Metz

Metz is the capital of the Lorraine region of France and located in the Moselle departement that borders Luxembourg and Germany.

Understand

Due to its German heritage and military tradition, Metz has yet to earn much respect in the eyes of the French. Most of the criticism about Metz is clichéd and unwarranted; in fact, Strasbourg has stronger German heritage yet has been overwhelmingly embraced by the French and visitors alike. Metz was the birthplace of the Carolingian Dynasty before becoming the capital of the burgeoning Kingdom of Lotharingia (855-958AD); then it was the capital of the Duchy of Upper Lorraine (959-1233) before finally breaking away to form an independent city state during the high Middle Ages (1234-1552AD). As such, Metz was one of the most powerful cities in feudal Europe and this rich cultural history can still be seen today, particularly in its grand Cathedral and its beautiful old town built using the "pierre de Jaumont", a local yellow colored limestone.

See

Landmarks

• ⊙Cathedrale St-Etienne, place d'Armes. The Cathedral is a truly impressive structure, overlooking the river and the city. Inside, both its height (the third-tallest nave in France) and its stained glass windows (reportedly the largest surface area in France, with several by Chagall) will impress visitors. 
• ⊙Place d'Armes. This square next to the cathedral is notable for the four buildings that surround it. They were specifically designed to show the balance between the various local powers: religion (the cathedral), the military (now converted to the tourist office), civil government (the town hall) and justice (the court building). Place d'Armes also hosts a regular market for produce and other local goods.
• Covered Market (opposite the cathedral). Historically it was the bishops' palace, today it hosts stalls selling meats, cheeses, and other regional specialities. 
• ⊙ Opera-Théâtre (not far from the Cathedral). Theatre and opera house, built between 1732 and 1752 and the oldest in France. 
• Railway Station (Gare de Metz-Ville). Built in 1908, its imperial area built during the German occupation. 

Museums and galleries

• ⊙Centre Pompidou-Metz (near the Central Station). Recently opened modern art gallery in Metz. €7. 
• ⊙Musée de la Cour d'Or, 2, rue du Haut Poirier,  ☎ +33 387 201320. Every day except Tuesday, from 9am to 18pm. Closed on 1 January, Good Friday, 1 May, 14 July, 1 and 11 November and 31 December 24-25-26 all day. Roman baths, Gallo-Roman collections, sculpture, European paintings, etc. €4.60. 
• ⊙La Maison de Verlaine à Metz (The House of Verlaine in Metz), 2 rue Haute-Pierre, 57000 Metz (opposite the "Palais de Justice"),  ☎ +33 634 522234. Open Tuesday through Sunday, with visits beginning at 15:15 and 16:30 by reservation only. Closed from 1 January-15 February and on certain national holidays. Covers the 19th-century poet's Lorraine origins, his life and career in Metz and Paris, his meeting with Arthur Rimbaud, his works, and his posthumous fame. €7. 

Sleep

Inside the range of 4 km:

• ⊙   Grand Hôtel de Metz, 3 Rue des Clercs, Metz, PC VII
• ⊙   Hôtel Moderne, 1 Rue Lafayette, Metz, PC V - VI
• ⊙   Cecil Hôtel, 14 Rue Pasteur, Metz
• ⊙   Chambre dʹhotes Le Patio, 37 rue du Patural lʹÉvêque, Montigny-lès-Metz, PC V

Useful

Inside the range of 4 km:

• ⊙   Office de Tourisme Metz, 2 Place dʹArmes, Metz