Editing Metz

{{Short description|City in Grand Est, France}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox French commune
|name                   = Metz
|commune status         = [[Prefectures of France|Prefecture]] and [[Communes of France|commune]]
|arrondissement         = Metz
|canton                 = [[Cantons of Metz|3 cantons]]
|image                  = Collage Metz.jpg
|image size             = 270
|caption                = Clockwise from top: overview of city centre (with [[Metz Cathedral|Cathedral of Saint Stephen]]), [[Imperial Quarter of Metz|Imperial Quarter]], [[Temple Neuf, Metz|Temple Neuf]], [[Germans' Gate]], [[Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole|Opéra-Théâtre]] (place de la Comédie)
|image coat of arms     = Grandes Armes de Metz.svg
|image flag             = Metz flag.svg
|INSEE                  = 57463
|postal code            = 57000
|demonym                = ''Messin'' (masculine)<br />''Messine'' (feminine)
|mayor                  = François Grosdidier<ref>{{cite web |title=Répertoire national des élus: les maires |url=https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/2876a346-d50c-4911-934e-19ee07b0e503 |website=data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises |date=2 December 2020 |language=fr}}</ref>
|term                   = 2020–2026
|intercommunality       = [[Metz Métropole]]
|coordinates            = {{coord|49|07|13|N|6|10|40|E|region:FR_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|elevation m            = 
|elevation min m        = 162
|elevation max m        = 256
|area km2               = 41.94
|population             = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_total}}
|population date        = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_as_of}}
|population footnotes   = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_footnotes}}
|urban pop              = 285930
|urban area km2         = 308.8
|urban pop date         = 2018<ref name="compar" />
|metro area pop         = 367851
|metro area km2         = 1877.2
|metro area pop date    = 2018<ref name="compar" />
|website                = [http://metz.fr/ Metz Ville]
}}
{{Lorraine sidebar}}
'''Metz''' ({{IPAc-en|'|m|ɛ|t|s}} {{respell|METS}}, {{IPA|fr|mɛs|lang|prononciationmetz.ogg}}, {{langx|la|Divodurum Mediomatricorum}}, then {{lang|la|Mettis}}) is a city in northeast [[France]] located at the confluence of the [[Moselle (river)|Moselle]] and the [[Seille (Moselle)|Seille]] rivers. Metz is the [[Prefectures in France|prefecture]] of the [[Moselle (department)|Moselle]] [[Departments of France|department]] and the seat of the parliament of the [[Grand Est]] [[Regions of France|region]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moselle.gouv.fr/ |title=Official website of the prefecture of Moselle |access-date=6 July 2012 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cg57.fr/Pages/default.aspx |title=Official website of the Moselle department |access-date=6 July 2012 |language=fr}}</ref> Located near the [[Tri-border area|tripoint]] along the junction of France, [[Germany]] and [[Luxembourg]],<ref name="river">Says J.M. (2010) La Moselle, une rivière européenne. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-857-2}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> the city forms a central part of the European [[Greater Region]] and the [[SaarLorLux]] [[euroregion]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.granderegion.net/fr/index.html |title=Official website of the Greater Region |access-date=6 July 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712060502/http://www.granderegion.net/fr/index.html |archive-date=12 July 2012}}</ref>

Metz has a rich 3,000-year history,<ref name="history">Bour R. (2007) Histoire de Metz, nouvelle édition. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-728-5}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> having variously been a [[Celts|Celtic]] ''[[oppidum]]'', an important [[Gallo-Roman]] city,<ref name="Divodurum">Vigneron B. (1986) Metz antique: Divodurum Mediomatricorum. Eds. Maisonneuve. {{ISBN|2-7160-0115-4}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> the [[Merovingian]] capital of [[Austrasia]],<ref name="Austrasia">Huguenin A. (2011) Histoire du royaume mérovingien d'Austrasie. Eds. des Paraiges. {{ISBN|979-10-90185-00-5}} pp. 134,275 {{in lang|fr}}</ref> the birthplace of the [[Carolingian dynasty]],<ref name="Carololingian">Settipani C. (1989) Les ancêtres de Charlemagne. Ed. Société atlantique d'impression. {{ISBN|2-906483-28-1}} pp.&nbsp;3–49 {{in lang|fr}}</ref> a cradle of the [[Gregorian chant]],<ref name="GregorianChant">Demollière C.J. (2004) ''L'art du chantre carolingien.'' Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-555-9}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> and one of the oldest [[Republic of Metz|republics]] in [[Europe]].<ref name="republic">Roemer F. (2007) ''Les institutions de la République messine.'' Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-709-4}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> The city has been steeped in [[Culture of France|French culture]], but has been strongly influenced by [[Culture of Germany|German culture]] due to its location and history.<ref>Weyland A. (2010) ''Moselle plurielle: identité complexe & complexes identitaires.''  Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-748-3}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref>

Because of its historical, cultural and architectural background, Metz has been submitted on France's [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/FR |title=World Heritage Site List of France, UNESCO Official Website. |format=HTLM |access-date=19 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5882/ |title=Presentation of the specificity of Metz for the UNESCO World Heritage Site enlistment, UNESCO Official Website. |format=HTLM |access-date=19 April 2014 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://metz.fr/pages/patrimoine/unesco/doc/140114_unesco_liste_indicative.pdf |title=Presentation of the specificity of Metz for the UNESCO World Heritage Site enlistment, Official Website of the Municipality of Metz. |access-date=9 January 2014 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201165959/http://metz.fr/pages/patrimoine/unesco/doc/140114_unesco_liste_indicative.pdf |archive-date=1 February 2014}}</ref> The city features noteworthy buildings such as the [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] [[Metz Cathedral|Saint-Stephen Cathedral]] with its largest expanse of stained-glass windows in the world,<ref name="CathedralWebcam">{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/cathedrale.php |title=Metz Cathedral webcam |format=VIDEO |access-date=6 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512072404/http://metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/cathedrale.php |archive-date=12 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="cathedral">Collectif (2009) Monumental 2009 – semestriel 1.  Coll. Monumental. Eds. Guides archeologiques de la France. {{ISBN|978-2-7577-0055-6}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> the [[Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains]] being the oldest church in France,<ref name="nonnains">Delestre X. (1988) Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains (Metz – Moselle): de l'époque romaine à l'époque gothique. Eds. Guides archeologiques de la France. {{ISBN|978-2-85822-439-5}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> its [[Gare de Metz-Ville|Imperial Station Palace]] displaying the apartment of the German [[Kaiser]],<ref name="gare">Schontz A. (2008) ''La gare de Metz.''  Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-833-6}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> or its [[Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole|Opera House]], the oldest one working in France.<ref name="opera">Masson G. (2002) ''L'Opéra-théâtre de Metz.'' Ed. Klopp, Gerard. {{ISBN|978-2-911992-38-4}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> Metz is home to some world-class venues including the [[Arsenal de Metz|Arsenal Concert Hall]] and the [[Centre Pompidou-Metz]] museum.
 
