Metz

Metz is the capital of the Moselle department in France's Grand Est region, about 160 km north-west of Strasbourg. Direct trains from Strasbourg run on TER Fluo Grand Est and TGV services; the fastest takes about 48 minutes, while the average journey is about 1 hour 25 minutes, with fares from about EUR 30 through SNCF Connect or ter.sncf.com. Driving along the A4 takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, and parking in the centre is paid. The station is a notable early 20th-century building, and the old town is a ten-minute walk away. The skyline is dominated by the Cathedrale Saint-Etienne, a Gothic cathedral famous for its large area of stained glass, including windows by Marc Chagall, and nicknamed the Good Lord's Lantern. The Place d'Armes beside the cathedral is the main square, with the Hotel de Ville and cafes. Other sights include the Place Saint-Louis with its arcaded medieval merchant houses, the Temple Neuf on a peninsula in the Moselle, the Porte des Allemands, a medieval gate and fortress, and the Jardin de l'Esplanade. The Centre Pompidou-Metz, a modern art museum with a distinctive roof, stands near the station and is a major draw. A suggested day starts with a morning arrival, a visit to the cathedral and Place d'Armes, lunch at a brasserie in the old town serving Lorraine specialities such as quiche lorraine or mirabelle plum desserts, then an afternoon at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a walk along the Moselle and a return train in the evening. Metz is calm and green, with many parks and riverside paths, making it pleasant year-round. The Christmas market in December adds a seasonal attraction, but it is busier then. Cafes around the Place d'Armes and the Place Saint-Louis provide rest stops. Museum days and hours vary, so closing days should be checked before travelling.