Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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A city of art and history, Metz offers numerous activities to discover. Here are 5 must-see activities when visiting this magnificent city in Lorraine.
1. Stroll through the city streets
Metz is a very pleasant city to visit, with many pedestrian streets where it's nice to stroll. There are many interesting places to discover, such as Place d'Armes, Place Saint-Louis, Porte des Allemands, parks and gardens, the Arsenal, the train station, the opera house, or Place de la République.
Take time to walk around and discover the beautiful buildings of the city.
2. Visit Saint-Étienne Cathedral
Saint-Étienne Cathedral is undoubtedly one of Metz's most famous monuments. Dating from the 12th century, it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It's an unmissable place to visit when you go to this magnificent city. A true symbol, it dominates Metz from the height of its hill and its 42 m height that make it the 3rd highest cathedral in France. And that's not all, 6,500 m² of colorful stained glass windows ranks it first among all French cathedrals, no other has so many. Several eras mix, including stained glass windows by painter Chagall.
It is for this precise reason that it is nicknamed the Lantern of God. Built with Jaumont stone, a local stone, its yellow color gives it a certain grandeur that's even more evident at night when it's illuminated. Inside, Roman and Merovingian elements blend with the Gothic style.
3. Take a boat trip on the Moselle
The Moselle is a magnificent river that flows through Metz. It's possible to take a boat trip to discover the city from another angle.
It's a very pleasant activity, especially in summer! Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to have a privileged view of the local fauna and flora, or enjoy a guided tour without getting tired while being gently rocked on the water... The small islands are connected by bridges, some dating from the Middle Ages, and you'll learn, among other things, that the Moselle once largely contributed to the city's enrichment.
Another possibility: a boat excursion with a full meal served on board...
4. Visit the Cour d'Or Museum
The Cour d'Or Museum is an art and history museum that's very interesting to visit. It houses numerous artworks dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. The archaeological section will delight enthusiasts and curious visitors who want to learn more about medieval architecture.
This museum will take you on a journey through time through its numerous rooms and passages that lead you to the Chèvremont granary (15th century) to the Voué ceilings (13th century), as well as to the chancel of St-Pierre-aux-Nonnains (considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved among the Merovingian sculpture ensembles present on the European continent). It's an ideal place to dive into Metz's history.
5. Taste local specialties
Lorraine cuisine is very rich and varied, and Metz is no exception. There are many restaurants where you can taste local specialties, such as tarte au maugin, gingerbread, mirabelle cream, trout in gray wine, or boulet de Metz.
And don't forget that Metz also offers:
Metz Fair
A funfair that takes place in May for 3 complete weeks and brings together nearly 150 very diverse attractions.
Metz-Plage
2,500 m² of beaches including 2 supervised pools are available to locals and tourists as well as beach games and various activities.
Constellations de Metz
Artistic and cultural activities of great diversity are offered for 2 months: exhibitions, concerts...
Mirabelle Festival
This regional fruit is honored each year during a floral parade that parades through the streets of the old town.
The Hot Air Balloon Festival
If you want to gain altitude, visit in September!
Saint Nicholas Parade
A traditional character extremely important in eastern France, he walks through the streets of Metz in early December.
Christmas Market
From Advent until the last days of the year, come discover a market full of colors, delicious scents, you'd want to buy everything in these temporary little villages made of wooden chalets!
As you can see, Metz is a very pleasant city to visit, with many activities and interesting places to discover. So don't hesitate and come quickly discover this magnificent city of Lorraine.