2015 Press Kit

In 2015, European Heritage Days

celebrate

21st century architecture.

2014 opening of the Boîte à Musique

2012 redesign of the Tourist Office reception area

2010 opening of the Centre Pompidou-Metz 5 years already!

© Philippe Gisselbrecht for the Metz Tourist Office © Centre Pompidou-Metz: Shigeru Ban Architects Europe and Jean de Gastines Architectes, with Philip Gumuchdjian winner of the project design competition / Metz Métropole / Centre Pompidou-Metz / Photo Philippe Gisselbrecht

© Philippe Gisselbrecht for the Metz Tourist Office

Overview

Info & Key Figures 2014

Getting To and Around Metz

Chapter 1: The Basics

History in Motion Metz: A Work of Art Large-Scale Urban Projects Mirabelle Colour Breathtaking Gardens and Waterside Recreation Iconic Trails and Art Tours Artistic Men and Illustrious Women Metz classed Acclaimed Tourist Destination

Chapter 2: During Your Stay

Couples, friends, with the kids... Day-long adventures

Chapter 3: 2015 Events - Don't Miss Out! Music, theatre, exhibitions, festivities and traditions, sports events

Contents

2015 Press Kit

Office de Tourisme de Metz 2 Place d’Armes

57000 Metz www.tourisme-metz.com

Press contact :

Valentine VERNIER vvernier@ot.mairie-metz.fr

Tel : 00 33 (0)3 87 39 01 07 Fax : 00 33 (0)3 87 75 11 41

Overview

Metz: Epicurean City Visiting Metz is like opening a book on history, culture, Europe... a page turner that is certain to leave an impression. This press kit invites you to dive in wholeheartedly. Three chapters to make you want to taste the Metz experience: Chapter 1: The Basics History in motion, illustrating how war, power struggles,

and money have shaped the city over the centuries Metz, a work of art, where taking a stroll through the city

becomes an exploration of artistic expression in all its forms Large-scale urban projects, …a city in movement Mirabelle colour, because Metz is a gourmet destination

that cultivates a lifestyle where delicious food is our ‘joie de vivre’ Breathtaking gardens and waterside recreation, take a

break and treat yourself to a breath of fresh air, it’s key to our way of life Iconic trails and art tours, explore the streets as your fancy

takes you Artistic Men and Illustrious Women: the Who’s Who of

Metz! Chapter 2: Short-stays To experience Metz with city breaks bursting with colour

and flavour! Couples, friends, with the kids... Chapter 3: Calendar 2015 A what’s on of festivities, cultural and sporting events - so you won't miss out on any of the top dates that keep the Metz year buzzing

More information: Download the complete Press Kit from our site:

www.tourisme-metz.com

© Philippe Gisselbrecht for the Metz Tourist Office

2015 Press Kit

Demographic Info Metz: 119,551 inhabitants intra-muros (Insee – 2012) Metz Métropole: 44 communes – 230,000 inhabitants Metz area: 344,189 inhabitants Urban area: 430,000 inhabitants

Tourist attractions in Metz and its surroundings Urban tourism (historical and cultural heritage, main attractions).

Since January 2014, Metz’s exceptional heritage from the mid-19th to the early 20th century has been accepted onto the French National Committee for World Heritage Properties provisional list, with a view to full listing as a UNESCO site.

Metz has been classed "Town of Art and History" since

November 2011

Metz has been classed acclaimed tourist destination since February 2015

Themed discovery tours of Metz intra-muros from the Gallo-Roman

period to the present day: thermal baths, ramparts, Porte des Allemands, groups of medieval buildings, Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, Saint Etienne’s Cathedral (6,500m² of stained glass windows from

the 13th to the 20th century), 18th century squares, the Imperial Quarter, the Amphitheatre Quarter, the Centre Pompidou-Metz. The guided tour of the cathedral has the Tourism and Handicap label for motor, visual and mental handicaps.

Garden tourism (Parc de la Seille, Botanic Garden, Ile du Saulcy

Park, Jardin des Tanneurs, Garden of the 5 senses, Grange aux Bois Park, Pas du Loup Park, Esplanade, Gardens of Lakes Symphonie and

Ariane, Garden Without Limits at Robert Schuman’s House, Garden Without Limits at the Château de Pange, Promenades along the Jouy Canal, the banks of the Moselle and the Seille)

River tourism and water leisure activities: A marina that has been

awarded the "European Blue Flag" label since 2007.

Active tourism (tennis, golf, cyclotourism, hiking): In November 2013, Metz was awarded the “Ville et territoire vélotouristiques”

bike-friendly label by the French Federation of Cyclotourism (FFCT).

Events tourism

Remembrance tourism Technical tourism: Metz Electricity Plant, Republican Lorraine,

Mirabelle and Moselle wine production Museums / Cultural attractions: The Centre Pompidou-Metz ; the

Cour d'Or Museum in Metz; the Regional Fund of Contemporary Art; Robert Schuman’s House in Scy-Chazelles; the Roman aqueduct at

Jouy aux Arches; the fortified churches in the Metz area; the Mont Saint Quentin: an educational and ecological nature reserve

Dining facilities in Metz & its surroundings Eating out: 253 restaurants 1 restaurant with a star in the Red Michelin Guide

Restaurant Le Magasin aux Vivres 1 19 partners in the Tables de Rabelais network

(Restaurants, wine producers, mirabelle distillery, food producers) (Data Sitlor – February 2015)

Accommodation facilities in Metz & Metz Métropole

486,517 overnight stays consumed in 2014

Hotels in Metz Métropole: 37 establishments, 2,167 rooms (4, 391 rooms - 14 , 889 rooms - 9, 451 rooms - 2, 123 rooms – 8 unrated, 313 rooms)

including 29 hotels in Metz – 1,649 rooms (4 , 391 rooms - 9, 562 rooms - 7, 324 rooms - 2, 123 rooms – 7 unrated 249 rooms)

Outdoor accommodation: 1 municipal campsite in Metz

Group accommodation: 3 sites including 2 youth hostels and 1

International Accommodation Centre

Furnished holiday accommodation: 55 apartments including 45 with labels or in the process (41 apartments in Metz including 34 with

labels)

Apart-Hotel: 6 establishments

Guest houses: 19 buildings including 14 with labels (4 in Metz including 2 with a label). Note: 2 extraordinary guest houses (1

barge in Metz and 1 yurt in Lessy)

Metz Marina, Blue Flag: 100 berths

Port Robert Schuman de Scy-Chazelles: 130 berths

(Data Sitlor – February 2015)

Visitor figures 2014

Tourist Office (TO): 510,124 customer contacts (551,933

in 2013, or –7.6%, new website published which affects this data, +5.17% direct contacts)

Metz TO guided tours: 35,530 people (33,768 people in

2013, or +5.21%)

Centre Pompidou-Metz: 350,000 visitors (335,000 in 2013,

+5%)

Cour d’Or Museum: 49,703 visitors

Porte des Allemands: 35,000 visitors (opening: 7 & 8.6.2014)

Regional Contemporary Art Fund: 21,125 visitors

Marina: 3,704 overnight stays (people) – average length of stay:

2.05 nights (people)

Metz Camping: 37,202 overnight stays

FIM: 220,000 visitors

Overall distribution of Tourist Office customers Germany 28.93% Lorraine 23.97% France (other) 22.37%, inc. 5.86% PIdF

Benelux 11.93% Southern Europe 3.17% Americas 3.09% Eastern Europe/Russia 1.95%

British 1.89% Other 1.52% Asia 1.18%

2014

Info & Key Figures

Structuring of Tourist Office foreign customers (= 54% of customers) Germans 53.90% Benelux 22.23% Southern Europe 5.90% Americas 5.76%

Eastern Europe/Russia 3.63% British 3.52% Asia 2.19% Others in Europe 1.95% Other 0.92%

Main French Tourist Office customers (= 46% of customers) North East 63.80% Paris Ile de France 12.65% PACA /Rhône Alpes/ Corsica 8.29% West 8.20% North 3.56%

Central/ Auvergne 3.35% Overseas 0.15%

Certification & Labels

TO Certified: NF Services AFNOR CERTIFICATION for Reception & Information Services since 1997, for reception, information, promotion, communication, production-marketing and shop activities since 2011

TO Labelled Quality Tourism since November 2005

TO Labelled Tourism & Handicap since January 2005

INPI registered trademark: "Tables de Rabelais" since 2006

Ratings and labels obtained by Metz

Metz has 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide

Metz is a 4 Fleurs city (1992) and appears in the European

network of "Jardins sans Limite" (2011)

Metz is classed a tourism town (2012)

Metz is a 5 @ digital city (2007)

Metz has the "Ville et territoire Vélotouristiques" bike-friendly label (2013)

Metz appears on the UNESCO French Preliminary List

(2014)

Metz has the Blue Flag (2007)

Metz gained the Prix National Lumière by the Street Arts Academy (2007)

Metz is labelled Town of Art and History (2011)

Metz is an acclaimed tourist destination since February 2015

(non-exhaustive list)

Metz Tourist Office; member of national and international networks Atout France City Tourism Cluster Metz presides over the Permanent National City Tourism Conference (CNPTU)

FNOTSI, FROTSI Lorraine, UDOTSI Moselle Contribution to the National Quality Committee Sillon Lorrain (bringing together the towns of Thionville, Metz, Nancy and Epinal), Tourism Working Group QuattroPole network of cross-border towns since 2000 (bringing

together 4 towns / 3 countries: Luxembourg, Metz, Sarrebruck, Trèves) Tonicités network of cross-border towns since 2007 (bringing together 6 towns / 3 countries: Luxembourg, Esch-sur-

