PRESS PACK 2018 Metz Métropole, an Art & Tech conurbation - VISIT - Office de Tourisme de Metz
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
VISIT
PRESS PACK
2018
Metz Métropole,
an Art & Tech conurbation
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
© Shigeru Ban Architects Europe et Jean de Gastines Architectes, avec Philip Gumuchdjian Architects pour la
conception du projet lauréat du concours / Metz Métropole / Centre Pompidou-Metz / Photo Roland Halbe
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
CONTENTS
.28.
GASTRONOMIC
.03. DELIGHTS
INTRODUCTION
.30.
.04. EXPLORING THE METZ REGION
ACCESS AND
PRACTICAL INFORMATION .32.
KEY FIGURES
.08.
INSPIRATION FOR LIVING IN METZ
URBAN AREA GARDENS
OFF
.12. THE BEATEN TRACK
ARCHITECTURAL AUDACITY
.14.
THE CENTRE POMPIDOU-METZ
.16.
HISTOIRY IN MOVEMENT
.18.
GORGEOUS GARDENS
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
.22.
GOING OUT IN METZ
2
INTRODUCTION
In January 2018, the conurbation of Metz became one of France’s 22 métropoles, Metz Métropole comprises
Metz and the 43 surrounding towns.
INSPIRE METZ,
Metz Métropole’s development agency
Serving the new Metz Métropole, Metz Métropole Développement, Metz Cathedral Tourist Office and
Metz Metropole Convention Bureau merged to create one body, under the brand name Inspire Metz, on 1st
September 2017.
Standard bearer of the métropole strategy, Inspire Metz condenses the creative energy of Metz into one sign
and signature.
In close connection with economic stakeholders, the Agency works to:
diversify the tourist offer in the conurbation,
strengthen economic development to attract high added value jobs,
consolidate the business destination Metz/Amnéville-les-Thermes.
THE 3 ROLES OF THE AGENCY INSPIRE METZ
Organising professional Visiting Metz Métropole
CONGRÈS events in Metz Métropole TOURISME
On the eve of the opening of the Metz Robert Metz Cathedral Tourist Office is open 7 days a week
Schuman Congress Centre (September 2018), the and offers a personalised, multilingual welcome,
Business Tourism Service is the privileged partner for complete multi-media information, and, above all, a
hosting and organising conferences, conventions, team of destination experts is here to help.
seminars and incentive programmes.
And what’s more : we can advise you on your souvenir
shopping in our boutique!
Setting up in Metz Métropole
ÉCONOMIE
The Economic Development Service of the agency
Inspire Metz proposes solutions for business
installation and development in Metz and its region.
The agency participates in structuring key regional
networks (materials, processes and energy, logistics,
creative and cultural industries).
It promotes the region and encourages exchanges
between Metz Métropole’s stakeholders within the
cross-border area of Luxembourg, Germany and
Belgium and, more broadly, internationally.
CONTACT
2 place d’Armes - J.F. Blondel
CS 80367
57007 METZ CEDEX 1
Tel : 33 (0)3 87 39 00 00
www.inspire-metz.com
3
ACCESS
and practical information
Metz, European hub
Metz is at the crossroads of 2 major axes crossing By boat :
Europe: Access by boat is via the 2 major waterways:
North-South axis: North Sea - Mediterranean - from The Moselle & Sarre are linked to the North Sea
Amsterdam to Marseille to the South towards the Mediterranean, via the
East-West axis: Eastern Europe - via Paris, Munich, Canal de l’Est
Vienna and Prague
Blue flag marina
By car : Harbour master: Régates Messines
Road access exists via 2 of the main axes in Europe: 2 quai des Régates – 57000 Metz
A31 (Luxembourg / Lyon) Tel : +33 (0)3 87 66 86 03
A4 (Paris/Strasbourg) Marina
Access by car: 60 rue de l’Etang – 57160 Scy-Chazelles
- Bruxelles - Metz : 2h45mins Tel : +33 (0)3 87 60 21 10
- Luxembourg - Metz : 50 mins
- Frankfurt - Metz : 2h40mins By train :
- Strasbourg - Metz : 1h50mins Metz Station, place du Général de Gaulle
Metz-Paris : 82 mins
By plane : Metz-Strasbourg : 45 mins
Air access via 3 airports, key entry points into the Metz-Luxembourg : 50 mins
‘QuattroPole’ area Metz-Sarrebrucken : 50 mins
Lorraine Airport (25 mins transfer) : http://www.metz- Lorraine TGV station (57420 Louvigny)
nancy-lorraine.aeroport.fr Connections towards Nantes, Rennes, Reims,
Luxembourg (45 mins transfer) : http://www.lux- Bordeaux, Paris - Charles de Gaulle airport
airport.lu Shuttles between airport / Lorraine TGV station /
Sarrebrucken (1 hour transfer) : http://www. Metz station
flughafen-saarbruecken.de http://www.rapidesdelorraine.fr/r:Votre_voyage/
r:Moselle-Navette_TGV
4
Inter-mobility in Metz
The LE MET’ transport network offers various ways can buy or top up tickets. Season passes, single
to move around during the day and evening: a bus tickets, day or family tickets, there’s a formula to suit
service covers the whole urban area, METTIS has high everyone!
frequency lines, bikes can be rented from VELOMET’,
the FLEXO bus runs in the evening. Information and route planner available at www.
The LE MET’ network also has 3 Park & Ride sites for lemet.fr or with the free LE MET’ app.
bus users. Situated on the METTIS line, the P&R provide
easy access to the city centre and destinations in the For more information visit www.lemet.fr or call 0 800
whole of Metz Métropole. 00 29 38 (Freephone number from landlines)
There are 78 automatic ticket machines where you
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Crossing borders
At the gateway of Germany, Belgium and value to the economic, cultural, tourist and social
Luxembourg, Metz, with its 500,000 residents is part development of the 11 million inhabitants it brings
of the Greater Saar-Lor-Lux Region, composed of together.
Lorraine, Sarre, Rhénanie-Palatinat, the Grand Duchy Metz is at the heart of regional and cross-border
of Luxembourg and a part of Belgium. European networks.
Located in the heart of Europe, this cooperation adds
QuattroPole, unites the urban Tonicités, includes the cities
areas of Luxembourg, Metz, of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-
Sarrbrucken and Trier, all within Alzette, Longwy, Arlon, Metz
under an hour of each other. and Thionville.
European Urban Centre of
the Lorraine Valley, groups
together Épinal, Nancy, Metz
and Thionville.
5
NOT
TO BE
The City-Pass Metz MISSED
easy and accessible
A pack of 3 offers: €13,50
1 entry to the Cour d’Or museum
1 entry to the Centre Pompidou-Metz
1 audio guided or guided tour of Metz (in F, D, GB, IT,
NL) or a discovery trail
+ offers and discounts (leisure, shows, tastings,
gastronomy)
City Pass Plus : 16 € including 1 Visi Pass’ ticket for
unlimited travel on the Le MET’ network for 1 day.