A basin of [[urban ecology]],<ref name="urban ecology">Pelt J.M. (1977) ''L'Homme re-naturé.'' Eds. Seuil. {{ISBN|2-02-004589-3}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref><ref name="ecology-urbanism">{{cite web |url=http://www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08030163/l-ecologie-et-l-urbanisme-a-metz.fr.html |title=INA Archive (1977) Samedi et demi, interview with Jean-Marie Pelt. Prod. Antenne 2. |format=VIDEO |access-date=16 May 2011 |language=fr}}</ref> Metz gained its nickname of [[Metz#Urban ecology|The Green City]] ({{Langx|fr|La Ville Verte}}),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/vam/pdf/0703_agenda21.pdf |title=Metz magazine (2007) 322:16-17. |access-date=6 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081129132437/http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/vam/pdf/0703_agenda21.pdf |archive-date=29 November 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> as it has extensive open grounds and public gardens.<ref name="garden map">{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/jardin/pdf/espver.pdf |title=Official municipal website, Public garden map of Metz |access-date=1 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126160220/http://metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/jardin/pdf/espver.pdf |archive-date=26 November 2010}}</ref> The historic city centre is one of the largest commercial pedestrian areas in France.<ref>Hamel S. and Walter J. (2000) ''Metz. Ecologie urbaine et convivialité.'' Ed. Autrement. {{ISBN|978-2-86260-343-8}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref><ref name="Agenda21">{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/actions/agenda21/agenda21.pdf |title=Official Metz municipality website, Agenda 21. |access-date=6 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512101922/http://metz.fr/metz2/actions/agenda21/agenda21.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

A historic [[garrison]] town, Metz is the economic heart of the [[Lorraine (région)|Lorraine]] region, specialising in [[information technology]] and [[automotive industry|automotive]] industries. Metz is home to the [[University of Lorraine]], [[Georgia Tech Europe]], and a centre for applied research and development in the materials sector, notably in [[metallurgy]] and [[metallography]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_pl_recherche.pdf |title=University of Lorraine. Research, innovation, and valorisation. |access-date=29 June 2011 |language=fr |archive-date=28 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328161543/http://www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_pl_recherche.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> the heritage of the Lorraine region's past in the iron and steel industry.<ref>Gendarme R. (1985) ''Sidérurgie en Lorraine, les coulées du futur.'' Eds. Presses Universitaires de Nancy. {{ISBN|2-86480-224-4}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
In ancient times, the town was known as "city of [[Mediomatrici]]", being inhabited by the tribe of the same name.<ref name="etymology">Martin P. (2010) ''Metz, 2000 years of history.'' Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-845-9}} pp.&nbsp;8–9</ref> After its integration into the [[Roman Empire]], the city was called ''Divodurum Mediomatricum'', meaning Holy Village or Holy Fortress of the Mediomatrici,<ref>Toussaint M. (1948) Metz à l'époque gallo-romaine. Eds. Impr. P. Even. pp.&nbsp;21–22 {{in lang|fr}}</ref> then it was known as ''Mediomatrix''.<ref name="etymology" /> During the 5th century AD, the name evolved to "Mettis", which gave rise to the current spelling, Metz,<ref name="etymology" /> but also spellings such as ''Mès'', which are no longer used, but reflect its actual pronunciation in French (like "mess").<ref name="Cent Nouvelles nouvelles">{{cite book |orig-date=1462 |location=France |date=1868 |publisher=Pierre Jannet |title=Cent Nouvelles nouvelles (Nouvelle 92)}}.</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of Metz|Timeline of Metz}}
[[File:Henri2entranceMetz.jpg|thumb|[[Henry II of France]] entering Metz in 1552, putting an end to the Republic of Metz.]]
Metz has a recorded history dating back over 2,000 years. Before the [[Gallic Wars|conquest of Gaul]] by [[Julius Caesar]] in 52 BC, it was the [[oppidum]] of the [[Celt]]ic Mediomatrici tribe.<ref name="history" /> Integrated into the Roman Empire, Metz became quickly one of the principal towns of [[Gaul]] with a population of 40,000,<ref name="Divodurum" /> until the [[migration period|barbarian]] [[raid (military)|depredations]] and its transfer to the [[Franks]] about the end of the 5th century.<ref name="history" /><ref>Di Rocco A. (2009) Année 451 : la bataille qui sauva l'Occident. Eds. Thélès. {{ISBN|978-2-303-00228-8}} pp.&nbsp;156–158 {{in lang|fr}}</ref><ref>Gibbon E (1788) ''History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire''. 4:35</ref> Between the 6th and 8th centuries, the city was the residence of the [[Merovingian]] kings of [[Austrasia]].<ref name="Austrasia" /> After the [[Treaty of Verdun]] in 843, Metz became the capital of the [[Kingdom of Lotharingia]] and was ultimately integrated into the [[Holy Roman Empire]], being granted semi-independent status.<ref name="history" /> During the 12th century, Metz became a [[republic]] and the [[Republic of Metz]] stood until the 15th century.<ref name="republic" />

With the signature of the [[Treaty of Chambord]] in 1552, Metz passed into the hands of the [[Kingdom of France|Kings of France]].<ref name="history" /><ref>Brasme P. (2011) Quand Metz reçoit la France. Eds. des Paraiges. {{ISBN|979-10-90185-03-6}} pp.&nbsp;17–34 {{in lang|fr}}</ref> As the German Protestant Princes who traded Metz (alongside Toul and Verdun) for the promise of French military assistance, had no authority to cede territory of the Holy Roman Empire, the change of jurisdiction was not recognised by the Holy Roman Empire until the [[Treaty of Westphalia]] in 1648. Under French rule, Metz was selected as capital of the [[Three Bishoprics]] and became a strategic fortified town.<ref name="history" /><ref name="republic2">Vigneron B. (2010) Le dernier siècle de la république de Metz. Eds. du Panthéon. {{ISBN|978-2-7547-0356-7}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> With creation of the [[Departments of France|departments]] by the [[Estates-General of 1789]], Metz was chosen as capital of the [[Moselle (département)|Department of Moselle]].<ref name="history" />

Although largely French-speaking, after the [[Franco-Prussian War]] and under the [[Treaty of Frankfurt (1871)|Treaty of Frankfurt of 1871]] the city became part of the [[German Empire]], being part of the Imperial Territory of [[Alsace-Lorraine]] and serving as capital of the [[Bezirk Lothringen]].<ref>Roth F. (2011) La Lorraine Annexée – version 2011, nouvelle édition. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-866-4}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref>

