Metz Car Hire

Guide to Metz

Geography

Metz is a city in northeastern France and is the prefecture of the Moselle department. It is situated at the Schengen tripoint where the borders of France, Germany and Luxembourg meet.

Climate

The climate of Metz is semi-continental, with warm and humid summers and cold and snowy winters.

Culture

Metz has been known by a multitude of names, including “city of Mediomatrici,” “Divodurum Mediomatricum,” “Mediomatrix,” and “Mettis,”which finally became Metz.

Things to do in Metz

Explore art museums and historical cathedrals

Start at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, which has Europe’s largest collection of 20th-century art, and the second-largest temporary collection of modern and contemporary arts in France, after Paris. Then head to Saint Stephen's Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece built in the 13th century and exhibiting the collection of the Bishopric of Metz. Also known as Metz Cathedral, it arguably has the city’s main claim to fame: the largest expanse of stained glass windows in the world, spanning about 6,500 m2 (70,000 sq ft)! Along with the theme of religious art and architecture, the Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains basilica is another gem found in Metz. It is one of the oldest churches in the world as well as the cradle of the Gregorian Chant. Another 13th-century chapel is the Romanesque Knights Templar, which is the oldest Templar institution in the Holy Roman Empire.

Admire the city’s architecture n

Other splendid examples of Metz’s heritage and architecture include the Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole, an 18th-century building designed in Tuscany-influenced neoClassical style and the oldest working opera house in France and one of the oldest in Europe; the Neoclassical buildings in the town square, the Romanesque Revival Station-Palace, the Central Post Office and the ruins of the city's defensive walls.

Eating out in Metz

Some of Metz’s local specialities include quiche, potée, suckling pig, and Lorrain pâté. Metz is also known for its unique pastries like the Metz cheese pie and boulet de Metz, a ganache-stuffed biscuit coated with marzipan, caramel and dark chocolate. Must-try local beverages include Moselle wine and Amos beer.

As for our top restaurant recommendations, we’d like to highlight Le P’tit Frontalier, which serves tastefully plated dishes using seasonal produce from the Grand Est region; Le Paris, which should be your go-to for traditional French cuisine like veal chops, fish plates and classic desserts; and Le Pampre for haute cuisine with discreet service.

Metz Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Metz is Metz/Nancy (ETZ) Airport which is 16.2 km away.

Getting around

Metz’s public transport includes a rapid bus transit system called Mettis and a railway station called Gare de Metz-Ville, which has connections to Paris and Luxembourg.

Many visitors travelling across France or Western Europe also opt to hire a car for maximum flexibility, comfort, and convenience. Metz is located on the European route E50 (connecting Paris to Prague) and the A31 Motorway (which connects Luxembourg to Lyon).