The City Pass is valid until 31st December 2018.
You can make great savings with the City-Pass
Metz:
Usual price:
Entry to the Centre Pompidou-Metz: from €7
Entry to the Cour d’Or Museum: €5
Audio guided tour of Metz: €8
Holidays for couples, friends,
families
The Incoming Service of the agency Inspire Metz offers
themed stays linked to large events, whether cultural,
Place Saint-Louis
sporting or entertainment. For more information, visit
www.inspire-metz.com
Guided tours and discovery trails
All year round, 1 to 2 hour tours of Metz with a
qualified guide are available for you to explore the
unmissable sites or enjoy themed visits, according to
the programme.
And if you want to see Metz in a different, fun way, try
a discovery trail!
Metz Tour App
From the Mobitour collection.
Available from the App store and
Google play, in 7 languages: FR-D-
GB-IT-NL-ES-PT
Your press area
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Press packs and press releases, tourist news, and key
figures are available on http://www.tourisme-metz.
com/fr/dossiers-presse.html
You will also find access to our Flickr photo-library
and the Pinterest and Scoopit! pages from the Inspire
Metz agency
6
Street theatre during the Mirabelle festival 2016
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
INSPIRATIONS
Live Metz Métropole!
Writers, musicians or painters: native of or resident in Metz, a cultural conurbation, it is their land of inspiration,
with which they have formed a fruitful relationship, always with an original view. Yours to discover…
Listen
the current music scene the great classics
Le Chapelier Fou Ambroise Charles Louis Thomas
born in Metz in 1984 1811 - 1896, born in Metz
Since 2009, the multi-instrumentalist from Metz has 1st Prix de Rome, he composed operas, masses,
revealed a strong and captivating universe, with cantatas, piano pieces, etc. A bust of him is in the
gentle compositions where the instruments mix with foyer of the Opera-Theatre.
electronic programming.
Grand Blanc Gabriel Pierné
Grand Blanc is an electro rock and electro punk band. 1863 - 1937, born in Metz
The members are Benoît David or Ben (vocals and Grand Prix de Rome in 1882, a pupil of César Franck
guitar), Camille Delvecchio (vocals and keyboards), and Massenet, he composed operatic comedies,
Vincent Corbel, aka Korben (bass guitar) and Luc ballets, chamber music, melodies, etc.
Wagner (drums), three of whom are from Metz.
Cascadeur
Cascadeur, whose real name is Alexandre Longo,
is a singer and singer-songwriter from Metz, who
became known to the general public when he won
the 2008 CQFD prize organized by Les Inrockuptibles
magazine. He won the Victoire de la Musique for
electronic/dance music album on 13th February
2015.
You will have often heard his music without realising.
The song ‘Walker’ is used at the end of each episode
of ‘Clash’, and at the end of episode 5 of the series
‘Chérif’, both broadcast on France 2. He has also
composed original music for adverts, feature films
and TV films (for example, ‘On l’appelait Ruby’ by
Laurent Tuel, with Mélanie Doutey, in June 2017).
Discover
The Cité Musicale - Metz
Home of music and dance, the Cité musicale-Metz a
real showcase for artistic creation, brings together
the three concert halls in Metz (Arsenal, Bam and
Trinitaires) and the Lorraine National Orchestra.
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
With its exceptional halls, thanks to their acoustic
quality, and their history, it welcomes the greatest
performers, composers and authors of our time for
audiences to discover, exciting curiosity and fervour,
and disseminates musical projects on a local, national
or international scale.
The Grande Salle de l’Arsenal
8
See
The Metz school and Laurent Charles Maréchal The FRAC modern art gallery and many other
galleries
From 1840 to 1870, Metz was the centre of a
flourishing art movement with numerous architects, The Regional Modern Art Centre (FRAC) presents
artists, engravers, painters and sculptors. The leading pieces from its permanent collection, temporary
light was the painter and stained-glass artist Laurent exhibitions, artists in residence, and artistic
Charles Maréchal (1801 – 1887). His career spanned performances. It is located in the oldest civilian
more than 60 years, during which time he worked on building in Metz, the Hotel St Livier (late 12th
a large number of French buildings (57,000 m² of century). The Arsenal, the Lorraine School of Art, the
stained glass in more than 1,600 buildings). Examples Faux Movement Gallery and many other addresses
in Metz include the St Etienne’s Cathedral, the Guise complete the artistic offering.
Salon at the Town Hall, the churches of Notre Dame
and St Martin. He left Metz after the Annexation
in 1871. Other illustrious members of this artistic
movement were: Christophe Fratin (1801-1864), For more information
sculptor of animals, student of Géricault (sculptor of
the Arab Horse on the Esplanade garden), Charles
FRAC : www.frac-lorraine.org
Pêtre (1808-1907) sculptor (the source on the
Esplanade garden, Statue of Maréchal Ney place Complete list of art galleries: http://www.
de la République), Charles-Auguste Migette (1802- tourisme-metz.com/fr/galeries-d-art-et-salons-
1884), painter-decorator at the theatre in Metz from d-exposition-1.html
1832 to 1875…
Behind the Law Courts, in the Jardin Boufflers, is the
equestrian statue ‘Tribute to La Fayette’ by sculptor
Claude Goutin, Grand Prix of Rome, inaugurated in
November 2004.
Read
Maurice Barrès
1862 - 1923
A Lorraine writer who, among other works, wrote the
novel ‘Colette Baudoche - History of a young girl
from Metz’ in 1909.
François Rabelais
Around 1490 - 1553
Writer, doctor, humanist of the Renaissance, François
Rabelais was forced to flee in 1545 following the
printing of the extremely risqué Tiers Livre [Third © Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Book]. He found refuge in Metz, where a friend
lent him a house. He stayed in the city from 1545 to
1547, where he wrote the Quart Livre [Fourth Book]
which included some of experiences of his stay (the
procession of Graoully and terms borrowed from the
local dialect). The remains of the Maison de Rabelais
are located near the Saint Genest’s chapel on the FRAC
corner of the rue d’Enfer and the street en Jurue.
Paul Verlaine statue
Paul Verlaine
1844 - 1996
Born in Metz on 30th March 1844, Paul Verlaine
left Metz in 1851, and would never return, however
he remembered his home town, his early loves,
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
the promenade de l’Esplanade and the Cathedral
throughout his life. He wrote an ‘Ode to Metz’: ‘O
Metz, my fateful cradle.’ He declared, “I only lived
there for few years, yes, but it is there, ultimately, that
my spirit and mind were opened.” He kept emotional
memories and later published ‘Souvenirs d’un messin’
[Memories of a native of Metz].