Alzette, Longwy, Arlon, Metz and Thionville)

Tourist Office missions & services Reception, either directly or remotely (tel - fax – e-mail)

Information (publications, brochures - databases - information

boards - PowerPoint - Internet - touch screens)

Promotion-Communication-Press Relations (trade fairs- workshops - direct marketing operations - press relations - press contacts - inserts - public relations)

Activities (promotion of heritage sites for tourism - guided tours

and audio tours - conferences - round tables - coordination of

networks of partners and service providers)

Commercial activities (incoming activity: organisation and

sale of holidays - packages for groups & individuals - guided tours - ticket office)

Tourist coordination (interface between public and private

bodies, between local authorities and professionals, implementation

of the Local Tourism Quality Plan / improvement of reception practices)

Local observatory of tourist visits Measurement of customer numbers - of visits - customer surveys – study of demand for Hotel accommodation

Tourist Office Staff 25 employees / 8 guides

Tourist Office Legal Status Not-for-profit association under the French Law of 1908

Tourist Office Public Opening Hours Open to public: 7 days a week & 365 days/year

Monday - Saturday: 9 am – 7 pm Sundays & public holidays (April-Sept.): 10 am – 5 pm Sundays & public holidays (Oct.-March): 10 am – 3 pm

© Philippe Gisselbrecht for the Metz Tourist Office

Metz, an urban tourist destination in the heart of Europe

Capital of Lorraine, gateway to Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg, Metz is situated in a catchment area of 430,000 inhabitants and belongs to the Greater Region (Grand Région) of Saar-Lor-Lux, composed of Lorraine, Sarre, Rhénanie-Palatinat, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and part of Belgium.

Situated in the heart of Europe, this territorial cooperation serves the economic, cultural, tourist and social development of the 11 million inhabitants it unites.

Metz lies at the heart of European, regional and cross-border networks:

QuattroPole, uniting at less than an hour from each other the cities of Luxembourg, Metz, Saarbrucken and Trèves.

Tonicités, grouping together Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Longwy, Arlon, Metz and Thionville.

Sillon Lorrain, uniting the cities of Epinal, Nancy, Metz and Thionville.

There are waterway connections along the two major routes: Moselle & Sarre linked to the North

Sea To the South towards the

Mediterranean via the Eastern canal

Since June 2007 TGV Est has provided a direct link between Metz and Paris (Gare de l’Est station) in 82 min: 11 daily return trips on www.voyages-sncf.com

The Lorraine TGV Station, situated between Metz and Nancy, provides connections to: The Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport

TGV Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy TGV and

Massy TGV Regional capitals such as Bordeaux,

Nantes, Rennes, Lille, Strasbourg and Frankfurt

Transport & Practical Information 2015

Press Kit

© Philippe Gisselbrecht for the Metz Tourist Office

Metz, European hub

Metz stands at the spot where the two major roads across Europe converge:

North-South road: North Sea-Mediterranean – from Amsterdam to Marseille

East-West road: Atlantic-Eastern Europe – running through Paris, Munich, Vienna and Prague

Road connections exist around the two major routes which are the busiest in Europe:

The A31, the backbone for North-South journeys

The A4, connecting Paris to the East and joining up with the German network

Air connections are organised around 4 airports, keys to the 'QuattroPole' area: Metz-Nancy-Lorraine

http://www.metz-nancy-lorraine.aeroport.fr Luxembourg http://www.lux-airport.lu Sarrebrück http://www.flughafen-

saarbruecken.de Frankfurt-Hahn (low-cost airline)

https://www.hahn-airport.de

Pedestrian signage designed by Ruedi Baur

Metz Rail Station

014 witnessed the redesign of our website and the launch of www.tourisme-metz.com,

a more user-friendly and accessible site that can be viewed on all devices (PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc.). Available in 10 languages (French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Mandarin, and as of 2015, Russian and Portuguese), it allows the deaf or hearing-impaired to call the Metz Tourist Office reservation and support line to be helped directly. How? Using technological advances in instantaneous speech transcription and the video interpretation of French Sign Language. This service can be reached from the home page www.tourisme-metz.com, using the ACCEO interface, using real-time mediation with an ACCEO operator (interpreter or transcriber). The ReadSpeaker interface also helps the blind and visually-impaired listen to the text that appears on the screen. The goal is to provide equal access to information and tourism services.

Your press space:

Press kits, press releases, tourism news, and key figures are available at http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/dossiers-presse.html#.VNN4N9KG_To This site also provides access to the image gallery and Pinterest and Scoopit! pages of the Metz Tourist Office.

2

Metz intermodality

In what form?: Nearly 18 kilometres of bus lanes have been installed exclusively for high-performance buses which run every ten minutes during the day, from 5.30 am – 0.30 am Monday to Saturday (every 30 minutes on Sundays and public holidays). The LE MET’ network: The LE MET’ public transport network provides a large number of services during the day and in the evening: METTIS high-frequency lines, VÉLOMET’ cycle hire, FLEXO evening bus service, etc. Park-and-Ride facilities: The LE MET’ network provide three Park-and-Ride facilities, offering 615 parking spaces which are free to LE MET’ passengers. Installed with METTIS stops, they make it easy to access the city centre and all other Metz Métropole destinations. P+R Woippy to the north (near the Auchan-Woippy supermarket) P+R Foire EXPO to the south west (near the Metz Grigy International Exhibition Park - FIM) P+R Rochambeau near Metz city centre

The LE MET’ P+R have free electric car charging terminals, spaces reserved for car-pooling and car-sharing and secure cycle shelters.

The network also offers its passengers “eco-friendly” solutions: Cycle hire (town bicycles and folding bicycles) UEM stations for hiring V’élec (electric bicycles) Future partnership with CitizLorraine for car-share cars at competitive prices

The SimpliCitéS card (contactless card) allows you to travel on the LE MET’ network as well as the TER Métrolor routes between the stations of Ars-sur-Moselle and Metz-Ville, Woippy and Metz-Ville and Peltre and Metz-Ville.

More details at lemet.fr or on 0 800 00 29 38 (Freephone number when calling from a French landline)

Chapter 1 The Basics

History in Motion Metz: A Work of Art Large-Scale Urban Projects Mirabelle Colour Breathtaking Gardens and Waterside Recreation Iconic Trails and Art Tours Men of Art and Celebrated Women Metz: Acclaimed Tourist Destination

© Philippe Gisselbrecht for the Metz Tourist Office

2015 Press Kit

Town of Art and History Capital of the Lorraine region, Metz is a Gallo-Roman treasure trove: with thermal baths and scenes of everyday life at the Cour d'Or Museum, and Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, one of the oldest churches in France. Metz became the cradle of the Carolingian dynasty, and evolved into a European bastion of art and culture. The excellent reputation of its schools and craftsmen’s guilds, and the innumerable religious and secular medieval buildings, including Saint Etienne’s Cathedral (without a doubt, the most outstanding amongst them), are proof of the city’s artistic and religious influence in Europe. Metz joined the Holy Roman Germanic Empire in the 10th century. Later an independent Republic, the City of Metz experienced its most prosperous period up until the 15th century. In 1552, the city was helped by Henry II, king of France, who incorporated Metz into his kingdom. It became the capital of the Province of the Three Bishoprics. In 1648, it was permanently united with the Kingdom of France. In the 18th century, Metz became steeped in classicism and built lavish, iconic groups of buildings: Place d’Armes (where Metz Tourist Office and the Town Hall are located), Place de la Comédie (Opéra-Théâtre), Place de la République with its imposing law courts. The effects of the 1870 war tipped the city’s fortunes causing a profound upheaval. After its annexation by Germany, Metz entered a new architectural era influenced by large-scale urban planning. The Quartier Impérial around the railway station presents an encyclopaedia of architectural styles, including: Roman, Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Art-Deco and Art Nouveau (Jugendstil), with striking examples of modern German town planning in the late 19th century. The impressive Wilhelm II Railway Station, an imposing 300 metres in length and flanked with carved frescoes symbolising power and depicting scenes of everyday life, is brilliantly designed from a pragmatic and functional point of view (platforms, glass roof, separate concourses).

Metz, classed City of Art and History since November 2011, is a feast for the eyes with history and style from every angle!

The Must-Sees

The Quartier Impérial, preserved in its entirety, this outstanding example of late 19th century German town planning offers a patchwork of historic and new styles, including Roman Gothic, Renaissance or Baroque, Art Deco and Jungendstil.

The Porte des Allemands and the ramparts: The Germans

gateway, a genuine trimmed-down little fortress straddling the River Seille, is one of the jewels of the remaining medieval walls. They formed a 7 km ring around the city, interspersed with 18 gateways and 38 towers.

The squares: In the heart of Metz, the renovated squares such

as Place de Chambre (nicknamed Metz’s gourmet square), Place d’Armes (18th century), the medieval place Saint-Louis and Place de la République are spacious, friendly places. Throughout the year, they host a number of events becoming lively venues.

The Moselle quays: the banks of the Seille, the Marina and

‘Metz Beach’.

The stained glass windows dating from the 13th to the 20th

century (by Marc Chagall, Jean Cocteau and Jacques Villon, etc.) adorn a number of religious buildings, including Saint Etienne’s Cathedral, the 'Lanterne du Bon Dieu' (God’s Lantern), which has the largest surface area of stained glass in Europe (6500 m2 of windows).

Sample the friendly atmosphere of the local markets and the

indoor market offering a wide choice of specialities and the opportunity of tasting local produce.

The 2nd largest flea market in France (after Saint-Ouen) sets

up its stalls at Metz Expo on around fifteen dates a year (Saturday mornings or Sundays according to the schedule).

