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Things to Do in Metz

Things to Do in Metz

Metz Grand Est, France Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Engage with Metz's natural environment through these activities.

Active Explorations

Hiking and Trekking

The surrounding Moselle valley and Parc Naturel Régional de Lorraine offer numerous marked trails. These range from easy riverside strolls to more challenging forest treks.

Water Sports and Activities

The Plan d'Eau presents opportunities for boating and pedal-boating during warmer months. Short pleasure cruises on the Moselle River also function.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

Metz boasts an excellent network of cycle paths, especially along the Moselle and Seille rivers, good for leisurely rides. Mountain biking trails exist in forested areas.

Cycling & Boating

  • Cycle paths provide pleasant and safe routes for leisurely rides.
  • The "Voie Bleue" (Blue Way), a long-distance cycle path, passes through Metz.
  • Pleasure cruises on the Moselle River provide a relaxed way to view the city from the water.
  • These water activities are leisure-oriented rather than strenuous sports.

Hiking Routes

  • Moselle valley trails.
  • Parc Naturel Régional de Lorraine.
  • Varying difficulty levels.
  • Information at Tourist Office.

Water Sports

  • Boating on Plan d'Eau.
  • Pedal-boating in season.
  • Short pleasure cruises.
  • Relaxed city views.

Cycling

  • Excellent network of cycle paths.
  • Along Moselle and Seille rivers.
  • "Voie Bleue" passes through.
  • Mountain biking in forested areas.

Safety Note for Outdoor Activities

Always check local weather conditions and trail statuses before embarking on outdoor adventures.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Metz's rich cultural fabric through performances, local traditions, and festivals.

Live Performances

  • Attend a performance at the Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole, which hosts opera, ballet, and theatrical productions.
  • The Arsenal, a prestigious cultural center, regularly hosts classical music concerts, jazz, and other artistic events.
  • Check local listings for schedules of high-quality, acoustically excellent events.
  • Community-based tourism: Explore local markets like the Marché Couvert to interact with vendors and observe daily life.

Cultural Festivals & Events

Fêtes de la Mirabelle

Held in August, this major festival celebrates the Mirabelle plum, a symbol of Lorraine. It features parades, markets, and culinary events, offering a lively and unique insight into local culture.

Christmas Markets Marchés de Noël

From late November to December, Metz hosts several popular Christmas markets. These create a magical, festive atmosphere with stalls selling local crafts, seasonal food, and traditional beverages. Find Christmas market tours with GetYourGuide.

Constellations de Metz

A summer festival (July-September) that alters the city with digital arts, light installations, and contemporary art displays. It offers a modern and innovative cultural experience across historical sites and public spaces.

Relaxation & Wellness

Metz provides opportunities for rest and revitalization in your explorations.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Metz offers a range of entertainment options for evenings, from live music to quiet bars.

Shopping & Markets

Metz offers diverse shopping experiences, from bustling traditional markets to elegant boutiques.

Relaxation & Wellness

Metz provides opportunities for rest and rejuvenation amidst your explorations.

Wellness & Leisure Facilities

  • Spa and wellness center recommendations: Some larger hotels provide spa facilities.
  • Includes pools, saunas, and treatment rooms. Independent wellness centers may exist.
  • Traditional healing practices: These are not a prominent are present in Metz. Focus on general health and wellness choices.
  • Beach and pool clubs: The Plan d'Eau has recreational areas and provides relaxation by the water. Municipal swimming pools also provide facilities.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music & Theatre

The Arsenal is a premier venue for classical and jazz concerts. Smaller bars and pubs feature local bands. The Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole provides a rich program of opera, ballet, and theatre.

Nightclubs & Bars

A few nightclubs operate outside the immediate city center. The old town area, around Place Saint-Louis and Rue des Piques, hosts numerous pubs and bars.

Late-Night Options

Some bars and brasseries remain open late into the night, offering a relaxed atmosphere for conversations and drinks.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets

Marché Couvert: A must-visit, selling fresh produce, local delicacies, cheeses, meats, baked goods, and prepared foods.

Artisan & Souvenirs

Small boutiques in the old town sell local crafts, pottery, unique jewelry, and art, ideal for meaningful souvenirs.