9
Steve Rosa Bernard Marie Koltès
Born in Burgundy and an adopted Metz native, 1948 - 1989, born in Metz
Steve Rosa is an associate of English and a doctor He was born and raised in Metz. He studied at the
of English studies. Multiple award winner for his Saint Clément’s College. Writer and playwright
detective stories, he is continuing the series started (among the most translated in the world), in Le Retour
with Les douze crimes de Noël, Douceurs assassines au Désert, he evokes Metz, his home town, implicitly.
and Les desserts de l’assassin, devoted to culinary In 2009, Metz paid tribute to him on the occasion of
crime, a genre very popular on the other side of the the 20th anniversary of his death.
Atlantic. Le boucher de Metz (Paraiges, 2017) is an
historical culinary crime novel, a new side to his talent,
which delivers a perfectly plausible answer to a two
hundred year old puzzle, and plunges the reader
into daily life in Metz in the 18th century, blending
court intrigue with authentic recipes.
Adrienne Thomas
1897 - 1980 experience in wartime Metz. This book immediately
Born to Berlin-based parents of Jewish origin, she made her famous and led to her inclusion on the
lived in Saint-Avold for seven years and then followed blacklist of authors banned under Nazism, and the
her family to Metz. When the First World War broke burning of her books.
out, Adrienne joined the Red Cross as a volunteer
at the age of sixteen in August 1914. She lodged A woman of letters, deeply influenced by two
at Metz station where trains brought wounded or cultures, Romanesque and Germanic, her work
dead German soldiers and French prisoners of war. made her a major figure of humanism and pacifism
In ‘Die Katrin wird Soldat’ (1930), translated into 15 in Europe.
languages and published in England under the title In 2012, to pay tribute to her, one of the two
‘Katrin becomes a soldier’, she recounts her terrible underground passages at Metz station was named
‘Passage Adrienne Thomas’.
Do
Hot air balloons from the lake
A hot air balloon flight
In early September each year in Metz, the
Montgolfiades take place.
Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier, born in Metz on 30th
March 1754, was the first hot air balloon pilot, author
of a memoir on gas, and founder of the Paris Museum.
He achieved a 25-minute flight on 21st November
1783, but died in 1785 during an attempt to cross the
English Channel with the physician Romain.
A bicycle ride
In Metz, the city centre has fully adopted soft mobility For more information
with a network of cycle routes and lanes which
cover nearly 90km and traffic calming zones. Linking ‘Charles le Téméraire’ cycle route: http://www.
Burgundy to Flanders, the Charles le Téméraire cycle veloroute-charles-le-temeraire.fr/
route crosses Metz Métropole along the Moselle and
Cycling in Metz: http://metz.fr/pages/mobilite/
then on the German border.
velo/velo.php
Bike hire: http://lemet.fr/velomet/ et
Taste https://www.indigoweel.com/
Did you know? Between April and October, the
Quiche Lorraine, Metz Tourist Office organises ‘cycling’ visits, calender
Lorraine patés, of events at: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/
Paris-Metz, circuit-a-bicyclette.html
Boulay macaroons,
Woippy strawberries,…
10Shopping ! Galeries Lafayette in Metz
Metz has always been an opulent market town,
characterised by a certain lifestyle. Art galleries,
antique shops, designer boutiques, street markets, flea
markets, local shops and major national brands make
up a cosmopolitan and colourful ensemble. NB: the
sales (winter and summer) always begin in Metz a few
days earlier than in the rest of France.
The bustling pedestrian area of the city centre, brings
together most major French and international brands
(Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, FNAC, etc), many
shops offering diverse products (including Emaux de
Longwy, Nespresso, Montblanc) and the Saint Jacques
shopping centre.
In Metz residents and visitors clearly enjoy their food
judging by the number of cake shops, tea rooms,
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
restaurants, and local produce specialists, and let’s not
forget the importance of the Covered Market with
its quality stalls, which spreads into the surrounding
squares on Saturday mornings.
Situated on the Sainte Croix hill, the pedestrian rue
Taison, with a village atmosphere, is home to one of
the symbols of Metz, the Graoully, suspended in the air.
Small restaurants, book shops, engraving workshops
and shops with original decoration regularly organise
activities.
The place Saint-Louis, with its medieval Italian
architecture, is one of the oldest places to shop in
Metz. Under its arcades, in place of the sixty money
changers who worked there during the Metz Republic,
there are now shops and cafes. The pedestrianised
square is regularly the scene of various events: public
picnics, concerts, markets, open air cinema. It is also
one of the sites of the Christmas Market.
The Muse shopping centre is open since November
2017.
On the hill behind the Cathedral, Rue des Jardins
stretches from the banks of the Moselle to Place
d’Armes. It was once owned by textile traders. There
are all types of shops, including restaurants, book shops,
fashion designers, costume jewellery, a bookbinder.
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Muse Shopping Centre
Rue Taison
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
For more information
Muse : https://www.muse-metz.fr/
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz The Federation of Traders: http://www.
shoppingmetz.com/blog/metz-la-commercante/
la-federations-des-commercants-de-metz/
11ARCHITECTURALE
AUDACITY
Metz and the art of transformation!
The development of Metz Métropole involves major town planning projects such as the Amphitheatre District,
the Manufacture / Rives, the Agora, designed by leading urban planners and architects.
The Amphitheatre District
the flagship of the Art & Tech métropole
A 10-minute walk from Metz cathedral, the The Amphitheatre District
Amphitheatre district offers a mix of functions
(housing, offices, shops) as well as cultural and sports
facilities such as the Centre Pompidou-Metz and the
Arènes sport centre in the Jean-Marie PELT Gardens.
Served by two METTIS public transport lines and
equipped with a multimodal centre, it offers great
accessibility, with the TGV station that connects
Metz-centre to Paris in 82 minutes. Ultimately, this
new neighbourhood will offer 1,700 homes with
4,500 residents and 7,000 employees.
Inspired big name architectural design...
Coming soon a Congress Centre designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte
Like the Centre Pompidou-Metz, the new beacon of Metz
Metz Congrès Robert Schuman centre
Urban appeal, this district inspires internationally renowned
architects: Paul Chemetov for the Arènes, Nicolas Michelin,
Christian de Portzamparc, Jean-Paul Viguier for the Muse
shopping centre, soon Philippe Starck for a world premiere
and Jean-Michel Wilmotte who designed the Metz Robert
Schuman Congress Centre.
© PWilmotte et Associés Architectes
This new centre, which will open its doors in September
2018 with the inaugural International E-sport Competition,
ESWC event, has a 1,200-seat auditorium and is adjacent
to the TGV station. A perfect arrangement to complement
business tourism in Metz.
Avant garde architects
Metz has always been an architectural laboratory, with an encyclopaedia of styles, a planner’s dream.
