Metz & Nancy Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Two very different cities, one elegant and classical, the other Gothic and modern, make Lorraine a rewarding destination.

• Place Stanislas, Nancy — An 18th-century square with gilded gates and fountains, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Place de la Carrière and Place d’Alliance.
• Musée de l’École de Nancy — Furniture, glass and decorative arts from the Art Nouveau movement that flourished in Nancy around 1900.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts, Nancy — Fine art collections on Place Stanislas, including a notable collection of Daum glass.
• Metz Cathedral — Saint-Étienne Cathedral is famed for its vast expanse of stained glass, including windows by Marc Chagall.
• Centre Pompidou-Metz — A striking modern art centre with a distinctive woven roof, hosting major exhibitions.
• Metz old town and the Moselle — Stroll the golden-stone streets, the covered market and the riverbanks to the Porte des Allemands.
• Lorraine specialities — Try quiche lorraine, mirabelle plums, macarons from Nancy and bergamotes sweets.

Lorraine has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Late spring and summer, from about May to September, are ideal for walking tours, riverside terraces and outdoor events.

Late August is mirabelle plum season, celebrated with local festivities in Metz. December brings Christmas markets and Saint Nicholas celebrations, a long-established tradition in Lorraine, especially in Nancy. Winters can be cold and grey, but museums make for good indoor days.

Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport is located in the countryside between the two cities, closer to Metz, with Nancy further to the south.

Shuttle bus services have linked the airport with the railway stations in Metz and Nancy, so check current services before you travel. Taxis are available, and car hire is a convenient option for exploring the wider region. From either city’s station, frequent regional trains connect Metz and Nancy.

Many visitors base themselves in one city and visit the other by train.

• Nancy old town and Place Stanislas — Elegant streets and the main sights on the doorstep; ideal for culture lovers.
• Nancy station area — Practical for train connections, with a range of mid-range hotels.
• Metz city centre — Close to the cathedral, covered market and riverbanks; great for walking.
• Metz Quartier Impérial — The German-era district near the station and Centre Pompidou-Metz, good for travellers on the move.

• Money: Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for markets.
• Getting around: Regional trains link Metz and Nancy quickly; both city centres are compact and walkable, with buses and trams.
• Etiquette: Greet shopkeepers with “bonjour” on entering, and dress respectfully in churches.
• Dining: Lunch and dinner are served at set times in many restaurants, so plan meals accordingly.
• Language: French is spoken everywhere; English is understood in hotels and tourist areas, and a few French phrases are appreciated.