Metz remained German until the end of the [[First World War]], when it reverted to France.<ref name="return">Berrar J.C. (2009) Metz, retour à la France. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-784-1}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> However, after the [[Battle of France]] during the [[Second World War]], the city was annexed by [[Nazi Germany]].<ref name="history" /> In 1944, the [[Battle of Metz|attack on the city]] by the [[United States Army Central|U.S. Third Army]] removed the city from German rule and Metz reverted one more time to France after [[World War II]].<ref>Przybylski S. (2009) La Campagne de Lorraine de 1944, Panther contre Sherman. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-820-6}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref><ref>Denis P. (2008) La Libération de la Lorraine, 1940–1945. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-764-3}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref>

During the 1950s, Metz was chosen to be the capital of the newly created [[Lorraine (region)|Lorraine]] [[Regions of France|region]].<ref name="politic50">Roth F. (2012) Histoire politique de la Lorraine, de 1900 à nos jours. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-881-7}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> With the creation of the [[European Community]] and the later [[European Union]], the city has become central to the [[Greater Region]] and the [[SaarLorLux]] [[Euroregion]].<ref name="politic50" />

== Geography ==
Metz is located on the banks of the [[Moselle (river)|Moselle]] and the [[Seille (Moselle)|Seille]] rivers, {{Cvt|43|km|0}} from the [[Schengen, Luxembourg|Schengen]] [[tripoint]] where the borders of France, Germany and Luxembourg meet.<ref name="river" /> The city was built in a place where many branches of the Moselle river create several islands, which are encompassed within the urban planning.<ref name="arthus bertrand">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftNn_K-lh_I |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ftNn_K-lh_I |archive-date=11 December 2021 |url-status=live |title=''Metz and the Messin pays from above'', full movie, by Yann Arthus-Bertrand |website=[[YouTube]] |format=VIDEO |access-date=6 June 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The terrain of Metz forms part of the [[Paris Basin]] and presents a plateau relief cut by river valleys presenting [[cuesta]]s in the north–south direction.<ref>Leza-Chomard A. and Pautrot C. (2006) Géologie et géographie de la Lorraine. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-632-6}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> Metz and its surrounding countryside are included in the forest and crop [[Lorraine Regional Natural Park]], covering a total area of {{Cvt|205000|ha|0}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pnr-lorraine.com/ |title=Official website of the Lorraine Regional Natural Park. |access-date=29 June 2012}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
[[Lorraine (région)|Lorraine]] has an [[oceanic climate]].<ref>Beck J.S. (2011) 2000 ans de climat en Alsace et en Lorraine. Eds. Coprur. {{ISBN|978-2-84208-209-3}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> tending to continental humid. The summers are warm and humid, sometimes stormy, and the warmest month of the year is July, when daytime temperatures average approximately {{cvt|25|C|1}}. The winters are cold but not often snowy with temperature dropping to an average low of {{cvt|-0.5|C|1}} in January. Lows can be much colder through the night and early morning and rare snow can fall during a period extending from November to February.<ref name="weather">{{cite web |url=http://weatherspark.com/averages/32088/Metz-Lorraine-France |title=Weatherspark webpage dedicated to Metz. |access-date=29 June 2012}}</ref>

The length of the day varies significantly over the course of the year.<ref name="meteo">{{cite web |url=http://climat.meteofrance.com/chgt_climat2/climat_france?76100.path=climatstation%252F57039001 |title=Average Weather for Metz, FR |access-date=29 June 2012 |publisher=MeteoFrance.com |language=fr}}{{dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The shortest day is 21 December with 7:30 hours of sunlight; the longest day is 20 June with 16:30 hours of sunlight. The median cloud cover is 93% and does not vary substantially over the course of the year.<ref name="weather" />

{{Weather box
|location = Metz-Frescaty, elevation: {{convert|192|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1940–present
|collapsed =
|metric first = Y
|single line = Y
|Jan record high C = 16.1
|Feb record high C = 20.8
|Mar record high C = 25.1
|Apr record high C = 29.6
|May record high C = 33.2
|Jun record high C = 37.7
|Jul record high C = 39.7
|Aug record high C = 39.5
|Sep record high C = 34.3
|Oct record high C = 26.8
|Nov record high C = 23.3
|Dec record high C = 18.1
|Jan high C = 5.4
|Feb high C = 7.1
|Mar high C = 11.6
|Apr high C = 16.0
|May high C = 20.0
|Jun high C = 23.6
|Jul high C = 25.8
|Aug high C = 25.5
|Sep high C = 20.9
|Oct high C = 15.4
|Nov high C = 9.4
|Dec high C = 6.0
|year high C = 15.6
|Jan mean C = 2.7
|Feb mean C = 3.6
|Mar mean C = 7.0
|Apr mean C = 10.5
|May mean C = 14.5
|Jun mean C = 17.9
|Jul mean C = 20.1
|Aug mean C = 19.7
|Sep mean C = 15.7
|Oct mean C = 11.3
|Nov mean C = 6.5
|Dec mean C = 3.5
|year mean C = 11.1
|Jan low C = 0.0
|Feb low C = 0.1
|Mar low C = 2.4
|Apr low C = 4.9
|May low C = 9.0
|Jun low C = 12.3
|Jul low C = 14.4
|Aug low C = 14.0
|Sep low C = 10.4
|Oct low C = 7.2
|Nov low C = 3.6
|Dec low C = 1.0
|year low C = 6.6
|Jan record low C = -20.1
|Feb record low C = -23.2
|Mar record low C = -15.3
|Apr record low C = -5.1
|May record low C = -2.5
|Jun record low C = 1.9
|Jul record low C = 4.3
|Aug record low C = 3.9
|Sep record low C = -1.1
|Oct record low C = -6.2
|Nov record low C = -11.7
|Dec record low C = -17.0
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 61.9
|Feb precipitation mm = 56.0
|Mar precipitation mm = 51.1
|Apr precipitation mm = 45.1
|May precipitation mm = 56.9
|Jun precipitation mm = 56.1
|Jul precipitation mm = 59.8
|Aug precipitation mm = 59.3
|Sep precipitation mm = 61.5
|Oct precipitation mm = 64.8
|Nov precipitation mm = 64.5
|Dec precipitation mm = 76.5
|year precipitation mm = 713.5
|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 11.1
|Feb precipitation days = 10.0
|Mar precipitation days = 9.9
|Apr precipitation days = 8.3
|May precipitation days = 9.6
|Jun precipitation days = 9.1
|Jul precipitation days = 8.9
|Aug precipitation days = 9.0
|Sep precipitation days = 8.4
|Oct precipitation days = 10.3
|Nov precipitation days = 11.4
|Dec precipitation days = 12.2
|year precipitation days = 118.1
| Jan snow days  =7.8
| Feb snow days  =6.3
| Mar snow days  =4.6
| Apr snow days  =1.9
| May snow days  =0.1
| Jun snow days  =0
| Jul snow days  =0
| Aug snow days  =0
| Sep snow days  =0
| Oct snow days  =0.1
| Nov snow days  =1.3
| Dec snow days  =5.7
| year snow days =
| Jan sun  =52.7
| Feb sun  =79.1
| Mar sun  =127.1
| Apr sun  =177
| May sun  =201.5
| Jun sun  =219
| Jul sun  =226.3
| Aug sun  =213.9
| Sep sun  =159
| Oct sun  =99.2
| Nov sun  =48
| Dec sun  =40.3
| year sun =
| Jand sun  =1.7
| Febd sun  =2.8
| Mard sun  =4.1
| Aprd sun  =5.9
| Mayd sun  =6.5
| Jund sun  =7.3
| Juld sun  =7.3
| Augd sun  =6.9
| Sepd sun  =5.3
| Octd sun  =3.2
| Novd sun  =1.6
| Decd sun  =1.3
| yeard sun =
| Jan light = 8.8
| Feb light = 10.2
| Mar light = 11.9
| Apr light = 13.8
| May light = 15.3
| Jun light = 16.1
| Jul light = 15.7
| Aug light = 14.3
| Sep light = 12.6
| Oct light = 10.8
| Nov light = 9.2
| Dec light = 8.3
| year light= 
|source 1 = [[Meteo France]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://donneespubliques.meteofrance.fr/FichesClim/FICHECLIM_57039001.pdf |title=METZ–FRESCATY (57) |work=Fiche Climatologique: Statistiques 1991–2020 et records |publisher=Meteo France |language=fr |access-date=4 July 2022}}</ref>
|source 2= Weather Atlas(snowy days-sun-daylight)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/france/metz-climate |title=The climate of Metz |access-date=14 August 2024 |website=Weater Atlas |no-pp=y}}</ref>