Here are some great names that have expressed themselves in Metz, and the talents that are imagining the
city of tomorrow (non-exhaustive list):
Yesterday...
Pierre Perrat Jean-François Blondel
Of the architects of Metz Cathedral, only Pierre Perrat Professor and architectural theorist in the 18th century,
is known to us through a legend. It is he who finalised Jacques-François Blondel (1705-1774) designed the
the construction of the 42m high vault which is worthy development plan for Place d’Armes and all the
of its fame. He died on 25th July 1400 and was laid to buildings around the square built between 1761 and
rest in the nave of the cathedral. 1771. There is an exhibition dedicated to him and his
work in 2018 (see ‘Going out in Metz’).
For more information:
About the Congress Centre : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S38Y4SCe2Q&ab_channel=mairiemetzMetz
About Hotel Starck : http://metz.fr/actus/2015/150206_un_hotel_a_metz_signe_philippe_starck.php
12Paul Tornow Louis de Cormontaigne
From 1874, Paul Tornow (1848-1921) was responsible In the 17th century, Louis XIV recognised the military
for the restoration of Metz Cathedral to which he importance of the city of Metz and sent Vauban
devoted 30 years of his life. He strengthened the to examine its fortifications. His student, Louis de
vaults, restored the piers and flying buttresses and Cormontaigne, built the fortifications south of Metz,
built the new neo-Gothic portal on the west façade the Bellecroix fort and the Place Saint Thiébault.
between 1898 and 1902.
Avenue Foch
Conrad Wahn
City architect of Metz from 1877, and strongly
influenced by the planning theories of his time,
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Conrad Wahn (1851-1920) worked on many buildings
in the city. He also planned the New Town.
Today...
Jean-Paul Viguier and Associates Shigeru Ban et Jean de Gastines
The design of the Muse block (opened in November Designed by Shigeru Ban (winner of the Pritzker
2017) was entrusted to Jean-Paul Viguier, architect prize) and Jean de Gastines, with Philip Gumuchdjian
on numerous projects in France and abroad (e.g. for the competition’s winning project, the Centre
France Télévisions headquarters in Paris, Sofitel Pompidou-Metz is considered to be one the 10 most
Water Tower in Chicago, McNay Art Museum in San spectacular cultural institutions in the world (Nouvel
Antonio, Texas). Muse transcends the notion of a place Observateur, 24.05.2013)
of commerce and leisure, its elegant architecture
The «Boîte à Musique»
combines commercial space, housing and offices
and contributes to the urban effervescence.
Rudy Riccioti
Also the architect behind the MuCem in Marseille,
in Metz, Rudy Riccioti designed the BAM (Boîte à
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Musiques concert venue), a major feature in the
redevelopment of the Metz-Borny district. Bright
and original in its design, the building, thanks to
the geometry of the openings of the 5 façades, is a
tribute to Jean Cocteau whose stained glass adorns
St Maximin’s church in Metz.
Christian de Portzamparc Jean-Michel Wilmotte
Christian de Portzamparc (winner of the Pritzker Architect, urban planner and designer, Jean-Michel
prize) and his wife Elizabeth designed the ‘Bridge of Wilmotte is known for his eclectic approach to
Light’ programme in the Amphitheatre District. They architecture, and his ability to reinvent himself. The
have brought to Metz a concept of the habitat, the Metz Congress Robert Schuman Centre (opening
art of living together and light that characterises their in September), developed by Wilmotte & Associates,
own. is based on four ideas: material, verticality, light and
space.
Tomorrow... «Maison Heler», hôtel Starck
Philippe Starck
The celebrated architect-designer will construct
in Metz, end 2019 - early 2020, his first hotel
«Maison Heler». The Hilton group will manage the
establishment and will list it in their Curio Collection
catalogue, the reference in the hotel world, and a
guarantee of international visibility for the future
4-star hotel. The concept behind the Collection is
simple: each hotel has been carefully chosen for its
unique and unusual character, while keeping its own
© DEIS
personality and originality. 13CENTRE
POMPIDOU-
METZ
Centre of art and culture
With its hexagonal roof, whose shape echoes the The building is spread over 10,700m2, including
building plan, the Pompidou-Metz Centre is a vast more than 5,000m2 dedicated to the presentation
modular structure centred around a 77 metre tall of works (not counting the exhibition possibilities in
spire, a nod to the Pompidou Centre in Paris which other spaces such as the Forum, the restaurant terrace
was inaugurated in 1977. or the garden).
Throughout 2018, the Centre Pompidou-Metz will present a variety of unique
temporary exhibitions in Metz...
The Japanese Season at the
Centre Pompidou-Metz
Until 5th March 2018 - Galleries 2 and 3
The Centre Pompidou-Metz begins 2018 by opening
the third part of its Japanese Season with the
presentation of works by Japanese Dumb Type artists,
pioneers of digital arts. This monographic exhibition,
the first of its size in France, bringing together five
major multimedia, including one completely new
and designed for the occasion.
Offering a rich and multidisciplinary panorama of the
Japanese art scene, the Japanese Season revolves
around two major exhibitions inaugurated in autumn
2017, one of which, ‘Japonorama’, continues until 5th
March 2018. A new look at contemporary creation.
It celebrates Japanese pop culture, visual arts, fashion,
performing arts and photography since 1970.
Modern Couples
From 28th April to 20th August 2018 - Galleries 2 and 3
This exhibition produced in collaboration with
the Barbican Art Gallery in London, focuses on the
creative process though the intimate relationships
which brought together avant-garde artists at the
end of the 19th century and during the first half of the
20th century. This very rich multidisciplinary exhibition
looks back on a century of creation and mutual
influences in famous couples such as Pablo Picasso
and Dora Maar, Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Charles
and Ray Eames, revisiting the very notion of ‘modern
monograph’ through new avenues for reading the
history of art. The exhibition will bring together major
works by avant-garde couples in fields as diverse as
the visual arts, design, architecture and film.
14 Dorothea Tanning et Max Ernst avec sa sculpture, Capricorn, 1947
© John Kasnetsis, © Adagp, Paris 2017The Adventure of Colour
From 24th February 2018 to 22nd July 2019 - Great Nave
The Centre Pompidou-Metz honours the exceptional
collection of the National Museum of Modern Art
through a new offer, in the tradition of Key Works and
Musicircus. ‘Adventures in colour. Key works from the
Pompidou Centre’ are presented as a polychrome
symphony inviting you to explore the chromatic
environment of artists from the beginning of the 20th
century to the present day.
Echoing the exhibition, the Centre Pompidou-Metz
is organising a large, convivial ‘Colour Festival’ on
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March 2018, where
visitors will be invited to take part in the edible ritual
of Antoni Miralda and Dotothée Selz, ‘A celebration
of a journey through colour’, and can give free rein
to their talents in workshops such as ‘Watercolours in
water with Sarkis’, which place the focus on colour.
