Welcome to the City of Metz !

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Metz the discreet ! This is how I would describe this City...

As opposed to its famous neighbour city Strasbourg, immediately recognizable through its black and white buildings, its Christmas Markets, gastronomy and traditions, the Capital of the Lorraine region is not featured much in the news or even in the documentaries highlighting the beautiful régions of France. And this is a shame really as the Lorraine region has so much to be discovered and enjoyed by the Visitor, much more than the recipe of its namesake "quiche" or even the famous Mirabelle plum



I am of a curious nature opened towards the world, but this is only last winter while I was watching the "Come Dine with Me" show set in Metz, that I was finally able to discover the Capital of Lorraine and its magnificent cathedral, telling myself that what had been only a name on a map until then was a place that really deserved to be visited if not enjoyed.

My coming to the 3 Borders Country allowed me to first visit Metz on a rainy day of the late Spring and as I explored the City for the first time, I immediately fell in love with it, for its humane dimension, its beautiful historical and pedestrian centre which gives a permanent Holiday feel to the place with its many picturesques bistrots, cafés and restaurants, enjoyed not only by the locals but also the nearby visitors from the neighbouring countries such as Luxembourg, Germany or Belgium.


The people from the Lorraine region are very warm and welcoming and always take pride in showing you around their town, which believe me from my well travelled experience, surely deserves a visit.

The Centre Pompidou with its 2 millions visitors since opening has established its Museum of Contemporary Art as the second most popular cultural destination in France, right after Le Louvres Museum. Not to forget the "Musée de la Cour d'Or" which célébrâtes the architectural treasures of the Medieval Metz present in the historic district all around the magnificent and imposing Saint Etienne Cathedral, offering France's largest glass surface for a Cathedral with no less than 6500m2 of fine stained glass Artworks.

From a railway station wich is an architectural treasure in itself, to the banks of the river Moselle so enjoyable in Summer with their many waterside bistrots and boat rides, to a historical centre which will delight all the amateurs of fine architecture and history, the popular Opera House, the dynamic calendar of exhibitions, cultural and musical events, the multitude of cafés, bistrots, tea rooms and restaurants which are a food heaven, to a memorable shopping experience through thecobbled Streets from the confidential tiny boutique the international brands, not to forget the sublime views over the Protestant Church of the Temple Neuf on its island, Metz will seduce you and utterly delight you.


Amongst my favorite adresses of this City which never ceases to surprise and enchant me, I recommend the tiny little Boulangerie Pidolle located in the heart of the magnificent Place Saint Louis and its esplanade, which makes the best Pâtés Lorrains in town, the fruits & vegetables shop "Prime Primeur" located nearby, the tea room "Namur" which célébrates its 150 anniversary this year and offers the yummyest selection of pastries ever, and finally the "Assiette au Bœuf" restaurant which offers without a doubt, the best view over Metz and the river where the friendly Henriette welcomes you for a very reasonable average ticket of less than 20 Euros per person including a starter ( wallnut salad with Foie Gras ) and a main course ( Fillet of Beef sauce Paradise with French fries ), a Must to discover.


I invite you to discover the City of Metz through my visit which took place an on exceptionally warm and sunny day, on October 19th with an average temperature of 22° celcius, real indian summer feel walking through the gardens of Place de la Comedie and having lunch outside on the terrace, by the water...

Karim

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