With a blend of German and French influences, located at the criss-cross of two rivers, and balancing the historical with the modern, Metz is a charming, verdant town of many contrasts. This ancient city, with 3000 years of history, lies at the confluence of the Seille and Moselle rivers. It has changed hands several times between France and Germany, and its proximity to the borders of Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg make for an interesting mix that is reflected it the people, architecture and cuisine.
Metz is the capital of Lorraine and its tree-lined streets are home to several interesting and unique quarters. Le Quartier Impérial (Imperial quarter), which stretches out from the train station, is a good example of Belle-Epoque, German town planning, with buildings that date from 1902. In the old town, you can visit the remains of the Roman rule of Metz. There are miles of tiny, narrow cobbled streets, full of little shops and boutiques you can wander. Walking the galleries and covered pathways of the Musées de la Cour D'Or, you will find the remains of the ancient Roman baths. If you head towards the river, you can't miss the storybook, conical spires of Le Temple Neuf, sitting on an island in the middle of the Moselle river.
This pleasant city is full of little surprises, like the solitary Tour Camoufle on the tree-lined, Avenue Foch, or a 19th-century synagogue across from a Cubist apartment block in the Isles District. The focus on new technology can be seen with the development of the Metz Technopôle, along with a number of science, technology and research institutions in the area. The city is also graced with the Centre Pompidou-Metz, designed by Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines. This futuristic, metallic building, with an asymmetrically curved roof, is home to the first branch of the Centre Pompidou outside of Paris.
For a lovely excursion in Metz, take the riverboat Le Lorraine, on a cruise down the Moselle river. Head to the Metz lake, where you will find the boat at Quai des Régates. Another leisurely way to take in the city is to take a ride on the small tourist train, which traverses the Imperial quarter.
