of Malbrouck hosts an exceptional exhibition dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, on the occasion of the bicentenary of his death. The exhibition presents more than 300 original objects related to the emperor and his era, such as weapons, uniforms, medals, paintings or documents. The exhibition traces Napoleon's journey, from his youth in Corsica to his exile in Saint Helena, including his military campaigns and political reforms.
Gravelotte War Museum 1870 and the Annexation
This museum is entirely dedicated to the history of the 1870 war following the annexation of Alsace and part of Lorraine into the German Empire (1871-1918): life during the annexation, World War I..
The activities in Metz and around Metz are invitations to discovery and wonder. Whether you are a lover of history, art, sports, or nature, you will surely find your happiness in these places full of charm and authenticity. Experiences not to be missed during your next vacation in Metz!
In our section on discovering Metz, admire the Pompidou Centre Metz its artworks and intangible heritage, participate in an escape game, take time to breathe in the green spaces... Follow your mood of the moment and make your choices with family or friends to spend exceptional moments.
The activities around Metz are invitations to discovery and wonder. Whether you are a lover of history, art or nature, you will surely find your happiness in these places full of charm and authenticity.