Gardens: Récollets, Esplanade, Tanneurs, Parc de la Seille and

Parc du Pas du Loup (birdwatching tours).

History in Motion

Porte des Allemands renovated in 2014 the tour of the Ramparts

2015 Press Kit

Culture in gold lettering Metz offers visitors a wide range of cultural discoveries on every level.

The Arsenal, renovated by Ricardo Bofill, is home to one of the grandest concert halls in Europe, with exceptional acoustics and lavishly decorated with beech and sycamore inlay. It plays host to the Lorraine national orchestra and presents prestigious exhibitions.

A temple for opera, the Opéra-Théâtre is a small treasure which has been staging performances since 1752. Other cultural venues in Metz, such as

the Cour d'Or Museum, the

Trinitaires, Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains, the Maison de Rabelais, the many art galleries and the Regional Contemporary Art Fund (FRAC) host a spectrum of artistic performances in authentic settings. A very special event:

opened on 12th May 2010, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is a cathedral of contemporary art, sister institution to the Pompidou Centre in Paris, it is a place for discovering artistic creation in all its forms offering an innovative, multi-

disciplinary programme. The BAM, designed by Rudy Ricciotti, has been open since September 2014. Dedicated to Modern Music, it has a concert hall with fully modular seats can accommodate up to 1,200 spectators. The BAM completes “Metz en Scènes”, which already includes the Arsenal and the Trinitaires.

Beautiful by Day / Beautiful by Night Radiant by day in the amber blush of its Jaumont stone, Metz becomes a dazzling star at night under the lights of 13,000 projectors. From the banks of the Moselle under the reflexion of the Temple Neuf, to the Sainte-Croix hill and the towering spires of Saint Ségolène’s Church, from Saint Etienne’s Cathedral, transformed into the God’s Lantern, to the splendid archways of the place Saint Louis, from the Opéra Théâtre to the Imperial Railway Station, Metz invites you to wander around its night-time cityscapes with their cosy atmosphere. Winner of the National Grand Prix for Lighting award, Metz positively glows!

Royal and imperial Metz A clash of styles, urban identity and power. Metz’s application to join the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites showcases the unusual urban adventure the city experienced, during the second half of the 19th century to the early 20th century, before, during and after the Annexation. The City of Metz is one of 37 sites included on the French Provisional List.

Architecture and heritage

Standing at the crossroads of Europe, Metz is an open history book. From the Roman era to the present day, centuries of history are carved into the stone, showcased by the golden limestone of Jaumont, spelling out the details of their heritage. Metz embodies a medley of styles and colours. Very much alive, its heritage is also at the vanguard with a wonderful example of town planning - the Centre Pompidou-Metz - a cathedral of Contemporary Art and an audacious venue for exploring creative art in all its forms.

Saint Etienne Cathedral

The New Temple © Philippe Gisselbrecht for the Metz Tourist Office

Metz: A Work of Art

Metz, a city of Art, from Ancient times to the present day Metz, with its proud history, the birthplace of Gregorian chant, a cultural capital through the ages, is today a city dedicated to contemporary Art, through the Centre Pompidou-Metz and the many art galleries presenting a wide variety of exhibitions and artistic performances. Numerous projects and events reflect this vocation.

Special venues for a journey through Contemporary Art A large number of exhibition venues are regularly open to visitors. They are shown on a trail, giving an overview of the destination’s cultural landscape. Amongst them, the Regional Contemporary Art Fund (FRAC) presents pieces from its permanent collection in temporary exhibitions, it has artists in residence and artistic performances. It is located in the oldest civil building in Metz, the Hôtel Saint Livier (late 12th century). On one of its walls are written the names of 200 artists and authors of works included in the FRAC collections since its creation in 1983. Written in whitewash, the work is not permanent, but fades away over time. The names which disappear are replaced by others. It also has a garden, specially designed by Liliana Motta on the theme of medicinal plants. The Faux Mouvement gallery, the Arsenal, the Ecole Supérieure d’Art de Lorraine, and many other venues (Chercheur d’Art, La Conserverie, Octave Cowbell, Cridart, In 3Arts, etc.) all add to this artistic initiative. A full list of art galleries is available from the Metz Tourist Office and at www.tourisme-metz.com

Events bringing contemporary art closer to the people Modern music festivals and Street Art, such as “Musiques Volantes” and “Hop Hop Hop”, are held throughout the year for those who love music and modern performances. A must-see: The great poetic project entitled “Art in the Gardens”, an exploration of a series of huge sculptures by famous artists from June to September (for further details, please see the “Events” section). Metz Tourist Office organises themed tours covering different aspects of the city. Proposed all year round for individuals (set prices and times, schedule available in the reception area), and for groups by request: 20th and 21st century heritage, the Pontiffroy Quarter, the Imperial and Amphitheatre Quarter, Modern Art and Architecture, etc.

More information: FRAC: www.frac-lorraine.org Full list of art galleries: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/galeries-d-art.html#.VNOYSNKG_Tp Themed tour calendar at www.tourisme-metz.com Calendar available at www.tourisme-metz.com or www.metz.fr

Regional Contemporary Art Fund

Saint-Louis Square facades and arcades

2015 Press Kit

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The institution and its cultural project

The Centre Pompidou-Metz is designed to be a unique experience, a place to explore artistic creation in all its forms, a venue for events throughout the year. Along with the temporary exhibitions, a broad range of artistic events are programmed (live shows, films, conferences, etc.), just like its model, the Centre Pompidou. It covers all creative spheres often focussing on exhibition themes in order to extend them.

At the heart of the Centre Pompidou-Metz’s cultural project lies its “public policy”, wanting it to be a place of discovery and a venue for everyone. Part of its programming is devoted to young audiences. The Centre Pompidou-Metz holds workshops for both children and teenagers introducing them to art.

The Centre Pompidou-Metz: audacious architectural design

With its hexagonal roof, whose shape mirrors the building’s hexagonal outline, the Centre Pompidou-Metz appears as a huge modular structure emanating from a central spire 77 metres tall, a nod towards the Centre Pompidou inaugurated in 1977.

The building extends over 10,700 m2, including over 5,000 m2 dedicated to displaying works of art (not to mention the other areas where exhibitions can be held like the Forum, the restaurant terrace and the garden).

Centre Pompidou-Metz © Shigeru Ban Architects Europe and Jean de Gastines Architectes, with Philip Gumuchdjian winner of the project design c ompetition / Metz Métropole / Centre Pompidou-Metz / Photo Roland Halbe

Visits

In 2014, the Centre Pompidou-Metz welcomed 350,000 visitors, with an average of more than a thousand visitors each day. This represents an increase of nearly 5% compared to 2013 (335,000 visitors).

Five years after its opening in May 2010, the Centre Pompidou-Metz surpassed initial visit forecasts with 100,000 visitors (50,000 visitors per year). In addition, the proportion of foreign visitors increased substantially, to more than a third of all visitors in 2014, indicating the international influence of the Centre Pompidou-Metz.

Michel Leiris & Co: Picasso, Miro, Giacometti, Bacon, etc.; Gallery 3 3rd April to 15th September At the intersection of art, literature, and ethnography, this exhibition dedicated to Michel Leiris (1901-1990) is the first of such magnitude. A major, yet unknown 20th century intellectual, Leiris was a poet, an autobiographer, an ethnographer, and a close friend of the greatest artists and writers of his time. Through nearly 350 works, including several masterpieces by artists close to him (Miró, Masson, Giacometti, Picasso, Bacon, etc.), works of African and Caribbean art, and rich documentation (manuscripts, books, films, and music), this exhibition will cover the many facets of Leiris, his passions, and his commitments, as well as underscore the innovative nature of his work and the relevance of his though, an essential contemporary reference.

Centre Pompidou-Metz

Opening hours April to October Monday: 10 am-6 pm Tuesday: Weekly closure Wednesday: 10 am-6 pm Thursday: 10 am-6 pm Friday: 10 am-7 pm Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm

November to March Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 10 am – 6pm Tuesday: Weekly closure

Phares Until 15th February 2016: The Great Nave

Assembled entirely from loans from the collection of the Centre Pompidou/National Modern Art Museum, the exhibition Phares features a selection of masterpieces rarely shown to the public due to their monumental format. It is a journey to rediscover the major artistic movements in art history, from the early 20th century, including Pablo Picasso, Anish Kapoor, Fernand Léger, Robert Delaunay, Joan Miró, Joseph Beuys, and Frank Stella.

Yoko Ono - Wish Tree Until 28th March 2015: Forum

Yoko Ono often tells of how, as a child growing up in Japan, she recorded her wishes on small pieces of paper, which she then hung on the trees in the temple courtyard. Wish Tree is an invitation to meditate on the meaning of life and the importance of hope, desires, and exchange. Invited to leave a mark, words, their imprints on the small blank labels that will be hung from the trees in Wish Tree, visitors thus become contributors to a collective momentum. The wishes collected by Yoko Ono are then kept at the site of the IMAGINE PEACE TOWER, created by Yoko Ono in 2007 in memory of John Lennon, in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Tania Mouraud: A Retrospective 4th March – 5th October 2015: Gallery 2

In 2015, in partnership with nine cultural sites in Metz, the Centre Pompidou-Metz presents the first major monographic exhibition dedicated to the French artist Tania Mouraud. Starting 4th March 2015 at the Centre Pompidou-Metz and designed for the scale of the city and its surrounding area, the event will become full-scale in late June 2015, thus providing an unprecedented retrospective like nothing else of its kind. As an artist refusing to adhere to a current or dogma, Tania Mouraud has never stopped evolving her work since the late 1960s, alternatively exploring all kinds of disciplines, including painting, installation, photography, performance, video, and sound.