Martial Raysse, America America, 1964
© Centre Pompidou, MNAM-CCI/Philippe Migeat/Dist. RMN-GP,© Adagp, Paris 2017
Painting the night
From 13th October 2018 to 15th April 2019 - Gallery 2
This exhibition explores a major theme in the history
of art: the night in 20th century paintings. Bringing
together the works by the historical avant-gardes
but also younger generations, as well as spectacular
installations from contemporary artists, the exhibition
takes a double direction: to paint the night meaning
both painting the night and painting at night.
To paint without seeing, because our perception
is limited, or because we decide to free ourselves
from the retinal world. An exhibition designed as a
dizzying ramble towards the infinity of the starry sky.
Jean Arp, Jeu après minuit, 1962
© Georges Meguerditchian - Centre Pompidou, MNAM-CCI/Dist. RMN-GP
© Adagp, Paris, 2017
Opening times
From 1st April to 31st October:
Monday - Thursday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Friday - Sunday: 10:00am - 7:00pm
1st May: Closed
From 1st November to 31st March:
Monday - Sunday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Centre Pompidou-Metz
© Shigeru Ban Architects Europe et Jean de Gastines Architectes, avec Philip Gumuchdjian Architects pour la www.centrepompidou-metz.fr 15
conception du projet lauréat du concours / Metz Métropole / Centre Pompidou-Metz / Photo Roland HalbeHISTORY
in movement
© Jean Isenmann - © Benoît Lapray - © Matthieu Leclerc/MADGAS - Création Agence MMAP
At the crossroads of Europe, Metz is like an open artistic and religious influence in Europe.
history book.
Metz became part of the Holy Roman Empire in the
From the Gallo-Roman era to the present day, 10th century. Later, as a Republic, the city of Metz saw
sublimated by the Jaumont stone, the centuries have its richest period until the 15th century. In 1552, the city
left traces of their heritage: Metz is a mosaic of welcomed Henry II, King of France, who adopted the
styles, materials and colours. The twists and turns of city. The Emperor Charles V sought in vain to take back
history have made it sometimes French, sometimes the city at the cost of a long, hard siege. It became
German. The mix of Roman and Germanic influences, the capital of the Province of the Three Bishopries
creating its originality and its DNA. Its living heritage and in 1648, and was permanently attached to the
is put into sharp focus with the Centre Pompidou- Kingdom of France. In the 18th century, Metz became
Metz, a cathedral of contemporary art, daring space immersed in classicism and created sumptuous,
of discovery for artistic creation in all its forms. iconic architectural ensembles: Place d’Armes
(where you can find the agency Inspire Metz - Tourist
Later the cradle of the Carolingians, Metz gradually Office and the Town Hall), Place de la Comédie
became a European capital of art and culture. The (Opera-Theatre), and Place de la République, with its
excellent reputation of its schools and craftsmen, imposing Law Court. The war of 1870 rocked the fate
the countless medieval religious and civil buildings, of the city which then underwent profound upheavals.
including the Saint Etienne’s Cathedral (undoubtedly
the most remarkable), bore witness to the city’s
16Metz, labelled ‘City of Art and History’ since November 2011,
offers different historical and styles
Not to be missed
The Germans Gateway and the ramparts
The Germans Gateway, a real miniature castle which
spans the Seille, is one of the jewels of the remains
of the medieval ramparts. It formed a 7km enclosure
with 18 gates and 38 towers.
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
The banks of the Moselle
The banks of the Seille, the Marina and ‘Metz Plage’,
accessible on foot or by bike.
The Germans Gateway
Squares
In the heart of Metz, renovated squares, such as the
place de Chambre (nicknamed the gourmet square of
Metz), the place d’Armes (18th century), the medieval
place Saint-Louis, the place de la République,
provide space and a friendly atmosphere. These
lively squares regularly host events and festivities, a
great place to meet up !
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
The Imperial District
A fully preserved exceptional example of Germanic
town planning at the end of the 19th century. The
district offers an encyclopaedia of historic and
modern styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance,
Baroque, Art Deco and Jugendstil. Metz Station
Royal and Imperial Metz
Stylistic confrontations, urban identity and power
Metz’s candidacy for UNESCO World Heritage nomination highlights the extraordinary urban adventure that
the city experienced from the second half of the 19th to the early 20th century: before, during and after the
Annexation. The City of Metz is one of 37 sites on the Indicative French List.
The Imperial District The Royal District
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Metz Post Office Metz Cathedral
17GORGEOUS
GARDENS
and daydreaming at the water’s edge
Rare species and medicinal plants in the heart of the city
Directly connected to the pedestrian streets in the
shopping district, the Esplanade French gardens
with their many flower beds, open onto the vast
landscape of the banks of the Moselle. Below, the
romantic Régates gardens and Swan Lake, with its
dancing fountains, are the perfect setting for the
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
light displays which take place there each evening
on summer weekends. Just a stone’s throw away, the
Lake and Marina offer a place to relax and play with
the Moselle and Cathedral in the background. You
can continue your journey peacefully, surrounded by
nature, towards the Ile du Saulcy and the tow paths
along the Canal de Jouy just nearby. The lake
The Botanical Gardens, purchased by the City of
Metz in 1866 from the Baroness de l’Espée, is one
of the highlights of Metz. With a surface area of 4.4
hectares and landscaped in the «English style», it has
remarkable trees, such as bald cypress, the tree with
forty crowns or giant sequoia. Greenhouses, a rose
garden, water features and a small children’s leisure
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
train make it a lively place to meet. Scented gardens,
or gardens of grasses, aquatic plants, climbers,
perennials, and heathland, satisfy the botanist as much
as the idle stroller.
The Botanical Garden
The European Institute of Ecology, founded by Jean-
Marie Pelt (world renowned expert in this discipline)
is housed, within the Recollects Cloister, in the heart
of the historic district of Ste Croix. A Garden of
medicinal and toxic plants that presents 129 different
species with proven therapeutic properties.
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
The nearby Tanneurs’ Garden, on the hillside, is
planted with numerous Mediterranean species which
enjoy its south-east exposure: Holm oaks, albizzias,
palm trees, kiwis, etc.
The Jean-Marie Pelt Gardens (20ha) located in the
new Amphitheatre district were designed to be a © Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Le Carrosse’ by Veilhan in front of the Arsenal
mixed -city space with an ecological role of naturally
for all, the Seille Park is equipped with fishing pontoons,
absorbing of flood water from the Seille, and of
play areas, a gazebo, benches, vineyards, hops, reeds
preservating ecosystems where fauna and flora could
and a rose garden, we meet fishermen and women,
flourish in a natural setting in the heart of the city.
rollerbladers, joggers and walkers.
