Welcome to the Metz Christmas Market !

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It is by wonderfully sunny afternoon, this Sunday December 1st that I boarded the regional train towards the City of Metz and its Christmas Market, Christmas Markets should I rather say as they are 6 in total spread around the city centre, but all within a walking distance. As soon as I arrive in the historic train station I was greeted by the towering silhouette of the giant Vosgian Christmas Tree dressed in silver and white which welcomes you in a City that knows to celebrate Christmas with warmth !

I know the centre of Metz quite well and yet it was a a wonderful surprise to discover all these familiar Streets and squares dressed in festive colours starting with the Place de la République with its Big Wheel and its Ice Skating Rink then to the Place St Louis with its magical Village Under the Stars with Chalets straight out of a Russian winter tale and finally the Place St Louis with its traditional Christmas Maket which is a delight for all the senses ! Starting with the appetizing scents coming from the chalets where the traditional Tartiflette, Flamenkuche and Choucroute are being freshly cooked and of course the grilled sausages amongst those the famous Frankfurter and the white sausage which is a regional specialty and is to be enjoyed with a Bretzel and mustard.

The Foodies will gather around the chalets where pancakes and fresh fruits dipped in chocolate on skewter are being served with all the other sweet delights you can possibly imagine and enjoy with a mug of Mulled Wine which is available in its red or white variety, delicious and so festive. Gastronomy from around the world is also present on the market with products from the Basque region, Caribbean, Spain and even Canada with the most delightful accents to match ! Fresh oysters coming from Britanny, panfried snails, homemade Foie Gras terrine, artisanals cordials available in dozens of unusual flavours, Tartiflette specialty cooking in its giant pan, a little tour of the Place St Louis Christmas Market will not only put you in a happy and festive mood but is also a great source of inspiration for original ideas for your Christmas meals and decorations !

I invite you to discover the many colours and smiles of the Metz Christmas Market through the following pictures taken as I was enjoying a paper horn of freshly roasted chestnuts which have become my latest craze...



Karim

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