Warhol Underground 1st July – 23rd November 2015 Gallery 1

A fresh new look at the work of the master of pop art through his connections to the New York underground scene: music, dance, cinema, and more. The Warhol Underground exhibition will highlight the influence of the music scene and avant-garde New York choreography in the work of Andy Warhol (1928-1987). It will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Warhol's collaboration with the New York rock bank The Velvet Underground, for whom he worked as producer.

AURA. Art and Telepathy of Rodin in Our Day Until 15th February 2016: The Great Nave

Like nothing else in its genre is the AURA exhibition. Art and Telepathy of Rodin in Our Day provides a review of art history from 1880 to today, highlighting the fascination of artists for ways of communicating thought. Following the chronology from late 19th century symbolism to conceptual art, the exhibition will bring together a hundred works from the great modern day artists, from Edvard Munch to Vassily Kandinsky, Joan Miró to Sigmar Polke, and a wide variety of media, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, videos, films, and installations.

The Centre Pompidou-Metz is hosting various temporary exhibitions during 2015, including three major monographs:

Muse & the Amphitheatre Quarter

Objective: To create a modern space that combines all the functions of the city, around the Centre Pompidou-Metz.

The work on Muse, next to the Centre Pompidou-Metz, began on the 1st of October 2014, and it is scheduled to open in 2018. With its unique modern architecture, Muse will serve multiple functions for a diverse audience. This marks the start of the "21st century City".

The Amphitheatre Quarter is arranged based on two main themes: urban diversity and sustainable development. It will host a variety of activities and serve as a true city quarter, bringing together shops, offices, homes, cultural and sports facilities in a unique site. Featuring eco-friendly methods of transportation, the site is served by two METTIS public transit lines. The main components include:

- Centre Pompidou-Metz, architects Jean de Gastines and Shigeru Ban

Seen from the Centre Pompidou-Metz – Metz Convention Centre © Wilmotte & Associates

- The Halle Michelin, architect Agence Nicolas Michelin & Associates (A2 block)

- The House of the Amphitheatre, architects BMC2 / Arnaud BICAL and Laurent COURCIER (B1 block)

- Muse Shopping Centre, architect Jean-Paul Viguier and Associates (B3C3 block)

- Metz Convention Centre, architect Wilmotte & Associates (A0 block)

- Bridge of Light, a set of five buildings on rue Lothaire, architects Christian de Portzamparc – Elisabeth de Portzamparc (E3.7 block)

- Hotel Project by P. Starck: Philippe Starck is designing, in Metz, his first hotel project built from scratch in France. The future 5 000 m² building will have 12 floors and a roof-top terrace with clear views of the entire city of Metz. Max. 90 rooms and 9 suites, plus restaurants, a lounge bar, a fitness room, a spa, and meeting spaces.

More information: On the convention centre:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S38Y4SCe2Q&ab_channel=mairiemetzMetz On the Starck Hotel http://metz.fr/actus/2015/150206_un_hotel_a_metz_signe_philippe_starck.php

Large-Scale Urban Projects

2015 Press Kit

The Porte des Allemands

La Porte des Allemands – the German Gateway (13th-16th centuries) is a unique example in France of a fortified bridge, as well as being all that remains of the 18 gateways of the medieval walls in Metz. It actually serves as a bridge and a double gateway. On the city side it dates back to around 1220, with a second gateway being added in 1445 made of Jaumont stone. In 1859, the towers on the first gateway were crowned with spires, those on the second were crenelated. A genuine mini fortress and emblem of the city, this is a fine example of Metz’s military architecture. Recent restoration has allowed public access to the 600m² terrace as well as two halls where activities and cultural events are held. The Metz Tourist Office organises guided tours of the “Porte des Allemands and Saint Maximin Church” taking in these new areas and views over the Seille and the gardens which up until now have remained hidden.

The Bon Secours Diagonal

By 2018, there will be a new city project in the îlot Bon Secours. The team at Ateliers Lion and Associates – Iris Conseil is working with the City of Metz on this decisive operation for the New City quarter. The main feature is the bold pedestrian diagonal that connects Maud'Huy Square with Philippe de Vigneulles Square, as well as the radical transformation of the surrounding public areas to encourage pedestrians and eco-friendly transport.

Manufacturing Rivers

Objective: To rehabilitate and convert the old Tobacco Factory into an apartment building. The project is designed to capture the urban dimension, while restoring the site within its urban environment and heritage, highlighting the glory of the past. The site is bursting with history combining manufacturing and military buildings, such as the former casemate, once used as a wartime laboratory, which will be preserved and enhanced, thereby reinforcing the site's historical dimension while adding an original flair. Homes, offices, student residences, business tourism residences, and local shops will fill this new site, open to the quarter. The residence with have BBC (Bâtiment Basse Consommation, Low Energy Building) certification.

Porte des Allemands, renovated in 2014, now open to the public

More information: Porte des Allemands: http://metz.fr/actus/2014/140607_operation_porte_rouverte.php Ilot Bon Secours: http://metz.fr/actus/2014/140226_bon_secours.php Manufacturing – Rivers: http://metz.fr/actus/2014/140220_la_manufacture.php Muse: http://metz.fr/actus/2014/141001_muse_va_reinventer_la_ville.php

Eglise Ste Thérèse – Ilot Bon Secours

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etz, the gourmet city, cultivates a lifestyle where delicious food plays with whole the culinary range. From tasting counters to gourmet restaurants, wine bars to traditional brasseries, from the “Tables de Rabelais” to international flavours, Metz offers all kinds of dishes, from bourgeois cuisine to fusion food, tastings to banquets, there is something to suit everyone’s tastes and budget.

The AOC for Moselle wines, the authenticity of local produce as a pledge of quality The AOC was awarded to the Moselle wines by the INAO (National Institute for Origin and Quality) in 2010. The grape varieties: A rich and varied range of wines has followed on from the fine light wines from the Pinot and Auxerrois grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Gamay. Set up in June 2013, the wine trail in the Metz region, a 25 km route to discover nine wine producers and one restaurant owner, runs through the most beautiful villages in countryside around Metz.

Mirabelle Colour Focus on the Mirabelle

When you think about specialities from Lorraine, the Mirabelle immediately springs to mind. It is actually one of the symbols of our region, providing 70% to 80% of world production. Just what is a mirabelle? It is a small, round, golden plum, with a deliciously sweet smell. Its name comes from the Latin and means “pretty to look at”. It is thought to have been introduced by René d’Anjou, Duke of Lorraine in the 15th century, and there is no doubt that it was available in Metz from the 16th century. There are two kinds of Mirabelle plum - the Metz Mirabelle and the Nancy Mirabelle.

The Metz Mirabelle is smaller, with more colour and a very fine skin. It makes excellent jam and brandy. Lots of producers are located in the villages on the slopes of the Moselle, as that is its birthplace. The climate, environment and soil all make it a unique fruit which tastes delicious however it is eaten: 60 to 70% of the crop is made into jams, compotes and fruits in syrup, 20 to 25% is used to make brandy, and 10% is eaten as fruit during harvesting in mid-August for 5 to 6 weeks.

Every year since 1947, the city of Metz has held the Mirabelle Festival at the end of August – beginning of September. A whole series of events takes place over one week (please see “Events” section).

Here’s one example to try out (among many, as the experts could go on forever about the subject…): Mirabelle tart. Ingredients: Puff pastry, 150 g sugar, 2 eggs, half a litre of milk, 100 g ground almonds, 400 g of mirabelles, 30 g icing sugar.

Roll out the pastry and line a tart tin with it. Lay the mirabelles out on the bottom. Mix together the sugar, almonds, milk and eggs. Pour the mixture over the fruit. Cook in a medium oven. Before serving, sprinkle with icing sugar.

The Metz Tourist Office organises guided tours on the Mirabelles.

A gourmet hallmark: "The Tables of Rabelais"

"Les Tables de Rabelais" has been the gourmet hallmark of Metz since 2006. A nod to the Rabelaisian spirit, noble heritage of Metz, it groups together, under the auspices of the Tourist Office, twenty or so restaurant owners, professionals in the food industry and experienced producers who grow and blend the flavours and who wish to share the generous values of the French art de vivre: that French touch, which they combine with subtle influences from abroad.

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Mirabelle Market

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THE MARKETS

A few specialities from Lorraine and Metz: quiche lorraine; Lorraine savoury pastries; Paris-Metz

macaroon; Boulay macaroons, etc.

Fine Dining… quite an art!

Cookery classes in Metz

L’Académie des Chefs 30 rue des Jardins www.acedemie-des-chefs.fr

Le Cercle Culinaire de Metz CFA course in hospitality R. Mondon Rue Monseigneur Pelt www.cercleculinaire.com

Cultur’Café 23 Place de Chambre www.culturcafe.com

Le Magasin aux Vivres Rue de la Citadelle www.citadelle-metz.com

Metz Markets

Indoor Market Tuesday to Saturday 7 am to 6 pm (closed on holidays)

Place Auguste Fosselle Market (Borny) Tuesday and Friday 6 am-1 pm

Avenue de Nancy Market (New City) Wednesday and Friday 6 am-1 pm

Place Saint Livier Market (Sablon) Wednesday 6 am-1 pm

Place Saint-Louis Market (city centre) Thursday 6 am-1 pm

Place Auguste Fosselle Market (Borny) Tuesday and Friday 6 am-1 pm

Square du Gal Mangin Market (Imperial Quarter) Thursday 6 am-1 pm

Central market, Indoor Market, place Jean-Paul II, rue Paul Bezanson Saturday 7 am-1 pm

Lorrain Place d’Armes Organic Market Saturday 8 am-12:30 pm

ALL NEW! Place Philippe de Vigneulles Market (New City)

Sunday 8 am-12:30 pm

More information: Moselle wines: http://www.moselle-tourisme.com/manger/vins-de-moselle.html#.VNSo79KG_Tp

Lorraine recipes: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/les-recettes.html#.VNSpi9KG_To

Tables of Rabelais http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/les-tables-de-rabelais.html#.VNSqd9KG_To

When and where are Metz markets: http://metz.fr/pages/marches/marches.php

Where to eat (during the week and on Sundays): http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/les-restaurants.html#.VNStDdKG_To

Metz Indoor Market

The gourmet’s agenda

A 100% Lorraine organic market takes place every Saturday morning from 8 am on the Place d’Armes, in addition to the traditional market.