The recent installation of hives and an insect house
within the park also demonstrates the committment to Those who enjoy natural sciences or bird watching
environmentally friendly maintenance. Also providing can observe the birds in the Pas du Loup Park,
a leisure function, walks, sport and a meeting place an iconic natural space emblematic of the zero-
pesticides approach employed by the city since 2007
(establishment of hives, nesting boxes, illustrated
panels, guided tours).
18Jean-Marie-Pelt said of Metz in 2006 :
“The harmony between nature and greenery everywhere, the water in its
rivers and canals and the blond stone that adorns the city of sun and light
give it this indescribable charm that strikes visitors so much. For Metz is
beautiful, sweet, soothing. Its town planning, treated with sensitivity and
humanity, is a unanimously recognised success.”
Metz, garden city
The promise is tangible… with 580 hectares of green Marie Pelt.
spaces, which is 14% of the surface area of the city It has been awarded ‘4 Flowers’ status since 1992.
of Metz, 45m² of green spaces per resident, 36
kilometres of walks along waterways, unparalleled In 2011, the Botanical Garden joined the ‘Gardens
places to relax and havens of greenery among it without Limits’ network.
and the urban setting, Metz offers a privileged In 2012, the Seille Park obtained the ‘EcoJardin’ label,
environment to its residents and guests: tourists, which emphasises its ecological management.
joggers, seniors, parents and young children have
a wide choice of places devoted to relaxation ,
strolling, games, sports and recreation.
Metz is the cradle of urban ecology, started by Jean
Timeless Gardens
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
GARDENS IN THE METZ AREA For more information :
Peace Garden at Robert Schuman’s House,
Laquenexy Fruit Gardens, Mont St Quentin : http://www.metzmetropole.fr/
mont-st-quentin-metz-metropole.php
Château de Pange Gardens,
Pathway along the Jouy canal and the banks of
the Moselle and Seille, Metz Beach : http://metz.fr/pages/culture/
evenements_culturels/metz_plage.php Agenda
Château de Gromesnil Gardens,
des manifestations rubrique « Que faire ? »: www.
Simon Park in Augny…
tourisme-metz.com
19Flowers push through
between the slabs
A seasonal display of planters and plants in tubs
contribute to the decoration of renovated squares.
In the gardens, a sea of crocus and daffodils
welcomes spring, followed by meadows awash with
flowers, buzzing with insects, and more than 400,000
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
flowering plants, which bring colour to the city, and,
since 1992, the ‘4 Flowers’ award.
Treasure islands
Isles of Grand and Petit Saulcy, Saint-Symphorien
Island, and the Isle des Roches, are today home to the
University, the football stadium, the Opera-Theatre
and the Temple Neuf, which can be seen reflected in The Temple Neuf
the Moselle. The back drop for a romantic walk, day
or night.
Marvel at the Moselle, the Seille, the many canals,
ponds and fountains that give the city a welcome
breath of fresh air and encourage daydreaming.
Dancing Fountains
During the summer season, weekends, eve of public
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
holidays and holidays, why not spend a poetic
moment sitting on the banks of Swan Lake, admiring
the water and light games of the Dancing Fountains,
with a new thematic show every year?
Seaside fun at ‘Metz Beach’
from end of July to end of August
A real sandy beach is set up at the lake for a month
to celebrate summer. Building on the popular success
of previous years (98,810 visitors in 2017 despite
poor weather), a site of nearly 22,000 m² is set up
for a month with seaside pleasures for young and old
with 1,500 tonnes of sand and a bathing area of
250m².
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Quai des régates
Blue flag...
Since 2007, Metz has had a ‘Blue flag’ marina, and a
lake right in the heart of the city. Metz Beach
Just a stone’s throw from the shopping district, they
unfold in a green setting, perfectly integrated into
the urban space, and offering a pleasant environment
to city-dwellers who appreciate coming here for
water sports, sports activities or relaxation.
The Jouy Canal, particularly popular with joggers
and walkers, leads to the lake, facing Mont Saint
Quentin. The real lungs of the city, dominating the
conurbation, the Mont Saint Quentin was classified
as a nature reserve in 1994. It is from here that St
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Clément, 1st bishop of Metz, contemplated the city.
But it’s also a hotspot for military history. It aims to
become a vast area for walking, offering curious
visitors exceptional views of the capital of Lorraine
and, beyond, the whole Moselle valley.
The Marina
20©
Ph
ilip
pe
Gi
sse
lbr
ec
ht
/V
ille
de
Me
tz
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
© Agence MMAPGOING OUT
IN
METZ
Events and festivals!
Festivals, shows and events take place all year round and are perfect for enthusiasts, the curious and collectors.
2nd Largest Flea Market in France after Saint Ouen September - Flea Market in the Outre-Seille District
(takes place a dozen times a year) September - Inauguration events for the Congress
From 13th to 15th April 2018 - Festival ‘Books in Metz, Centre - ESWC and #GEN
Literature and Journalism’
From 28th September to 8th October 2018 - Metz
From 22nd to 27th May 2018 - Metz est Wunderbar International Fair
28th june to 16th September 2018 - Constellations 14 October 2018 - Marathon
of Metz From 18th November until the end of December -
21st July to 15th August 2018 - Metz Beach Christmas Market and Advent festivities :
August - Big dear-out sale 1st and 2nd December – Saint-Nicolas Festival
Early December - Illuminated walk
18th to 26th August 2018 - Mirabelle Festival
Numerous events at Metz Métropole Exhibition
Late August early September - Montgolfiades hot-air balloons
Centre (FIM, Créativa, Urbest…)
From 16th to 23rd September 2018 – Moselle Open
Festivals in Metz in 2018 !
‘Books in Metz, Literature and Cour d’Or Museum
Journalism’
31st edition
From 13th to 15th April 2018 - Place de la République de
Metz
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
These literary events will bring together nearly 200
novelists, journalists, essayists, cartoonists and comic
strip writers, and also illustrators and children’s authors.
Programme available at: www.lelivreametz.com
INAUGURATION OF
Inauguration of the entrance of «METZ CONGRES ROBERT SCHUMAN»
the Cour d’Or Museum
3rd June 2018 The inauguration of the Metz Robert Schuman
Congress Centre will take place in September
Opens to the public on 3rd June. 2018 and will include 2 events:
Free entry throughout June. - ESWC, international e-sport competition;
- #GEN, The Business and Digital Fair for the
Grand Est.
Franco-German week ‘Metz est
Wunderbar’
3rd edition
From 22nd au 27th may 2018
On the agenda: conferences, concerts, shows, youth
workshops, exhibitions, guided tours... an opportunity
to highlight the Franco-German excellence of Metz,
and its mixed Latin and German heritage.