}}

== Demographics ==
[[File:Paul Verlaine-Edmond Aman-Jean mg 9503.jpg|thumb|[[Paul Verlaine]] by [[Edmond Aman-Jean]], 1892, oil on canvas, [[museums of Metz|Golden Courtyard museums]]
{{blockquote|Metz with its magnificent open countries, prolific undulating rivers, wooded hillsides, vineyards of fire; cathedral all in volute, where the wind sings as a flute, and responding to it via the Mutte: this big voice of the good Lord!<ref>The Mutte is the name of the large bell of the [[Metz Cathedral|Saint-Stephen cathedral]].</ref>|Paul Verlaine|''Ode to Metz, Invectives'', 1896}}]]

=== Population ===
The inhabitants of Metz are called ''Messin(e)s''. Statistics on the ethnic and religious make up of the population of Metz are haphazard, as the [[French Fifth Republic|French Republic]] prohibits making distinctions between citizens regarding race, beliefs, and political and philosophic opinions in the process of census taking.<ref>A law from 1872 forbids the collection by the state of census data based on questions about religious beliefs. The [[French Third Republic]] considered that kind of information to be private and that any citizen of the Republic should be considered as equal of his mates, regardless his provocative and potentially [[wikt:Special:Search/divisive|divisive]]{{clarify|date=April 2019}}. In accordance with the concept of [[laïcité]], this principle was reaffirmed by the current [[French Fifth Republic]] in a law from 1978, stating that "it is forbidden to collect or process data of a personal nature related to racial or ethnic origins as well as political, philosophic, or religious opinions."</ref>

The French national [[census]] of 2018 estimated the population of Metz to be 116,581, while the population of Metz [[functional area (France)|metropolitan area]] was about 368,000.<ref name=compar>{{cite web |url=https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/1405599?geo=AAV2020-033+UU2020-57701+COM-57463 |title=Comparateur de territoire: Aire d'attraction des villes 2020 de Metz (033), Unité urbaine 2020 de Metz (57701), Commune de Metz (57463) |access-date=20 June 2022 |publisher=[[INSEE]] |language=fr}}</ref> Through history, Metz's population has been affected by the vicissitudes of the wars and annexations involving the city, which have prevented continuous population growth. More recently, the city has suffered from the restructuring of the military and the metallurgy industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lorraine.pref.gouv.fr/index.php?headingid=234 |title=Official Lorraine prefecture webpage on the military restructurings. |access-date=30 June 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108081217/http://www.lorraine.pref.gouv.fr/index.php?headingid=234 |archive-date=8 January 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The historical population for the current area of Metz municipality is as follows:

{{Historical populations
| 1793|36878 | 1800|32099 | 1806|39131 | 1821|42030 | 1836|42793 | 1841|39767 | 1861|56888 | 1866|54817 | 1871|51332 | 1875|45856 | 1880|53131 | 1885|54072 | 1890|60186 | 1895|59794 | 1900|58462 | 1905|60419 | 1910|54965 | 1921|62311 | 1926|69624 | 1931|78767 | 1936|83119 | 1946|70105 | 1954|85701 | 1962|102771 | 1968|107537 | 1975|111869 | 1982|114232 | 1990|119594 | 1999|123776 | 2007|123580 | 2012|119551 | 2017|116429
| source= EHESS<ref>{{Cassini-Ehess|22347|Metz}}</ref> and INSEE<ref>[https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/4515315?geo=COM-57463#ancre-POP_T1 Population en historique depuis 1968], INSEE</ref>
| percentages = pagr
| cols = 3
| align = none
| graph-pos = bottom
}}

=== Notable people ===
{{Main|List of people from Metz}}
Several well-known figures have been linked to the city of Metz throughout its history. Renowned ''Messins'' include poet [[Paul Verlaine]],<ref name="Verlaine">{{cite web |url=http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xskq5v_la-maison-de-verlaine-clip-2012_creation#.UUtxixnmvH0 |title=Verlaine's native house – House of Verlaine (museum), video clip. |date=2 August 2012 |access-date=21 March 2013 |language=fr}}</ref> composer [[Ambroise Thomas]] and mathematician [[Jean-Victor Poncelet]]; numerous well-known German figures were also born in Metz notably during the annexation periods. Moreover, the city has been the residence of people such as writer [[François Rabelais]], [[Cardinal Mazarin]], political thinker [[Alexis de Tocqueville]], artist and the inventor of the motion picture camera [[Louis Le Prince]], French patriot and American Revolutionary War hero Marquis [[Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette|Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette]], and Luxembourg-born German-French statesman [[Robert Schuman]].

== Law and government ==

=== Local law ===
{{Main|Local law in Alsace-Moselle}}
The ''local law'' ({{Langx|fr|droit local}}) applied in Metz is a legal system that operates in parallel with [[French law]]. Created in 1919, it preserves the French laws applied in France before 1870 and maintained by the Germans during the annexation of [[Alsace-Lorraine]], but repealed in the rest of France after 1871. It also maintains German laws enacted by the [[German Empire]] between 1871 and 1918, specific provisions adopted by the local authorities, and French laws that have been enacted after 1919 to be applicable only in Alsace-Lorraine. This specific local legislation encompasses different areas including religion, social work and finance.