Metz Métropole Développement also holds Gourmet Events at the Place de la République on Thursdays: 23rd April, 18th June, 9th July, and 17th September, from 4 pm to 9 pm, with farm products to eat there or take away.

Rabelaisian Strolls and Mirabelle Tours, scheduled throughout the year according to the schedule for themed tours.

The Truffle Market, organised each year in November by Georges-

Michel Viklovszki, Chef at the Georges restaurant “A la Ville de Lyon”.

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Breathtaking Gardens and Waterside Recreation

At the Seaside with ‘Metz Beach’… 22nd July to 16th August 2015

A real sandy beach is installed at the lakeside for a month to celebrate summer. Following the hugely successful previous editions (more than 100,000 visitors in 2014, 149,884 in 2013), an area nearly 22,000m² is installed for young and old to come and enjoy the pleasures of the seaside, with 1.500 tonnes of sand and a 250 m² swimming area.

Quai des Régates, Blue Flag…

Since 2007, Metz has had a "European Blue Flag" marina, right in the heart of the city. Just a stone’s throw away from the city centre, it is laid out against a lush naturel backdrop which fits in perfectly with the urban setting and provides a lovely environment for the city dwellers who enjoy coming here to practise water sports, and other sporting or leisure activities. The Jouy Canal, especially popular with joggers and walkers, emerges into a lake opposite Mont Saint-Quentin. A genuine oxygenator which overlooks the city, listed as a nature reserve since 1994, this is where St. Clément, 1st bishop of Metz, gazed over the city. It is also an important site for its military history. With plans to turn it into a huge area for walking, it offers curious visitors stunning views over the capital of Lorraine and further over the entire Moselle valley.

Treasure islands

The Grand and Petit Saulcy islands, the Ile Saint-Symphorien and the Ilot des Roches are today home to the University, the football stadium, the Opéra-Théâtre and the Temple Neuf which reflects in the Moselle. Take a romantic walk, by day or by night.

Dancing Fountains

During the summer season in the evening, at weekends, or before festivals and public holidays, you can stop for a moment of contemplation by the edge of the Lac aux Cygnes and gaze at the sparkling water and light in the Dancing Fountains, a different themed show every year.

Metz, a garden city

The promise is tangible…with 580 hectares of green spaces, covering 14% of the area of the City of Metz, 45m² of green space per inhabitant, 36 kilometres of waterside walks, outstanding locations for relaxing and havens of greenery punctuating the urban fabric here and there, Metz offers its residents and guests a beautiful environment to enjoy. Tourists, joggers, pensioners, parents and young children alike have a wide choice of spaces for relaxing, taking a stroll, to play games, sports and for leisure activities. Metz is the birthplace of urban ecology, initiated by Jean Marie Pelt. It has carried the "4 Fleurs" label since 1992, won the National First Prize for its flower displays in 1993, and carried off the European First Prize for its flower displays in 1994. The Botanical Gardens joined the “Jardins sans Limites” network in 2011. The Parc de la Seille obtained the “Ecogarden” label in 2012, which underlines its ecological management.

Walk Along the Quays

Metz, a green city

5th greenest town in France

3rd in processing green waste

5th in preserving biodiversity

6th in promoting parks and gardens

Source: The greenest towns in France – 2014 Prize winner. Ranked out of 10.

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What water! What water!

So exclaimed Mac-Mahon in 1875 when the waters rose in the Garonne River. He could have said the same for Metz, marvelling at the Moselle, the Seille, the many canals, ponds and fountains, which are welcome breathing spaces in the city and perfect places for daydreaming.

Streets blossoming with flowers Window boxes and tubs brimming with seasonal blooms decorate the renovated squares. In the gardens, rows of crocus and daffodils welcome the spring, followed by meadow flowers buzzing with insects and over 400,000 flowering plants, colouring the city with their bright blooms and placing it since 1992 among the “4 Fleurs” towns.

Rare perfumes & medicinal plants in the heart of the city Directly accessible from the pedestrian streets of the city centre, the formal gardens of the Esplanade with its many flowerbeds dominate the vast landscape of the slopes of the Moselle. Below, the romantic Jardins des Régates and the Lac aux Cygnes with its beautiful dancing fountains are the ideal stage for light and music displays which take place every evening during summer weekends. Not far away is the Lake and its Marina providing everyone with a place to relax and play games with the banks of the Moselle and the cathedral as a backdrop. Walking further on through peaceful, unspoilt nature, you reach the Ile du Saulcy and the towpaths of the Jouy Canal close by. The Botanical Garden, bought by the City of Metz in 1866 from the Baronne de l’Espée, is one of the most popular attractions in Metz. Covering an area of 4.4 hectares and laid out in an English landscape style, it contains magnificent trees, such as the bald cypress, the maidenhair tree and the giant sequoia. Greenhouse collections, a rose garden, water features and a miniature train for children make it a perfect spot for recreation and relaxing. Fragrant gardens, gardens with grasses, water plants, climbers, hardy perennials, heathers and rock plants, everything to satisfy the academic and amateur botanist alike. The European Institute of Ecology, founded by Jean-Marie Pelt (an internationally recognised expert in this field), is home to a garden of poisonous and medicinal plants, including 129 different species with proven healing properties, in the grounds of the Récollets Cloister, in the heart of the historic quarter of Ste Croix. Close by, the Jardin des Tanneurs, on the side of a hill, has been planted with a large number of Mediterranean species which enjoy its south-eastern exposure, including evergreen oaks, albizias, palm trees, kiwi trees, etc. The Parc de la Seille (20ha), situated in the new Amphitheatre Quarter, was designed to be a mix-(c)ité cultural and lifestyle area, with the eco-friendly function of naturally absorbing the rising waters of the River Seille, preserving ecosystems where flora and fauna flourish in a natural haven in the very centre of the city. The recent installation of bee-hives and an insect hotel in the park also demonstrates the environmentally-friendly maintenance practices conducted there. As wells as fulfilling the function of a pleasure garden, which everyone can use for walks, relaxation or meeting-up, the Parc de la Seille is equipped with various facilities, such as fishing pontoons, playgrounds, viewpoints and benches, interspersed with vines, hops, reeds and a rose garden, and where you come across people fishing, roller-skating, jogging or walking like you. Natural science and bird enthusiasts can go birdwatching in the Parc du Pas du Loup, a natural environment which symbolises the pesticide-free initiative which has been conducted by the city since 2007 (installation of bee-hives, nesting-boxes and illustrated notice boards, as well as guided tours).

More information: Mont St Quentin: http://www.metzmetropole.fr/mont-st-quentin-metz-metropole.php Metz Beach: http://metz.fr/pages/culture/evenements_culturels/metz_plage.php Event Calendar: www.tourisme-metz.com section: "Things to Do " Parks and gardens: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/rivieres-parcs-et-jardins.html#.VNTGSNKG_To

Metz Botanical Garden

Parc de la Seille

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Built cultural in a haven of greenery

By following the triangles on the ground or the directional signs, you can discover buildings which bear witness to the history of Metz. Take a stroll away from the bustle of the shopping centre, along more unusual routes, on the trail of the dragon Graoully, the musical gardens, the Quartier des Iles, the Quartier Outre-Seille, and the Imperial City, or through contemporary art and architecture. Metz Tourist Office offers guided themed tours (in French). From the banks of the rivers Seille and Moselle to the Fort de Bellecroix, then on to the Fort de Queuleu, go back through time by following the Ramparts circuit (explanatory panels along the route) which reveals towers, bridges, gateways and fortifications from medieval times to the 19th century or by exploring the alleyways of the old quarter of Queuleu.

More information: Metz Quarters: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/les-quartiers.html#.VNTRKtKG_To Themed Tours: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/les-visites-thematiques.html#.VNTSjtKG_To Treasure Trails and Themed Trails: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/itineraires-et-circuits.html#.VNTTWdKG_To

Shopping Trails

Since time immemorial, Metz has been an opulent trading city characterised by a certain art of living. Art galleries, antique shops, designer boutiques, discount clearance markets, local shops and big national chains all contribute to a rich, varied and cosmopolitan shopping experience. Each district works hard to vigorously promote its image thanks to its dynamic shop associations: Rue Taison, Rue des Jardins, Place de Chambre, the Saint Louis Quarter, the Imperial Quarter, the Outre-Seille Quarter, etc. The busy pedestrian zone in the city centre is where most of the French and international chains are to be found (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, FNAC, etc.), as well as a broad range of boutiques to give shoppers a wide choice of goods (including Emaux de Longwy, Nespresso, Hermès, etc.). Renovated in early 2014, the St. Jacques Shopping centre has more than 60 shops under its roof, and the 20 or so boutiques at the République Station (underground gallery) also offer a wide range of products and services. Both the residents of Metz and its visitors are great food lovers and fine gourmets judging by the large number of cake shops, tea rooms, restaurants and local produce specialists, not to mention the size of the Indoor Market which houses many well-known stalls and spreads out into neighbouring squares for the Saturday morning market. In the Amphitheatre Quarter, behind the SNCF Railway Station, next to the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a gallery designed by Nicolas Michelin and the “Muse” shopping centre are currently under construction.