22Jacques-François Blondel Exhibition ‘Architect of the enlightenment in Metz’
From 12th April to 13th July 2018 - Arsenal Gallery
Organised by the City of Metz, in partnership with of architecture. It will unveil the history of Metz’s
the National School of Architecture of Nancy, this construction, based on works from the collections of
exhibition is the first major event dedicated to prestigious institutions (Carnavalet Museum, National
the famous theoretian and architect, within the Conservatory of Arts and Crafts, Institute of France...)
framework of the ‘Metz Royal and Imperial’ candidacy and will mark an essential advance in the study of
as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Metz’ heritage.
The exhibition will reveal the exceptional personality
of Blondel, his imposing intellectual stature in the Age
of Enlightenment and, beyond, in the universal history
Constellations of Metz Mapping vidéo pendant les Constellations de Metz
Sarah Baltzinger and Paradigme show –
constellations 2017
From 28th june to 16th September 2018
For its second year, Constellations of Metz will
illuminate the summer proposing a season of more
than 400 artistic and cultural events around digital
arts.
Four arts trails to discover Ondes Messines, an
/ Ville de Metz
opening festival, focused on the crossover between
/ Ville de Metz
music and digital performance, a programme of
Philippe Gisselbrecht
live weekend shows and exhibitions throughout the
city: Centre Pompidou-Metz, St. Vincent’s basilica,
Gisselbrecht
Germans Gateway, Arsenal, FRAC Lorraine, Faux
Movement Art Centre.
Photo : ©
© Philippe
Other things to discover include an open air cinema,
dancing fountains, a photography competition.
600,000 VISITORS TO ‘CONSTELLATIONS OF METZ’ IN 2017
400 artistic events, 300 invited artists, 35 sites in the city, 40 partners, 112 days of programming.
The number of overnight stays increased by 25% over the summer period.
Metz Beach - 11th edition The Mirabelle Festival -
From 21 July to 15 August 2018
st th 68th edition
A real sandy beach is set up at the Lake to celebrate From 18th to 26th August 2018
summer. There’s a holiday atmosphere with parasols, The Mirabelle plum has, for centuries, been a product of
loungers, pools, sporting activities... the Metz terroir. The mirabellier was the first fruit tree in
Building on the success of previous years, a site of the region, benefiting from well exposed hillsides and
nearly 20,000m2 , is set up for one month with seaside clay soils.
pleasures for young and old. In 1996, Lorraine mirabelles were the first to obtain
Each year there are a lot of surprises in terms of a European label guaranteed by a PGI, Provenance
activities and free entertainment. Geographical Indication; the brandy extracted from
And there’s always: paddling pools for children, beach this fruit has obtained the AOC, Appellation d’Origine
soccer, basketball and volleyball courts, adventure Contrôlée.
course, water spray. Various sports activities are
offered free of charge by the City of Metz. Since 1947, the Mirabelle Festival has been attracting
thousands of visitors to the Lorraine capital for a fitting
end to the summer programme of events. The festivities
usually take place after the 15th August and include
The Montgolfiades Hot-Air Balloons street entertainment, concerts, balls, local and craft
End of August - beginning of September 2018 markets, fireworks, floral parade, and the election of
The Mirabelle Festival is closed by the Montgolfiades the Mirabelle Queen.
Hot Air Balloons of Metz (late August, early September),
a hugely popular aerial display.
Each year, this grand gathering of aerostats is the
unmissable event late summer, bringing together
nearly 10,000 enthusiasts.
23European Heritage Days - 35th
edition
15th and 16th September 2018
European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, ‘the art of
sharing’
The agency Inspire Metz will celebrate these days by
offering a programme of free guided tours.
Christmas and Saint Nicolas
Markets - Winter traditions and games
Christmas markets: end of November to end of
December 2018
Saint Nicolas: 1st and 2nd December 2018
As the end of year celebrations approach and the
Christmas markets light up different sites and districts
in the city, it is traditional that the good Saint Nicolas
comes, in early December, to reward well-behaved
children with sweets and treats, whereas Père
Fouettard deals with the ones who are a little less so...
Shops and businesses are generally open on the 3
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Sundays before Christmas, allowing you to enjoy last-
minute breaks in the city with the scent of spices.
A Ferris wheel, ice rink and other winter games offer a
wide range of fun activities for young and old.
Sports events
International Open of the Moselle Open
Mirabelle d’Or 15th edition
From 16th to 23rd September 2018 - Les Arènes de Metz
15th edition
end of June 2018 - Grange-aux-Ormes Golf Course This week of competition brings together some of the
best players in the top 50 in world tennis. Listed on
More than 150 outstanding golfers will compete in a the ATP calendar for several years, this Metz event
renowned competition, supported by local companies has proven itself and to be among the highlights of
and public and private partnerships on the European international tennis.
scene thanks to our club of Excellence. Share fun
activities, and follow the competition live in an
exceptional setting.
The Messine
7th edition
29th April 2018
A 100% female challenge at the heart of the medieval
city passing through the pedestrian zone in the city
centre.
FIGURES FROM THE 2017 LA MESSINE
15,000 runners,
250 volunteers,
€ 80,000 donated, in partnership with the League
against Cancer.
24Metz Mirabelle Marathon
9th edition
14th October 2018
In 2010, the City revived a mythical event, the Marathon.
And Metz found its heroes. Sportsmen and women,
amateurs, young and old have dug deep to complete
their race.
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
FIGURES FROM THE 2017 MARATHON
512 runners in the Marathon,
1,713 in the 10 km and 2,224 in the Thermapolis Relay
Marathon,.
800 volunteers and 40,000 spectators,
90% of the runners come from the Grand Est region.
‘Metz nights’, for an improvised aperitif, extend the evening around a drink
or dancing the night away!
Opera-Theatre with 100 annual performances, concerts
at the Cité Musicale or in the open air during the summer
season, third places with astonishing artistic performances, For more information:
cultural shows and digital arts from ‘Constellations of Metz’,
numerous clubs, design cafés or small, friendly bistros,
cocktail bars, terraces, charming restaurants or eat on the http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/metz-by-night.
go, Metz Métropole Art & Tech has a sense of celebration html
and inspires you on the craziest nights. The Cite Musicale : http://www.citemusicale-metz.fr/
Come and discover an atmosphere like no other, the TCRM-Blida : http://tcrm-blida.com/
agency Inspire Metz will give you the ideas you need for
The Opera-theatre : http://opera.metzmetropole.fr/
a capital evening.
25Cultural effervescence
Metz performs in all ranges and on all registers. Nonnains, numerous art galleries and the
The Arsenal, renovated by Ricardo Bofill, houses one Regional Contemporary Art Centre (FRAC) which
of the most beautiful concert halls in Europe with offer backdrops decorations to various artistic
exceptional acoustics and a sumptuous decor of performances. The Centre Pompidou-Metz, cathedral
beech and sycamore marquetry. It hosts, in particular, of contemporary art, sister institution of the Pompidou
the Lorraine National Orchestra and presents Centre in Paris, is a space to explore artistic creation
prestigious exhibitions. in all its forms. It proposes a multidisciplinary and
innovative programme.
