Do you only have one day in Metz, France and you want to make the most of it? This is for you!
While my family and I were vacationing in Germany over Christmas 2019, we planned one road trip day where we would hit the European streets and see as much as possible. After much discussion, we decided that our big stop would be in Metz, France.
Although I had been in France before (10 years earlier), I had never been to Metz. And my husband had never been to France at all (it was his very first time in Europe!) so we thought it would be perfect. And it was!
If you go during the winter, I highly recommend allowing time to walk around the Christmas Markets like we did. If you go during another time of year, I still recommend just walking around and marveling at the beautiful architecture, food, and history.
Without further ado, here are 5 things you must see in Metz, France!
#1: Metz Cathedral
Perhaps the most famous attraction in all of Metz is this cathedral. Built around the year 1500 AD, this majestic church is really hard to miss.
Once inside, you can walk around the cathedral and read about its history and usage. You will also notice all the stained glass on the walls and ceiling.
Fun Fact: The Metz Cathedral has the biggest expanse of stained glass in the entire world!
If you’re willing to pay a little extra (2 Euros), I suggest going downstairs to see the crypt. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. I mean, it’s in a basement with dead people… Anyway, it acts as a mini museum with historical artifacts from the area and Catholic church.
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#2: Temple Neuf
Compared to the grandiose Catholic cathedral, this temple belongs to the Protestant religion and is a little more practical in design. When I saw it online, it looked just like a fairytale castle to me because of how it rests on the edge of the Moselle River. I decided for everyone else that we had to go 🙂
Embarrassingly though, we only spent less than a minute inside because as soon as we opened the doors, we realized that we interrupted a funeral! Talk about awkward! And let me tell you. There is nothing as hard as trying to be fast as you turn a stroller around while whispering to the rest of your party that you have to leave and then trying to run down the stairs outside while keeping your son inside the stroller!
The perks of no elevators in Europe 🙂
#3: Moselle River
Speaking of the Moselle River, it is gorgeous! Am I the only one who feels just a little more European when I’m next to water? Maybe the founders of Metz knew it would have that affect because there are multiple bridges over the river that add to the already romantic ambiance.
The Moselle also runs through Luxembourg and Germany so it would be an awesome road trip to follow it! Tell me in the comments if you’ve ever taken a road trip specifically based around water!
One more thing – since we were there in the wintertime, there were no ducks to feed. However, I’m sure that would be a great activity to do with your kids!
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#4: Museum of La Cour D’Or
This museum is absolutely a must if you have enough time in Metz! Meaning “The Golden Court,” it is basically a museum of all things Metz.
The museum takes you through different rooms full of historical artifacts, cultural gems, and beautiful artwork. What makes this place really cool though is that it was built around an old thermal bath house! When you reach the bottom floor, you can still see the remnants of the original stone and doorway.
Pro Tip: The museum doesn’t allow strollers through the exhibits, but they have a special room with locks to keep your strollers and personal belongings safe.
#5: Place Saint-Jacques
This is a popular plaza with restaurants and shops to enjoy. During the Christmas season, it’s decorated with lights and fun ornaments with the rest of Europe.
Before we left France for the day, we stopped here to fill ourselves with some Pasta Mano (Italian fast food). We also made a pit stop at a chocolate shop. Who doesn’t love European chocolate?
Bonus: Christmas Market
Before you read this and think, “I only want to visit Metz in the springtime when all the flowers are in bloom,” think again! The Christmas Market is incredible!
The booths with crepes and French toys were so cute. Plus, they set up a giant ferris wheel right next to the cathedral! We could literally see the top spires from the top of the ferris wheel! My mom and sister watched Parker for us too so Nate and I could have a mini date. It was awesome!
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I am torn if I want to see Metz over Christmas or spring when the flowers are blooming. My favorite time of year is Christmas, but travel can get expensive during the holiday season. Hopefully, someday I can see it both since I love to travel.
Yes, there are many benefits to both seasons!
I had not heard of Metz before. It looks like a beautiful place! I love European towns for all the architecture, and I’d love to see a European Christmas Market!
It is gorgeous and the Markets live up to the hype for sure!
WOW! The architecture is just stunning, let alone the history behind these landmarks. I bet it is that much more spectacular in person.
It is! My vocabulary can only describe something so much haha
Great list! I love older cathedrals. The river also looks fantastic. Thank you!
The river was super pretty while we were there!
I love France! The Christmas Market sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!
No problem!
What a beautiful adventure for the whole family to experience! Great landscapes and architecture! Fantastic pictures thank you for sharing!
It was awesome, thank you!
I can not wait to go back to Europe! I am already planning!
It’s going to be amazing!
Sounds like a wonderful time! I love crepes, so I’d be all in on that one, lol.
Haha so were we!
Ooh, love the cathedral!
It is so pretty!
Looks amazing! May have to add this to my Christmas Market bucket list!
Definitely! It won’t disappoint 🙂
Wow! What a fun trip.
It was great!
I’d for sure see the Metz Cathedral! Love old churches and it looks so gorgeous! Love all your tips about taking kids with you.
Thanks! And yeah, it was so big and beautiful!
So beautiful! The Metz Cathedral is phenomenal! We would love to visit in Spring and Christmastime. Thank you for sharing your adventure.
It is great no matter when you visit!
Great list! Sometimes it’s hard to choose but lists like this help a lot. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome!
That is some incredible architecture! Beautiful!!
I agree!
Visiting European Christmas markets is a DREAM! And your story about interrupting the funeral had me chuckling. Even embarrassing travel moments make good memories, right? Last thing- there is ALWAYS time to make a pit-stop for chocolate!
Haha chocolate is a must everywhere! And yes, that was a very embarrassing moment 🙂
Accidentally interrupting a funeral…great travel story to tell but I can only Imagine trying to leave asap unnoticed! Sounds like something that would happen to me 😅
Haha it felt like something out of a sitcom!
What an epic day! I have never been to Metz! Definitely excited about European travel again!
Me too! It’s going to be soo good to be back!
I can just picture the scene of you attempting to leave the funeral as fast as you can. It’s something I would expect to see in a comedy.
It definitely felt like a movie in France!
Awesome places to visit in Metz! I would love that Christmas market!
I’m sure you would! It was super fun!
Very cool! I love exploring too! Great ideas!
Thank you!
France is definitely on my travel list! Metz looks amazing. I’d love to visit the Christmas market there.
It was great! I’m sure you would have a great time!
What a beautiful town. I love the cathedral.
It was absolutely gorgeous!