METZ

Metz is a small town in the Lorraine region of northeastern France. It is about 320km from Paris and it takes about 1.5 hours by train. It is close to Strasbourg, and the Mets Christmas market is followed by Strasbourg Christmas market. It is a little-known city for tourists, but it is one of the most populated cities in the Lauren region and offers a unique relaxed atmosphere. Gare de Metz-Ville, which takes less than an hour from TGV in Strasbourg and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Paris by TGV. The historic Metz station building was built by Germans in three years from 1905. It is easy to travel with good signs and you can go to the city center by following the Center milestone. It is about 20-minute walk from station to old city center.

The Metz is a city with a history of 3,000 years and is located at the junction of Moselle and Seille, which flows into Luxembourg and Germany. Wherever you go, you can discover the traces of history.

PORTE DES ALLEMANDS

The gate of the fort located east of the Mets. The Mets is close to Germany and Luxemburg, and became French states in 1552, and went to war again to become German statesmen. And finally, after the First World War, it was the place that was returned to the French Empire. So, at the Metz, you will find many signs of Germany, including German architecture. The Mets have long been Europe's largest military base linking Germany and France. From the Roman era, economic activity has become more active as a result of traffic, and it has developed into a commercial and industrial center in the modern era. The Fortress Gate is not large but is an important cultural asset that shows the military architecture of the Mets during the Middle Ages.

When you enter the city area, a modern landscape opens. Like many European cities, there are many shopping centers, and it is also fun to see the buildings with various architectural styles such as Roman, Gothic style, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau

If you visit the Mets in December, you should not miss the Mets Christmas market. France is always full of Christmas spirit for a month. The Mets Christmas Market is also famous for the following Strasbourg Christmas Market, so you can see booths lined up and Christmas decorations.

CATHEDRALE SAINT-ETIENNE

Saint-Etienne Cathedral in the city center at Place d'Armes. Metz Cathedral, also known as Cathedrale Saint Stephen. It has been influenced by medieval Gothic style and was recognized as a cultural asset in 1930, recognizing its long history and beautiful architecture. It was built of limestone in the Lauren region of France, where limestone turns yellow due to the rust of iron, and golden-colored walls can be seen.

It is a building of the 13th and 16th centuries. Its width is narrow and its height is 8m. The most striking feature of these is the stained glass filling the walls.

The stained-glass area of Saint-Etienne Cathedral is 6,496m², making it the world's best. Many artists have completed over a few hundred years, including Chagall's work we know best. The stained glass of Chagall shows the unique dreamlike atmosphere of Chagall.

The inside of the chapel is filled with beautiful things to see such as stained glass and religious paintings. Sometimes they organize exhibitions of contemporary artists.

According to the legend here, it was said that there was a dragon who caught a young man around the first century. The story of a castle crane with a crucifix and a crucifixion revealing that the legendary dragon was subjugated. Graulli (the legendary dragon) has since become a symbol of the Metz and you can find dragons all over the city.

TEMPLE NEUF

Temple Neuf, a new temple. Tangpur Neff was a Protestant church built between 1901 and 1905 when Germany merged the Mets. Peaceful greenery and tangpur nep are one of many postcards.

There is a small island called Petit-Saulcy, surrounded by the Metz-Edo River, like Paris's Sita Island. Among them Tangpur Neev is called Jardin d'Amour.

The Mets live the breath of history. There is also a new building called 'Pompidou Center' which boasts modernity in the middle of history. Why not go to this beautiful and peaceful city where the past and the future coexist?

Photo : Vincent Sacau