Luxury & Boutiques

Rue Serpenoise and surrounding streets offer major French retailers and independent boutiques for fashion and specialty items.

Shopping & Markets

Metz offers diverse shopping experiences, from lively traditional markets to elegant boutiques.

Traditional Markets and Bazaars

  • Marché Couvert: Sells fresh produce, local delicacies, artisanal cheeses, quality meats, baked goods, and prepared foods.
  • It has a wonderful place to experience local life and gather components for a picnic.
  • Outdoor Markets: Regular outdoor markets occur on specific days in various city squares.
  • These markets offer fresh produce, regional products, and sometimes clothing or household items.

Artisan Workshops and Crafts

Local Boutiques

Look for small boutiques in the old town and around the Cathedral. Many of these shops have local crafts, pottery, unique jewelry, and art.

Meaningful Souvenirs

These items make for meaningful souvenirs or gifts. Your purchase supports local artisans who preserve traditional skills.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Rue Serpenoise and surrounding streets offer a mix of major French retailers and smaller, independent boutiques for fashion, accessories, and specialty items.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Mirabelle Plum Products: Jams, liqueurs, candies.
  • Regional Pottery: Handcrafted, often featuring classic designs.
  • Cathedral-related items: Depicting stained glass or architecture.
  • Local Food Products: Cheeses, charcuterie, and regional wines.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

  • Support Local Artisans and Producers: Prioritize buying from local artisans and vendors.
  • This supports the local economy and authenticity.
  • Choose Sustainable Products: Look for locally sourced, artisan products.
  • Consider items with certifications for ethical production.

Shipping and Customs Information

  • Inquire about shipping services directly with the vendor for large items.
  • Be aware of your home country's customs regulations.
  • Rules on imports, duties, and restrictions on particular goods (food, alcohol) apply.
  • Keep receipts for any high-value purchases.

Shopping Tip

Visit the Marché Couvert early in the morning for the best selection of fresh produce and a quieter experience.

Activity Planning Summary

Plan your Metz experience with these points in mind.

Outdoor Activities Checklist

  • Explore hiking and trekking routes in the Moselle valley.
  • Ride along the scenic Moselle and Seille river paths.
  • Consider pedal-boating on the Plan d'Eau or a river cruise.
  • Check local tourist office for detailed route information.

Cultural Engagement Checklist

Attend a Performance

Check schedules for Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole or Arsenal concerts.

Experience Festivals

Time your visit with Fêtes de la Mirabelle (August) or Christmas Markets (Nov-Dec).

Explore Local Markets

Visit Marché Couvert for local produce and an authentic experience.

Wellness Activities

  • Seek out hotel spa facilities for relaxation.
  • Enjoy leisurely time by the Plan d'Eau.
  • Municipal swimming pools offer aquatic relaxation.

Evening Entertainment

  • Explore bars and pubs in the old town.
  • Attend a live music performance at local venues.
  • Consider late-night options for drinks and socializing.

Shopping Excursions

  • Visit Marché Couvert for local goods.
  • Shop for unique crafts and souvenirs from artisan workshops.
  • Explore boutiques on Rue Serpenoise for fashion.
  • Look for Mirabelle plum products as gifts.

Important Considerations for Activities

Weather Preparedness
  • Always check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.
  • Pack appropriate clothing for every season, especially rain gear.
  • Summer can be warm, while winters are cold.
Booking Ahead
  • For popular cultural performances or specific tours, booking tickets in advance is advisable.
  • This helps secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  • Take advantage of online platforms like GetYourGuide for convenience.

Final Recommendation

Combine historical sightseeing with outdoor activities and culinary exploration for a comprehensive Metz experience.

Trip Planning at a Glance

Maximize Your Stay

  • Allocate sufficient time for both iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
  • Explore Metz on foot to soak in its ambiance.
  • Dive into the local cuisine by trying regional specialties and visiting markets.
  • Engage with cultural events or performances if available during your visit.

Practical Advice

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes; the city center is best explored on foot.
  • Carry some cash for smaller purchases at the market or cafes.
  • Learning a few basic French phrases (hello, thank you, please) goes a long way.
  • Be mindful of opening hours for shops and attractions, as some may close midday.