The most striking of the legal differences between France and Alsace-Lorraine is the absence in Alsace-Lorraine of strict [[secularism]], even though a constitutional right of [[freedom of religion]] is guaranteed by the French government. Alsace-Lorraine is still governed by a pre-[[1905 French law on the Separation of the Churches and the State|1905 law]] established by the [[Concordat of 1801]], which provides for the public subsidy of the [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]], [[Lutheran Church|Lutheran]] and [[Calvinist Church|Calvinist]] churches and the [[Judaism|Jewish]] religion.

=== Administration ===
[[File:Place darmes (3658773965).jpg|thumb|The [[Hôtel de Ville, Metz|Hôtel de Ville]] on the Place d'Armes]]
Like every commune of the present [[French Fifth Republic|French Republic]], Metz is managed by a mayor ({{Langx|fr|maire}}) and a municipal council ({{Langx|fr|conseil municipal}}), democratically elected by [[two-round system|two-round]] [[proportional voting]] for six years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCodeArticle.do?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070633&idArticle=LEGIARTI000024040149&dateTexte=20120630 |title=Official French general code of territorial collectivities, French Republic |access-date=30 June 2012 |language=fr}}</ref> The mayor is assisted by 54 municipal councillors,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/elus_photos.php |title=Official Metz municipality website, List of Metz municipal councilors. |access-date=24 July 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512092500/http://metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/elus_photos.php |archive-date=12 May 2012}}</ref> and the municipal council is held on the last Thursday of every month.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/index.php |title=Official Metz municipality website, agenda and procès-verbal of the Municipal Council of Metz. |access-date=24 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115034602/http://metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/index.php |archive-date=15 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>Since March 2009, records of municipal council meetings are available as audio files in French.</ref> Since 2008,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/lesmaires.php |title=List of mayors of Metz since 1790. |access-date=27 December 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214195639/http://www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/lesmaires.php |archive-date=14 February 2008}}</ref> the mayor of Metz has been [[Socialist Party (France)|socialist]] Dominique Gros.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/maire.php |title=Official Metz municipality website, Resume of Dominique Gros. |access-date=30 June 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115033932/http://metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/maire.php |archive-date=15 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The city belongs to the Metz Metropole union of cities, which includes the 40 cities of the Metz [[urban agglomeration]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metzmetropole.fr/site/institution_territoire_carte.php |title=Official Metz Metropole website, list of cities webpage |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715002100/http://www.metzmetropole.fr/site/institution_territoire_carte.php |archive-date=15 July 2012}}</ref> Metz is the [[prefecture]] of the [[Moselle]] based in the former [[Intendant]] Palace.<ref name="politic50" /> In addition, Metz is the seat of the parliament of the [[Grand Est]] [[Regions of France|region]], hosted in the former [[Saint Clement of Metz|Saint-Clement]] Abbey.

=== City administrative divisions ===
The city of Metz is divided into 14 administrative divisions:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/mairie_quartiers/index.php |title=Official website of Metz municipality. |format=PHP |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512105419/http://metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/mairie_quartiers/index.php |archive-date=12 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto;"
|- style="background:#efefef;"
!  style="width:40px; text-align:center;"| <small>Number</small>
!  style="width:100px; text-align:center;"| <small>District</small>
!  style="width:400px; text-align:center;"| <small>Sights</small>
!  style="width:300px; text-align:center;"| <small>Location</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>1</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Devant-les-Ponts'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''Desvalliere barracks''</small>
| rowspan="14" style="text-align:center;"| [[File:Districts of Metz, France.jpg]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>2</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Metz-Nord Patrotte'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''Harbour zone''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>3</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Les îles'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''[[Grand Est|Grand East regional parliament]], [[University of Lorraine]], [[Lycée Fabert|Fabert High School]], [[Cogeneration]] Plant''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>4</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Plantières-Queuleu'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''[[Fort de Queuleu|Queuleu Fort]], Museum of Resistance and Deportation of Metz''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>5</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Bellecroix'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''Bellecroix Fort''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>6</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Metz-Vallières'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''Robert Schuman private hospital''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>7</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Borny'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''[[University of Lorraine]], Contemporary Music Venue''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>8</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Grigy-Technopôle'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''[[Metz Science Park]], [[Arts et Métiers ParisTech]], [[University of Lorraine]], [[Georgia Tech Lorraine]], [[Supélec]]''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>9</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Grange aux Bois'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''Trade Fair Center''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>10</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Sablon'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''[[Centre Pompidou-Metz]], [[Arènes de Metz|Indoor Sports Arena]], [[Groupe Caisse d'Épargne|Caisse d'Épargne]] regional headquarters, Metz-Metropole Conference Centre Hall (project)''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>11</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Magny'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''Saint-Clement and Leusiotte woods''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>12</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Nouvelle Ville'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''[[Gare de Metz-Ville|Imperial Station-Palace]], [[INSEE]] and [[Groupe Banque Populaire|Banque Populaire]] regional headquarters, Central Post Office, Chamber of Commerce''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>13</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Metz Centre'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''City Hall, [[Prefecture]], [[Metz Cathedral|Cathedral of Saint Stephen]], [[Temple Neuf, Metz|Temple Neuf]], [[Arsenal de Metz|Arsenal Concert Hall]], [[Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole|Opera House]]''</small>
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>14</small>
| style="text-align:center;"| <small>'''Ancienne Ville'''</small>
| style="text-align:left;"| <small>''[[Germans' Gate]], [[Museums of Metz|Golden Courtyard Museum]], [[Regional Contemporary Art Fund of Lorraine]], Jazz Concert Venue''</small>
|}
{{clear}}

== Cityscape and environmental policy ==
[[File:Metz, street in old city.jpg|thumb|Street in old city]]
Metz contains a mishmash of architectural layers, bearing witness to centuries of history at the crossroads of different cultures,<ref>Braun S. (2008) Metz, Portrait d'une ville.  Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-781-0}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> and features a number of architectural landmarks.<ref name="architecture">Hubert P. (2004) Metz, ville d'architectures. Ed. Domini, Serge. {{ISBN|2-912645-70-0}}; pp.&nbsp;164–165 {{in lang|fr}}</ref> The city possesses one of the largest [[Conservation area|Urban Conservation Areas]] in France,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm110127/doc/110127_cm_point03_annexe01.pdf |title=Metz municipal council, January 2011. |access-date=28 January 2011 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002201545/http://www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm110127/doc/110127_cm_point03_annexe01.pdf |archive-date=2 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and more than [[List of Historic Monuments in Metz, France|100 of the city's buildings]] are classified on the {{Lang|fr|[[Monument Historique]]}} list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_divers03_annexe04.pdf |title=Metz municipal council, April 2010. |access-date=30 April 2010 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721012555/http://www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_divers03_annexe04.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Because of its historical and cultural background, Metz is designated as [[French Towns and Lands of Art and History|French Town of Art and History]], and has been submitted on to France's [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vpah.culture.fr/villes/pdf/Vpah_liste_17_11_2011.pdf |title=Towns and Lands of Art and History, official list from the French Minister of Culture, November 2011. |access-date=17 November 2011 |language=fr |archive-date=22 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722113112/http://www.vpah.culture.fr/villes/pdf/Vpah_liste_17_11_2011.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="THA">{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/label_vah/2011_1611_dossier_lvahopt.pdf |title=Application folder of Metz municipality to the French Town of Art and History label |access-date=30 June 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512074407/http://metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/label_vah/2011_1611_dossier_lvahopt.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2012}}</ref>