Typical shops and streets

On the side of the Sainte Croix hill, Rue des Jardins stretches from the banks of the Moselle to the Place d’Armes, it was once the area for cloth merchants. All kinds of tantalising shops can be found there: restaurants, bookshops, fashion designers, costume jewellers, bookbinders, etc. Climbing further up Sainte Croix hill, the pedestrianised Rue Taison with its village atmosphere is home to one of the symbols of Metz, the dragon Graouilly, suspended up on high. Small restaurants, bookshops, engraving workshops and interior design shops regularly organise events. Saint-Louis Square, with its medieval and Italian-style architecture, is one of the oldest commercial districts in Metz. Today under its arcades, trendy boutiques and cafés can now be found where once worked the sixty or so money changers from Lombardy in the days when Metz was a Republic. The pedestrianised square is regularly used to host various events, such as public picnics, concerts, markets, open-air cinema, etc. It is also one of the sites for the Christmas Market.

Iconic Trails and Art Tours

Rue Taison Shopping

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Life in the heart of the city

Second-hand goods, antiques, furniture, trinkets, ornaments and curios... A huge range of goods mainly dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries can be found at Metz’s flea markets.

Flea markets are firmly anchored in Metz tradition and the flea market in the historic Outre-Seille quarter (second Sunday in September) is still hugely successful.

A must-see event in September is the Metz International Fair, which plays host to hundreds of exhibitors and their assortment of stands, much to everyone’s delight. 2015 will mark the 80th anniversary of the FIM. This year, the 1980s will be the theme of the event.

Every year in August, shopkeepers in the city centre sell off their stock cheaply in a one day clearance sale (the “braderie”. This is the time to grab a bargain! The City of Metz opens up the city-centre streets to shopkeepers so they can set up stalls outside.

From the end of November through to the end of December, the Christmas Market will give you all sorts of ideas for having the best Christmas and New Year ever.

More information: City Shopping: www.shoppingmetz.com St Jacques Shopping Centre: http://www.centre-saint-jacques.com

On your bike!

Metz, awarded the “Ville et territoire vélotouristique” label as a bike-friendly city in November 2013, is keeping up the momentum and has opened up an additional stretch of the “Charles le Téméraire” cycle route, a major cross-border European route stretching from Burgundy to Flanders which passes through Lorraine.

Special new signposting has also been put in place so that touring cyclists can reach the different districts in the city and the neighbouring villages and towns along different bike routes.

The City is increasing its efforts by: •Establishing infrastructure: secure shelters, parking spaces, cycling facilities, cycling routes, etc. •Developing a cycling culture: events based on cycling, themed trails, good conduct charter for cyclists, urban cycling courses to encourage Metz residents to ride their bikes •Developing the range of services: bike hire •A large-scale financial investment which, amongst other things, will lengthen the cycle path network by two and a half times, with a goal of 165 kilometres (currently: 81 km).

More information: "Charles le Téméraire" bike trail: http://www.veloroute-charles-le-temeraire.fr/ Biking in Metz: http://metz.fr/pages/mobilite/velo/velo.php Bicycle hire: http://lemet.fr/velomet/ Tip: The Metz Tourist Office is conducting "On Your Bike!" tours from April to October, schedule at http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/circuit-a-bicyclette.html#.VNTSZdKG_To

Guided tour of the city by bike

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Men of literature

François Rabelais (around 1490 – 1553) Writer, doctor and humanist of the Renaissance period, François Rabelais was forced to flee after his extremely risqué book, the Tiers Livre, was printed. He found refuge in Metz in a house lent to him by one of his friends. He lived in the town from 1545 to 1547, and there he wrote the Quart Livre in which can be found traces of his stay (Graouilly procession and expressions borrowed from the local dialect). The remains of Rabelais’ house are situated near Saint Genest’s Chapel on the corner of the Rue d’Enfer and Jurue. Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet (1627 – 1704) Through his father who sat on the Parliament of Metz, Bossuet was granted a stipend as canon in the Metz Chapter. He carried out his duties there for 7 years. He returned to Paris in 1659, but remained Canon of Metz until 1669. Great archdeacon and deacon of the Cathedral, he delivered his 2nd funeral oration for Henry de Gournay there in 1658. Paul Verlaine (Born in Metz, 1844 – 1896) Paul Verlaine left Metz in 1851, never to return, but he kept fond memories of his home town, his childhood loves, the Esplanade promenade and the Cathedral. He wrote an Ode to Metz: “O Metz, my fateful cradle”. He wrote: “It is true, I lived there but a few years, yet it is here in fact that my mind and my senses were opened.” He remembered those times with emotion and much later went on to publish Souvenirs of a citizen of Metz. Maurice Barrès (1862-1923) Author from Lorraine, he wrote, among others, the novel Colette Baudoche - Story of a young girl from Metz 1909. Bernard Marie Koltès (born in Metz, 1948-1989) Born and raised in Metz. He studied at Saint Clément’s College. A writer and playwright (among the most translated in the world), he implicitly recalls Metz, the town of his birth, in Back in the Desert. In 2009, Metz celebrated the author on the 20th anniversary of his death.

19th century composers

Ambroise Charles Louis Thomas (born in Metz, 1811-1896), Winner of the Prix de Rome, he composed operas, masses, cantatas, piano pieces, etc. His bust stands in the foyer of the Opéra-Théâtre.

Gabriel Pierné (born in Metz, 1863-1937), winner of the Grand Prix de Rome in 1882, he studied under César Franck and Massenet and composed lyrical comedies, ballets, chamber music, melodies, etc.

Tribute to Adrienne Thomas (1897-1980)

Born to Jewish parents from Berlin, she lived for seven years in Saint-Avold and then joined her family in Metz. Destined to study singing and drama, the First World War broke out and Adrienne signed up as a Croix-Rouge volunteer, at the age of sixteen, in August 1914. She then lived at Metz Rail Station, where trains would bring in wounded or dead German soldiers and French prisoners. In Die Katrin wird Soldat (1930) translated into 15 languages and published in France under the title “Catherine soldat”, she related her terrible experience in Metz. The book won her overnight fame and an appearance on the Nazi blacklist of authors, whose books were publicly burnt. She returned to Germany in 1916, but fled Nazi rule in 1933, going to Switzerland. This was the beginning of a long period of exile for her. She returned to Austria in 1947, where she died in 1980. A woman of letters, deeply influenced by both Roman and Germanic cultures, her work made her a major figure of humanism and pacifism in Europe. In 2012, one of the two underground tunnels at Metz Railway Station was named “Passage Adrienne Thomas” in tribute to her.

Men of Art & Celebrated Women

Bust of Paul Verlaine

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Marshal Fabert on the Place d’Armes

2014, year of Paul Verlaine in Metz

One of the founding fathers of Europe Robert Schuman (1886-1963)

Deputy of Moselle from 1919 to 1940, barrister at the court of Metz from 1912, he was one of the first to promote the European Community for Coal and Steel (CECA) and was nicknamed the “father of Europe”. He holds a special place in the city’s history. His home at Scy-Chazelles (5 km from Metz) and the 13th century fortified church which houses his tomb are both open to visitors.

The Holy

Saint Clément, Bishop of Metz circa 280. Legend has it that he struck down the terrible dragon of Metz, the Graouilly.

Saint Arnould (580 – 640), Bishop of Metz in 612, advisor to King Dagobert 1st (King of Austrasia), is an ancestor of the Carolingian dynasty through his son and grandson Pépin d’Héristal.

The adventurers Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier (1754 – 1785) born in Metz on 30th March 1754. 1st air navigator, author of a memoir on gases, founder of the Museum of Paris, Pilâtre de Rozier successfully completed a 25-minute flight on 21st November 1783, but he died in 1785 after having attempted to cross the Channel with the physicist Romain. Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette(1757 – 1834) During a banquet known as the Supper of Metz on the 8th of August 1775 at the Palais du Gouverneur (today the site of the Palais de Justice), the Marquis de la Fayette was filled with enthusiasm for the cause of the American colonies revolting against the English Crown. He then set off for the New World at his own expense. On his return to France, he spread philosophical ideals and reached the peak of his popularity on 14.07.1790, at the Fête de la Fédération. La Fayette returned to Metz in 1791 where he commanded the Revolutionary Army. He was arrested by the Austrians and was not released until 1797. Behind the Palais de Justice, in the Jardin Boufflers, there is a statue of him on horseback called Homage to La Fayette by the sculptor Claude Goutin, winner of the Grand Prix de Rome, inaugurated in November 2004.

A few soldiers

Abraham de Fabert (born in Metz, 1599 – 1662), named Field Marshal of France in 1658, earned distinction in the wars against the Protestants and during the sieges (Stenay). He enabled the drapery industry to develop in Sedan.

Charles Louis Auguste Fouquet, Duc de Belle-Isle (1684-1761), grandson of Nicolas Fouquet, Field Marshal of France in 1741, arrived in Metz in 1726 and began the transformation of the city (Place de la Comédie, Place d’Armes, Place St Thiébault, etc.). He welcomed Louis XV to Metz in 1744 with great pomp and circumstance.