Temple of opera, the Opera-Theatre is a little jewel
which has been staging productions since 1752. The BAM, designed by the architect Rudy Ricciotti,
is a meeting place dedicated to contemporary
Other cultural sites in Metz include, the Cour music, with a fully adjustable concert hall that can
d’Or Museum, the Trinitaires, Saint Pierre aux accommodate up to 1,200 spectators.
Show in front of the Opera-Theatre for the feast of St Nicolas
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
Night charms
A radiant city during the day with its amber Jaumont
stone, at night Metz metamorphoses into an
illuminated diva with its 13,000 projector lights.
From the banks of the Moselle, with the reflection of
the Temple Neuf, to the Sainte Croix hill with the spires
of Sainte Ségolène, from Saint Etienne’s Cathedral,
known as ‘God’s Lantern’, to the splendid arcades of
the Place Saint Louis, from the Opera Theatre to the
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
imperial station, Metz encourages you to stroll around
to discover the nocturnal urban landscapes with their
intimate atmospheres.
Winner of the National Light Grand Prix, Metz is
radiant! Metz Cathedral
26© Benoît Lapray
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
© Benoît LaprayGASTRONOMIC
DELIGHTS
and culinary art
Metz, the gourmet, develops a delicious Art de Vivre across the whole culinary register: from tasting counters
to gourmet restaurants, wine bars to typical breweries, ‘Tables de Rabelais’ to the flavours of the world, Metz
offers dishes of all kinds, from bourgeois cuisine to fusion food, from tastings to a banquet, there’s something
for every palate and every wallet.
Focus on the Mirabelle
Anyone who thinks of the specialities of Lorraine Ingredients : Puff pastry, 150g of sugar, 2 eggs, 100ml
will think of the mirabelle. It is actually one of the of milk, 100g of ground almonds, 400g of Mirabelle
emblems of our region, we supply 70% to 80% of the plums, 30g of icing sugar.
world production. Unroll the pastry and place it in a tart dish. Add
the pitted mirabelles. Mix the sugar, almonds, milk
But what is a mirabelle? It is a small round plum,
and eggs. Pour the mixture over the fruit. Bake in a
golden, fragrant and sweet. Its name comes from
medium oven. Before serving, sprinkle icing sugar
Latin and means ‘beautiful to see’. It is thought to have
over the tart.
been introduced by René d’Anjou, Duke of Lorraine
in the 15th century, it definitely appears in Metz from
the 16th century. There are two varieties: the Metz
mirabelle and the Nancy mirabelle.
The Metz mirabelle is smaller, has more colour and
a very thin skin, and it produces excellent jams and
brandies. Many producers are found in the villages
on the banks of the Moselle, the cradle of mirabelle
production. The climate, the environment and the soil
make it a unique fruit that you can enjoy in all its forms:
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
60 to 70% of the production is used in jams, compotes
and fruit syrups, 20 to 25% is used in brandy, 10% are
eaten fresh between the harvest and mid-August, a
period of 5 to 6 weeks.
Since 1947, Metz has organised the Mirabelle Festival
at the end of August and beginning of September. It
is a week of festivities (see the ‘Events’ section).
Here is a suggestion (among others, because there The agency Inspire Metz - Tourist Office
are no end of experts on the subject) for mirabelle organises guided tours focused on the
tart. mirabelle and gastronomy.
The Moselle Wines AOC
authenticity of the land as a pledge of quality
The grape varieties: fine and light wines made from to large estates, it connects 20 villages and allows
pinot and auxerrois grapes have created a varied you to discover local heritage, through orchards and
and enriched palette: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois, vineyards, and to contemplate the Lorraine plateau
Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and the valley of the Moselle from the top of the
and Gamay. slopes.
The Pays Messin, or Metz region, wine route: 46 On this route, you can meet 12 of the Moselle AOC
km long, the Moselle wine route crosses the wine winegrowers, ready to offer you a wine tasting. These
region on the edge of Metz. Far from being limited wines are the perfect accompaniment to quiche, pie,
hotpot, etc.
28The tables de Rabelais
A gastronomic signature
‘The Tables de Rabelais’ has been the gastronomic
signature of Metz since 2006. A nod to the Rabelais
spirit, a noble Metz heritage, it brings together
restaurateurs, food trades and high quality producers
whose gardens marry flavours and have the generous
values of the French art de vivre at heart. This French
touch that mixes with subtle foreign influences is
produced for you by artisans brought together by the
agency Inspire Metz - Tourist Office.
Culinary Arts
Cookery classes in Metz
L’Académie des Chefs
30 rue des Jardins / www.acedemie-des-chefs.fr
Le Cercle Culinaire de Metz
R. Mondon centre for apprenticeships in the hotel
industry
Rue Monseigneur Pelt / www.cercleculinaire.com
Le Magasin aux Vivres 1’ Michelin Star
© Christophe Dufossé
Rue de la Citadelle / www.citadelle-metz.com
Markets in Metz
Covered Market
Tuesday to Saturday 7:00am - 7:00pm (closed on
Discover: Regional organic market, Covered Market
public holidays)
Saturday 7:00am - 1:00pm
Avenue de Nancy Market (New Town)
Place Philippe de Vigneulles Market (New Town)
Wednesday and Friday 8:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 1:00pm
Place Saint Livier Market (Sablon)
Truffle market, organised every year in November
Wednesday 8:00am - 1:00pm
by Georges-Michel Viklovszki, Chef at Restaurant
Place Auguste Fosselle Market (Borny) «Georges à la ville de Lyon»
Tuesday and Friday 8:00am - 1:00pm
A 100% Lorraine organic market takes place each
Square du Gal Mangin Market (Imperial Quarter) Saturday morning from 7:00am in front of the Covered
Thursday 8:00am - 1:00pm Market, alongside the traditional market.
Central market, Covered Market Hall, place Jean-
Paul II, rue Paul Bezanson The Covered Market in Metz
Saturday 7:00am - 1:00pm
For more information
Moselle wines: http://www.moselle-tourisme.
com/manger/vins-de-moselle.html
Lorraine recipes : http://www.tourisme-metz.
com/fr/les-recettes.html
Tables de Rabelais : http://www.tourisme-metz.
com/fr/les-tables-de-rabelais.html
Where and when for your market in Metz: http://
© Philippe Gisselbrecht / Ville de Metz
metz.fr/pages/marches/marches.php
Where to eat (during the week and on Sunday):
h t t p : // w w w . t o u r i s m e - m e t z . c o m / f r / l e s -
restaurants.html
29You can also read