The city is famous for its yellow limestone architecture, a result of the extensive use of [[Pierre de Jaumont|Jaumont stone]].<ref name="architecture" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jaumont.fr/en/ |title=Official website of the Jaumont stone companies. |access-date=1 July 2011 |archive-date=6 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806163342/http://www.jaumont.fr/en/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The historic district has kept part of the [[Gallo-Roman]] city with Divodurum's [[Cardo]] Maximus, then called Via Scarponensis (today the Trinitaires, Taison and Serpenoise streets), and the [[Decumanus Maximus]] (today En Fournirue and d'Estrées streets).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.inrap.fr/userdata/c_bloc_file/5/5567/3252_fichier_communiqué_128.pdf |title=An unknown Roman Quarter found in the heart of Metz, Official report of INRAP |access-date=4 December 2009}}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> At the Cardo and Decumanus [[Intersection (road)|intersection]] was situated the [[Forum (Roman)|Roman forum]], today the [[Place Saint-Jacques (Metz)|Saint-Jacques Square]].

=== Architecture ===
[[File:Metz (F) - Centre Pompidou - Außenansicht.jpg|thumb|The [[Centre Pompidou-Metz]], a symbol of modern Metz]]
[[File:Borny District Metz.jpg|thumb|The Music Box, a high-quality concert and recording studio venue dedicated to the [[Modernism (music)|modern forms of art music]], in the Borny District. The venue has been erected in a [[HLM|cité HLM]] as an [[urban renewal]] effort]]
From its [[Gallo-Roman]] past, the city preserves vestiges of the [[thermae]] (in the basement of the [[museums of Metz|Golden Courtyard]] museum), parts of the [[Aqueduct (bridge)|aqueduct]],<ref name="aqueduc">Collectif (2006) L'aqueduc antique de Gorze à Metz. Moselle 119. Coll. Itinéraires du patrimoine. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-306-8}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> and the [[Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains]].<ref name="nonnains" />

Saint Louis' square with its vaulted arcades and a [[Knights Templar]] chapel remains a major symbol of the city's [[High Middle Ages|High Medieval]] heritage. The [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] [[Metz Cathedral|Saint-Stephen Cathedral]], several churches and [[Hôtel particulier|Hôtels]], and two remarkable municipal [[Granary|granaries]] reflect the [[Late Middle Ages]].<ref name="cathedral" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wM8NgPiGUs |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/-wM8NgPiGUs |archive-date=11 December 2021 |url-status=live |title=Animation of the Saint-Stephen Cathedral construction, part 1 |website=[[YouTube]] |date=2 June 2011 |format=VIDEO |access-date=30 June 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhgsX4dk_L4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/KhgsX4dk_L4 |archive-date=11 December 2021 |url-status=live |title=Animation of the Saint-Stephen Cathedral construction, part 2 |website=[[YouTube]] |date=25 April 2011 |format=VIDEO |access-date=30 June 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMOIvAWDY44 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/sMOIvAWDY44 |archive-date=11 December 2021 |url-status=live |title=Animation of the Saint-Stephen Cathedral construction, part 3 |website=[[YouTube]] |date=17 July 2011 |format=VIDEO |access-date=30 June 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1evIHE503Jk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/1evIHE503Jk |archive-date=11 December 2021 |url-status=live |title=Animation of the Saint-Stephen Cathedral construction, part 4 |website=[[YouTube]] |date=24 June 2012 |format=VIDEO |access-date=30 June 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Examples of [[Renaissance]] architecture can be seen in Hôtels from the 16th century, such as the House of Heads ({{Langx|fr|Maison des Têtes}}).<ref name="architecture" />

The [[Hôtel de Ville, Metz|Hôtel de Ville]] (City Hall) and the buildings surrounding the [[town square]] are by French architect [[Jacques-François Blondel]], who was awarded the task of redesigning and modernizing the centre of Metz by the [[Académie royale d'architecture|Royal Academy of Architecture]] in 1755 the context of the [[Age of Enlightenment|Enlightenment]].<ref name="town square">{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/mairie.php |title=Town square webcam |format=VIDEO |access-date=6 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512072219/http://metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/mairie.php |archive-date=12 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>Wagner P.E. and Jollin J.L. (1987) 15 siècles d'architecture et d'urbanisme autour de la cathédrale de Metz. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-004-0}} pp.&nbsp;123–276  {{in lang|fr}}</ref> [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] buildings from the 18th century, such as the [[Opéra-Théâtre de Metz|Opera House]],<ref name="opera" /> the [[Intendant]] Palace (the present-day [[prefecture]]),<ref>Collectif (2006) L'hôtel de l'Intendance, Préfecture de la Moselle et de la région Lorraine, Metz, N°310. Coll. Itinéraires du patrimoines. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|2-913411-22-3}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> and the Royal Governor's Palace (the present-day [[courthouse]]) built by [[Charles-Louis Clérisseau]], are also found in the city.<ref name="architecture" />

The Imperial District was built during the first annexation of Metz by the [[German Empire]].<ref name="imperial">Pignon-Feller C. (2005) Metz 1848–1918. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-584-7}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> In order to "germanise" the city, [[Emperor Wilhelm II]] decided to create a new district shaped by a distinctive blend of Germanic architecture, including Renaissance, neo-Romanesque and neo-Classical, mixed with elements of [[Art Nouveau]], [[Art Deco]], Alsatian and mock-Bavarian styles.<ref name="imperial" /> Instead of [[Pierre de Jaumont|Jaumont stone]], commonly used everywhere else in the city, stone used in the [[Rhineland]], such as pink and grey [[sandstone]], [[granite]] and [[basalt]] were used.<ref name="imperial" /> The district features noteworthy buildings including the [[Gare de Metz-Ville|rail station]] and the Central Post Office by German architect [[Jürgen Kröger]].<ref name="gare" />