François Etienne Kellerman (born in Metz, 1770-1835), Cavalry officer under Napoleon, Peer of France, participated in the campaigns of Marengo and Spain and was wounded at Waterloo.

Antoine Charles Louis, Count of Lasalle (born in Metz at the Hôtel de Gournay, 1755-1809), he distinguished himself at Rivoli in 1797, and the campaigns of Egypt, Prussia and Austria. He died a hero’s death at the Battle of Wagram.

Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929). Attended Saint Clément’s College, but his studies in Metz were interrupted by the war in 1870. He left Metz following these events and sat the entrance exam for the Polytechnique. He became honorary Field Marshal of Great Britain and Poland, a unique event in modern military history, was elected to the French Academy in 1920 and then to the Academy of Science. Foch always remained attached to Saint Clément’s College and, on 28th June 1919, the day the Treaty of Versailles was signed, he was welcomed to Metz with great warmth by the teachers and students, but felt that the Treaty carried the seeds of future conflict.

The painters

Metz School of Art and Laurent Charles Maréchal From 1840 to 1870, Metz was the centre of a flourishing arts scene with many architects, designers, engravers, painters and sculptors, at the head of which was the stained glass artist Laurent Charles Maréchal (1801 – 1887). His career spanned over more than 60 years, during which he worked in a large number of buildings in France (57,000 m² of stained glass for over 1,600 buildings). Some examples in Metz are the St Etienne Cathedral, the Salon de Guise at the Town Hall, the churches of Notre Dame and St Martin. He left Metz after the Annexation in 1871. Other famous members of this artistic movement were Christophe Fratin (1801-1864), animal sculptor and student of Géricault (creator of the Arabian Horse on the Esplanade), Charles Pêtre (1808-1907) sculptor (creator of the Source on the Esplanade, the statue of Marshal Ney on the Place d’Armes, etc.), Charles-Auguste Migette (1802-1884), artist and interior designer at Metz’s Opéra-Théâtre from 1832 to 1875.

Marquis de Lafayette

This prestigious mark recognises tourist communities with a structured tourist offer of excellence.

This recognition, awarded by the government after a careful study of the required qualities - by the prefecture and then by the Ministry, two years of evaluation - is the result of action taken by the City of Metz in a variety of areas, including the promotion of heritage, cultural activities, quality of life, transportation, information, tourist accommodation, safety, hygiene, health care, traffic, and city planning.

Acclaim as a Tourist Destination was a goal recorded in the Local Tourism Development Plan adopted by the Municipal Council on 05.07.12: Level 2 – "Developing Influence and Attractiveness: Develop and promote marks of excellence and availability"

This distinction is good for 12 years.

Metz was named a "Tourist Destination" by decree of the Official Journal dated 02.24.15

Tourist Destination Criteria

Facilitate travel into and within the town for all members of the

public through the improvement of infrastructures,

transportation and services, safe and maintained facilities,

signage on roads used by tourists, signage on paths and signage

(pedestrian and bicycle) for easy access to the Tourist Office and

key points of interest.

Offer tourist accommodation of different types and a variety of categories,

meeting quality criteria, classification, labelling, etc. (more than 89% of

accommodation in Metz is classified, marked, or labelled).

Organise tourist information in multiple languages on the activities, tours, and

places of interest in the town and its surrounding areas, and

providing access to such information through a continuous

tourist information services. (The TO is open 7 days/week, it is

ranked in the top category, has AFNOR NF Services certification,

has a Tourism and Disability label, and has the Tourism Quality

mark.)

Offer productions and cultural activities. Facilitating physical and

sporting activities using and respecting local resources, whether

natural or built, and those of the surrounding territory for all

audiences during high tourism periods, highlighting professional

expertise with a traditional, historical, culinary, or regional

character.

Offer shopping, beauty and relaxation facilities for all types of

tourist.

Provide a document on city planning and sanitation zoning and commit to actions

that benefit the environment, embellish the area’s environment,

protect sites and monuments, promote public hygiene, process

waste, etc.

Metz: Acclaimed Tourist Destination

2015 Press Kit

Classification = Boosting Reputation and a Seal of Attractiveness Metz's distinction as a Tourist Destination benefits its image, builds its reputation, and boosts its influence and attractiveness. It positions Metz among European and international tourism destinations. It constitutes an additional marketing asset for selling Metz as a destination and showcasing its disposition, particularly for the development of business tourism and conventions, thereby encouraging visits.

Following the arrival of the Centre Pompidou-Metz, new projects have been conceived for infrastructures designed to reinforce the attractiveness and quality of Metz’s tourist offer. The new convention centre “cite des congress” will position Metz as an important business tourism centre in the Greater Region. The Starck Hotel will spark curiosity and draw even more attention to the destination, offering even greater global visibility.

The classification of Metz as a tourist destination is a powerful tool to attract and win over investors to ensure improved facilities and standing for the comfort of all types of tourists.

The classification as a Tourist Destination offers tourists and residents a full range of activities, infrastructures, and events. This benefits tourists, serves residents, improves the quality of life, and generates economic benefits for the territory.

Marseille obtained its classification as a tourist destination by decree on 11th February 2013, and Lyon obtained its own by decree on 10th December 2012.

Since the introduction of the reform of acclaimed tourist

destinations, 162 destinations have been classified

according to the new procedure.

Classification and labels obtained by the City of Metz

(non-exhaustive list)

Metz has 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide

Metz is a 4 Fleurs City (1992) and appears in the

European network of Jardins Sans Limites (2011)

Metz has the Blue Flag (2007)

Metz gained the Prix National Lumière by the

Street Arts Academy (2007)

Metz is labelled a Town of Art and History (2011)

Metz is named an tourist county (2012)

Metz is a digital city 5 @ (2007)

The Metz Tourist Office (TO) is classed category I

(since 2013) and has the Tourism & Handicap label

(since 2014), and the TO has been certified for NF

Services under the AFNOR CERTIFICATION (since

1997)

Metz has the "Ville et territoire Vélotouristiques"

bike-friendly label (2013)

Metz appears on the UNESCO French Preliminary

List (2014)

Metz presides over the Permanent National City

Tourism Conference (CNPTU) (2014)

© Yaph Photography - Quattropole

Chapter 2

During Your Stay Couples, friends, with the kids... Day-long adventures

© Yaph Photography - Quattropole

2015 Press Kit

Ideas for day-trips and stays

Metz Tourist Office, open 7 days/week, welcomes you in multiple languages and offers information in various forms, but above all has a team of experts on the destination who are ready to help you! We also provide advice for your purchases in our gift shop.

Metz City Pass, an inexpensive way to explore Metz and its attractions. The three main offers: 1 entry to the Cour d’Or Museum 1 entry to the Centre Pompidou-

Metz 1 audio-guided tour of Metz (in FR,

DE, GB, IT, NL)

+ additional reductions with our tourism partners (leisure, entertainment, wine tasting, gastronomy, public transport)

Price: €12.50 City Pass Plus: €15 including one Visi Pass' ticket for unlimited bus travel on the Le Met’ network for one day

The City Pass is valid until 31st December 2015.

Economise with Metz City Pass: Example prices: Entry to the Centre Pompidou Metz: from €7 Entry to the Cour d’Or Museum: €5 Metz audio-guided tour: €8

Guided tours for individuals

Throughout the year: guided tours of Metz (1 to 2 hours) in the company of an expert guide to discover the main attractions; and themed visits according to the calendar. Audio-guided tours Audio-guided tours in FR, DE, EN, NL and IT, allow you to explore the city centre and Imperial Quarter at your own pace, €8 per person.

2015 Press Kit

"Metz Monument Tracker"… another

way to visit Metz

Armed with your smartphone, the monuments will signal themselves automatically with the app Metz Monument Tracker. "Metz Monument Tracker" provides information about the monuments around you via your smartphone or tablet, using GPS and push technology. Once downloaded from Google Play or the App Store, the app keeps tourists informed about nearby squares, monuments, statues, fountains, sites, and other monuments, explaining their history, a map, descriptions and anecdotes. The Metz Monument Tracker application is available in French, German, English, Spanish, and Dutch.

Scan this code for immediate

access to the application.

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Guided tour of the St Etienne Cathedral

Reception area of the Metz Tourist Office

and for children who bring their parents…

The mini train offers a 45 minute tour with commentary in several languages, departing from the Place d’Armes. Metz Tourist Office offers tours for families all year long (the Porte des Allemands, children’s talks on Chagall, Medieval Metz, etc.) and discovery rallies (in French).

Couples, friends, with the kids...

New in 2015: A stay beyond the borders… experience diversity with the four cities of QuattroPole: Metz, Trèves, Sarrebrück, and Luxembourg. 3 days / 2 nights, starting at €196/person (see pricing terms)

The favourites... Metz Passion, Metz Saveur Mirabelle, Gourmandises and Christmas traditions, Metz-Nancy, from Art Nouveau to contemporary art… a host of ideas for breaks and suggestions for exploring the capital of Lorraine with your partner, family or friends through the seasons..

The Metz Tourist Office Réceptif service also offers themed stays centred around cultural events, sporting events, and festivities. Visit www.tourisme-metz.com

For more information on short-stays: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/courts-sejours-pour-individuels.html#.VNTb-9KG_To

More information: Tourist Office Missions: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/nos-missions-et-services.html#.VNTYgdKG_To Contact us: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/nous-contacter-1.html#.VNTZZNKG_To Panoramic tours: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/visites-panoramiques-de-metz.html Audio-guided tours: http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/les-visites-audioguidees.html#.VNTaw9KG_To Sunday strolls (in French): http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/flaneries-dominicales.html#.VNTa39KG_To Themed visits (in French): http://www.tourisme-metz.com/fr/les-visites-thematiques.html#.VNTa9tKG_To

Group of friends? Head of an association or Works Council? Ask for our “Groups” brochure

Instant family fun at the foot of the St Etienne Cathedral

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Chapter 3

Calendar 2015: Don't Miss Out! Music, theatre, exhibitions, festivities and traditions, sport

© Philippe Gisselbrecht for the Metz Tourist Office

2015 Press Kit

Key Events in 2015

"Metz Books, Literature, and Journalism" Festival - 28th edition 9th – 12th April 2015, at Place de la République On the theme of "BAD FORM! », all literature talking about the world today (and tomorrow) is welcome at METZ BOOKS, LITERATURE, AND JOURNALISM. These friendly gatherings in France bring together 180 novelists, journalists, essayists, artists, comic writers, illustrators, and young authors to celebrate four days of irreverence, freedom of expression, and "bad form!" in every guise.

Schedule available at: www.lelivreametz.com .

Environment Days 24th March – 7th April 2015 The City of Metz is holding its Environment Days from 24th March to 7th April. Spotlighting parks and gardens, several activities related to transportation, energy, and many other topics, lectures designed for the general public, and more.

“Passages” Festival 6th May – 16th May 2015 Place de la République Every two years, the Passages Festival takes place in the different quarters of Metz. This year place de la République welcomes travelling artists, with the aim of introducing the public to a new genre of theatre; one not yet known in France. Events from 6th to 16th May under the big top.

Ensembles Concert at theArsenal

Art in the Gardens 6th edition 23rd May – 30th September 2015 Bringing contemporary art into Metz’s gardens during the summer months. This event, an unprecedented encounter between art and gardens, and an ideal backdrop for displaying enormous works of art, lets us take an innovative look at the city by placing art within everyone’s reach.

Meeting in the Garden 5th to 7th June 2015 - 13th edition "A Walk in the Garden"

Exhibition: "Napoleon... Discovery of a Legend" 25th April – 10th May 2015 Metz Expo www.metz-expo.com

European Heritage Days 19th & 20th September 2015 32nd edition, theme of "Heritage of the 21st Century: a Future History" Metz Tourist Office will be giving free themed visits (in French) for this occasion.

Tourist Office Guided Tours Not to be missed in 2015!

As part of the “Ville et Territoire Vélotouristique” label: “On your bike”, guided tours by bike.

In the summer, guided tours all about the Mirabelle.

To showcase the Mirabelle plum, the “Rabelaisian stroll” ends with a tasting of local produce.

To reconquer the Porte des Allemands… "La Porte des Allemands"

As part of the Great War Centenary, with a special focus on the “Imperial Quarter” lit up by projectors this year… “Metz during the Great War” “A Weary War” “German influence in City Centre Architecture” “Post-War Monuments”

List of on-demand themed tours at www.toursime-metz.com

2015 Press Kit

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Place de la République

The Tanneurs Garden

Metz en Fête 25th edition 6th July – 14th August 2015 Festivals and celebrations abound this summer - at the corner of a street, at the water’s edge, in a garden, in a public square… Residents of Metz and tourists alike are invited to share the fun on offer in July and August during the Metz en Fête programme. The summer weather adds to the warm, friendly atmosphere permeating the city during the concerts, shows, performances and the multitude of events unfurled for the occasion.

Metz Beach – 8th edition 22nd July – 16th August 2015 A real sandy beach is installed at the lake to celebrate summer. A holiday atmosphere with parasols, deckchairs, pools, sports activities, etc. Following the hugely successful previous editions (more than 100,000 visitors in 2014, in spite of bad weather, and 149,884 in 2013), an area of nearly 22,000m² is laid out for a month for young and old to enjoy the pleasures of the seaside. There is a picnic area, pétanque courts, a trampoline, a reading corner, outdoor video games, a fun paddling pool, water activities, a lakeside cafe and concerts, barge theatre, youth information point, etc. And there are children’s pools, beach soccer and volleyball courts, assault courses, a water vaporiser, etc. Various sporting activities are offered free of charge by the City of Metz.

The Mirabelle Festival 65th edition 23rd August – 6th September 2015 The Mirabelle plum has been grown locally in the Metz region for centuries; the Mirabelle plum tree has become the region’s most popular fruit tree, flourishing in the clay soil on the sun-soaked slopes. Lorraine Mirabelle plums were the first to be awarded a European label in 1996 guaranteed by an IGP, Indication of Geographical Provenance; the brandy produced from this fruit obtained the AOC, Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée.

Every year since 1947, the Mirabelle Festival has attracted thousands of visitors to the capital of Lorraine and encompasses the summer events in the Metz en Fête schedule. These festivities are usually held after the 15th of August and take the form of street entertainment, concerts, dances, markets selling locally-made produce and crafts, firework displays, floral floats and the crowning of the Mirabelle Queen. It’s all rounded off by the Metz Hot Air Balloon Festival (3rd – 7th September), a highly popular aerostatic event. This great gathering of hot air balloons, a must-see event at the end of summer, brings together almost 100,000 fans every year. The Metz balloon (christened on 21st August 2001) crosses the sky almost everywhere in Europe promoting the colours of the City of Metz, the birthplace of the first balloonist in history, Pilâtre de Rozier.

European Métiers d’Art Days 27th, 28th, and 29th March 2015 A key event for showcasing and developing arts and crafts in France and in Europe: open days at workshops, training centres and schools, demonstrations, participation of a large number of heritage and creative venues, themed visits, etc. to discover the very best in expertise and craftsmanship.

Musiques Volantes – 20th edition November 2015 Trinitaires & Arsenal Modern independent music festival.

Christmas Market and Saint Nicolas Winter Traditions & Games 22nd November – 24th December 2015 When the end-of-year festivities are approaching and the different sites and districts in the city are buzzing with the Christmas Market, it is the tradition for Saint Nicolas to come at the beginning of December and reward good children with sweets and candy, whilst the evil Père Fouettard takes care of those who have not been so well-behaved… Boutiques and shops are generally open on the 3 Sundays before Christmas, meaning you can enjoy the spicy smells right up to the last minute on city breaks. The Big Wheel, an ice-rink and other winter games provide a wide range of leisure activities for young and old alike.

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Christmas Market, enchanting carousel

Metz beach on the lake

Moselle Open - 13th edition 19th – 27th September 2015 Les Arènes This competition brings together some of the best tennis players in the top 50 worldwide rankings for one week. Part of the ATP tour for several years, the Metz event has proved successful and is one of the highlights of the international tennis scene.

Metz Mirabelle Marathon – 6th edition 11th October 2015: In 2010, the City revived a mythical challenge: the Marathon. And Metz found its heroes. Professional runners, amateurs, the young and the not quite so young use every last ounce of willpower to finish their race. With over 6,609 participants in 2014, the Metz Mirabelle marathon is a real success story!

nternational competitions and quality infrastructures.

Metz hosts large-scale international competitions, such as top-level athletics, handball, football and rugby matches. High quality sports infrastructure is available, including five golf courses within a 30 km radius, and facilities for canoeing and kayaking, skateboarding (one of the biggest bowls in France), combat sports, baseball, swimming, windsurfing, rowing, etc.

At the Opera-Theatre:

A 2015 tribute to the works of the great composers of opera, ballet, classics of the theatre repertoire, and many contemporary works. Directors and choreographers like Patrick Poivre d’Arvor, Corinne and Gilles Benizio (aka Shirley and Dino), Ralf Rossa, and Maguy Marin, and renowned singers like Nathalie Manfrino and Sébastien Guèze are all featured.

This season showcases collaboration with the National Orchestra of Lorraine, under the direction of distinguished orchestra conductors (Jacques Mercier and Roberto Rizzi Brignoli) and the Orchestra of the Reims Opera, under the baton of Claude Schnitzler and the Spiritual Concert directed by Hervé Niquet.

Events & festivities

All year long, festivals, shows and

events constantly follow on from each

other, to the joy of amateurs, the

curious and collectors alike.

. 2nd Largest Flea Market after Saint

Ouen (Around 10 dates per year)

. April – Literature and Journalism

Festival

. July – August – Metz en Fête

. End of July – end of August – Metz

Beach

. August – One day clearance-sale

market “grand braderie”

. End of August – Mirabelle Festival

. End of August – beginning of

September – hot air balloon festival

. Mid- September – the Moselle Open

. September – Flea market in the

Outre-Seille Quarter

. End of September – beginning of

October - Metz International Fair

. Mid-October - Marathon

. November – Antiques Fair

. End of November – end of December

– Christmas Market and Advent

Festivities

. Beginning of December – Saint

Nicolas and Illuminations Walk

. Lots of events are held at the Metz

Métropole Exhibition Centre (80

major events and 800,000 visitors a

year) – FIM, Créativa, Urbest, etc.)

I Metz en Scènes

Metz en Scènes, a public institution based on a cultural cooperation unique in France, brings together a wide spectrum of music and dance through three different, yet complementary locations: the Arsenal, the Trinitaires, and the all-new Boîte à Musiques (BAM).

Reinvented by architect Ricardo Bofill, the concert halls of the Arsenal have featured the best in music (classical, symphony, baroque, world music, and jazz) and dance since 1989. A true gem with 1,352 seats, ranked amongst the most beautiful venues in Europe, its Grande Salle is a privileged performance location for baroque music.

The Trinitaires and, more recently, the Boîte à Musiques round out this combination that is unique in its genre, revealing the best of modern music to Metz audiences.

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The Boîte à Musique, opened in 2014