[[Modern architecture]] can also be seen in the town with works of French architects [[Roger-Henri Expert]] (Sainte-Thérèse-de-l'Enfant-Jésus church, 1934), [[Georges-Henri Pingusson]] (Fire Station, 1960) and [[Jean Dubuisson]] ([[Subdivision (land)|subdivisions]], 1960s).<ref name="THA" /><ref name="expert">Expert R.H. Roger-Henri Expert, 1882–1955. Volume 3 de Institut français d'architecture. Eds. du Moniteur. {{in lang|fr}}</ref><ref>Collectif (1997) Georges-Henri Pingusson, architecte de l'œuvre lorraine N°147. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-309-2}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> The refurbishment of the former [[Arsenal de Metz|Ney Arsenal]] as a Concert Hall in 1989 and the erection of the [[Arènes de Metz|Metz Arena]] in 2002, by Spanish and French architects [[Ricardo Bofill]] and French [[Paul Chemetov]] represent the [[postmodernism|Postmodern movement]].<ref name="architecture" />

The [[Centre Pompidou-Metz]] museum in the Amphitheatre District represents a strong architectural initiative to mark the entrance of Metz into the 21st century.<ref name="pompidou">Jodidio P. (2010) Shigeru Ban, complete works 1985–2010. Ed. Jodidio, Philip. {{ISBN|978-3-8365-1792-8}} pp.&nbsp;426–447</ref> Designed by Japanese architect [[Shigeru Ban]], the building is remarkable for the complex, innovative carpentry of its roof,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.architecture.com/Awards/RIBAAwards/2012/EUAwards/CentrePompidou-Metz/CentrePompidouMetz.aspx |title=RIBA Awards, 2012 European winners, Centre Pompidou-Metz webpage. |access-date=21 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510220020/http://www.architecture.com/Awards/RIBAAwards/2012/EUAwards/CentrePompidou-Metz/CentrePompidouMetz.aspx |archive-date=10 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribu.com/en/news/centre-pompidou-metz-innovative-architecture |title=Centre Pompidou Metz, innovative architecture. Tribù, the art of leisure. |access-date=30 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117200624/http://www.tribu.com/en/news/centre-pompidou-metz-innovative-architecture |archive-date=17 November 2012}}</ref> and integrates concepts of [[sustainable architecture]]. The project encompasses the architecture of two recipients of the [[Pritzker Architecture Prize]], Shigeru Ban (2014) and French [[Christian de Portzamparc]] (1994). The Amphitheatre District is also conceived by French architects [[Nicolas Michelin]], [[Jean-Paul Viguier]] and [[Jean-Michel Wilmotte]], and designer [[Philippe Starck]].<ref name="amphi">{{cite web |url=http://www.metzmetropole.fr/site/medias/_pdfs/ZAC/fiche_QDA_07.pdf |title=Description of the project of the Amphitheatre District by Metz Metropole |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020220540/http://www.metzmetropole.fr/site/medias/_pdfs/ZAC/fiche_QDA_07.pdf |archive-date=20 October 2012}}</ref> The urban project is expected to be completed by 2023.<ref name="amphi" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/zac_amphi.php |title=Official Metz municipality website, Amphitheatre District webcam |format=PDF |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923222627/http://metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/zac_amphi.php |archive-date=23 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Further, a contemporary music venue designed by [[contextualism|contextualist]] French architect [[Rudy Ricciotti]] stands in the Borny District.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bam-metz.fr/ |title=Official Website of the BAM musical venue |access-date=25 July 2014 |language=fr}}</ref>

=== Urban ecology ===
[[File:Metz R03.jpg|thumb|[[Jeux d'eau|Water games]] in the Islands District]]
Under the leadership of such people as botanist [[Jean-Marie Pelt]], Metz pioneered a policy of [[urban ecology]] during the early 1970s.<ref name="urban ecology" /> Because of the failure of [[post-war]] [[urban planning]] and [[housing estate]] development in Europe during the 1960s, mostly based on the concepts of [[Congrès International d'Architecture Moderne|CIAM]],<ref>Berrar J.C. (2011) Metz défigurée dans les années 60-70. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-909-8}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08010372/quartiers-anciens-de-metz.fr.html |title=INA Archive (1964) Quartiers anciens de Metz, chefs d'oeuvre en péril, ORTF. |format=VIDEO |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=1 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801062112/http://www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08010372/quartiers-anciens-de-metz.fr.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/beaux-arts/video/CPF86620930/au-secours-des-quartiers-anciens-deuxieme-partie.fr.html |title=INA Archive (1964) Au secours des quartiers anciens, ORTF. |format=VIDEO |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr}}{{dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Jean-Marie Pelt, then municipal councillor of Metz, initiated a new approach to the urban environment.<ref name="ecology-urbanism" />

Based initially on the ideas of the [[Chicago school (sociology)|Chicago School]], Pelt's theories pleaded for better integration of humans into their environment and developed a concept centered on the relationship between "stone and water".<ref name="urban ecology" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08030164/restauration-urbaine-a-metz.fr.html |title=INA Archive (1977) Restauration urbaine à Metz, Antenne 2. |format=VIDEO |access-date=4 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=29 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029175121/http://www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08030164/restauration-urbaine-a-metz.fr.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXC02003471/urbanisme-a-metz-renovation-des-quartiers-anciens.fr.html |title=INA Archive (1980) Urbanisme à Metz : rénovation des quartiers anciens, France 3 Régions. |format=VIDEO |access-date=4 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=14 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114231855/http://www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXC02003471/urbanisme-a-metz-renovation-des-quartiers-anciens.fr.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> His policy was realized in Metz by the establishment of extensive open areas surrounding the [[Moselle (river)|Moselle]] and the [[Seille (Moselle)|Seille]] rivers and the development of large pedestrian areas. As a result, Metz has over {{cvt|37|m2}} of open areas per inhabitant in the form of numerous public gardens in the city.<ref name="garden map" />

The principles of urban ecology are still applied in Metz with the implementation of a local [[Agenda 21]] action plan.<ref name="Agenda21" /> The municipal ecological policy encompasses the [[sustainable refurbishment]] of ancient buildings,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point06.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329043632/http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point06.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 March 2014 |title=Official municipal website, municipal council February 2010, Carbon Plan. |access-date=26 February 2010 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm101028/doc/101028_cm_point04.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329015732/http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm101028/doc/101028_cm_point04.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 March 2014 |title=Official municipal website, municipal council October 2010, Sustainable Energy Plan |access-date=29 October 2010 |language=fr}}</ref> the erection of [[sustainable architecture|sustainable districts and buildings]], [[Sustainable transport|green public transport]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100701/doc/100701_cm_point06_annexe01.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329044339/http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100701/doc/100701_cm_point06_annexe01.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 March 2014 |title=Official municipal website, municipal council July 2010, Bicycle Plan. |access-date=2 July 2010 |language=fr}}</ref> and the creation of public gardens by means of [[landscape architecture]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point13.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329043237/http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point13.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 March 2014 |title=Official municipal website, municipal council February 2010, Public garden policy. |access-date=26 February 2010 |language=fr}}</ref>

Additionally, the city has developed its own [[cogeneration|combined heat and power station]], using waste wood [[biomass]] from the surrounding forests as a [[renewable energy]] source.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uem-metz.fr/site/index.php |title=Official website of the power plant of Metz |access-date=1 October 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919233304/http://www.uem-metz.fr/site/index.php |archive-date=19 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=792 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130213141557/http://www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=792 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 February 2013 |title=Official municipal website, municipal council April 2011, Debate of the cogeneration boiler investment. |format=Audio |access-date=1 October 2012 |language=fr}}</ref> With a thermal efficiency above 80%, the 45MW [[boiler]] of the plant provides electricity and heat for 44,000 [[dwelling]]s. The Metz power station is the first local producer and distributor of energy in France.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uem-metz.fr/site/medias/_documents/telechargements/decouvrir_uem/dossier_presse.pdf |title=Official Pressbook of the power plant of Metz |access-date=26 February 2010 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511203555/http://www.uem-metz.fr/site/medias/_documents/telechargements/decouvrir_uem/dossier_presse.pdf |archive-date=11 May 2013}}</ref>

=== Military architecture ===
{{See also|Fortifications of Metz}}
[[File:Metz Porte des Allemands R06.jpg|thumb|The [[Germans' Gate]] from the 13th century, one of the last medieval [[bridge castle]]s found in France. Today, an exhibition hall]]
As a historic [[garrison]] town, Metz has been heavily influenced by military architecture throughout its history.<ref name="95th">{{cite web |url=http://the95thmovie.com/2009/08/tour-of-metz-part-1/ |title=Tour of Metz:Part 1, trailer from the Iron Men of Metz movie. |format=VIDEO |access-date=1 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410024731/http://the95thmovie.com/2009/08/tour-of-metz-part-1/ |archive-date=10 April 2010}}</ref> From [[ancient history]] to the present, the city has been successively fortified and modified to accommodate the troops stationed there. [[Defensive wall]]s from [[classical antiquity]] to the 20th century are still visible today, incorporated into the design of public gardens along the Moselle and Seille rivers.<ref name="95th" /> A medieval [[bridge castle]] from the 13th century, named [[Germans' Gate]] ({{Langx|fr|Porte des Allemands}}), today converted into a convention and exhibition centre, has become one of the landmarks of the city. It is still possible to see parts of the [[Metz Citadel|16th century citadel]], as well as fortifications built in the 1740s by [[Louis de Cormontaigne]] but based on designs by [[Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban|Vauban]].<ref name="cormontaigne">Halleck W., Halleck H.W., and Halleck H. (2009) Elements of military art and science. Ed. Applewood Books. {{ISBN|978-1-4290-2206-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.citadelle-metz.com/uk/ |title=La Citadelle Hotel official website, former edifice of the military citadel of Metz |access-date=29 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527181544/http://www.citadelle-metz.com/uk/ |archive-date=27 May 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Important barracks, mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries, are spread around the city: some, which are of architectural interest, have been converted to civilian use, such as the [[Arsenal de Metz|Arsenal Concert Hall]] by Spanish architect [[Ricardo Bofill]].

The extensive [[fortifications of Metz]], which ring the city, include early examples of [[Séré de Rivières system]] forts.<ref>Le Hallé G. (2001) Le système Séré de Rivières ou le témoignage des pierres. Eds. Ysec. {{ISBN|2-84673-008-3}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> Other forts were incorporated into the [[Maginot Line]].<ref>Allcorn W. (2003) The Maginot Line 1928–45. Ed. Osprey Publishing, Oxford. {{ISBN|1-84176-646-1}} pp.&nbsp;57–58</ref> A hiking trail on the Saint-Quentin plateau passes through a former military training zone and ends at the now abandoned military forts, providing a vantage point from which to survey the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.moselle.free.fr/Site/Temp/fortifications.htm |title=Saint-Quentin plateau fortifications dossier |access-date=1 July 2011 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.moselle.free.fr/Site/Temp/fortifications-plan.htm |title=Saint-Quentin fortification map |access-date=1 July 2011}}</ref>

== Economy ==
[[File:Rue Serpenoise Metz.JPG|thumb|Rue Serpenoise, in the main pedestrian area.]]
Although the [[steel]] industry has historically dominated Moselle's economy, Metz's efforts at economic diversification have created a base in the sectors of [[commerce]], [[tourism]], [[information technology]] and the [[automotive]] industry. The city is the economic heart of the Lorraine region and around 73,000 people work daily within the [[urban agglomeration]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm110707/doc/110707_pdcm01_annexe01.pdf |title=Intercommunal cooperation scheme of Metz Metropole |access-date=8 July 2011 |language=fr}}{{dead link|date=January 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The transport facilities found in the conurbation, including the international [[high-speed rail]]way, [[Controlled-access highway|motorway]], [[Inland navigation|inland]] connections and the local [[bus rapid transit]] system, have made the city a transport hub in the heart of the European Union.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.granderegion.net/fr/publications/cesgr/CESGR_actes_colloque_conference_transports.pdf |title=2nd seminar on the Greater Region transports |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526015454/http://www.granderegion.net/fr/publications/cesgr/CESGR_actes_colloque_conference_transports.pdf |archive-date=26 May 2013}}</ref> Metz is home to the biggest harbour handling [[cereal]]s in France with over 4,000,000 tons/year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sn-nord-est.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=1743 |title=Official data sheet of Metz harbor, VNF |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=1 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201143005/http://www.sn-nord-est.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=1743 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Metz is home to the Moselle [[Chamber of Commerce]]. International companies such as [[PSA Peugeot Citroën]], [[ArcelorMittal]], [[SFR]] and [[TDF Group|TDF]] have established plants and centres in the Metz conurbation. Metz is also the regional headquarters of the [[Groupe Caisse d'Epargne|Caisse d'Epargne]] and [[Groupe Banque Populaire|Banque Populaire]] banking groups.

Metz is an important commercial centre of northern France with France's biggest retailer federation, consisting of around 2,000 retailers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ilovemetz.com/index.php |title=Official Metz retailer federation website. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522051712/http://www.ilovemetz.com/index.php |archive-date=22 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Important [[retail]] companies are found in the city, such as the [[Galeries Lafayette]], the [[Printemps]] [[department store]] and the [[Fnac]] entertainment retail chain. The historic city centre displays one of the largest {{citation needed|date=December 2015}} commercial pedestrian areas in France and a mall, the Saint-Jacques centre. In addition there are several multiplex movie theatres and malls found in the urban agglomeration.

In recent years{{which|date=August 2024}}, Metz municipality have promoted an ambitious policy of tourism development, including urban revitalization and refurbishment of buildings and public squares.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm120705/doc/120705_pdcm11_annexe01.pdf |title=Official Metz municipality website, municipal council July 2012, local tourism development scheme. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127074827/http://metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm120705/doc/120705_pdcm11_annexe01.pdf |archive-date=27 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tourisme.metz.fr/en/index.php |title=Official website of the Metz tourism office. |format=PHP |access-date=11 May 2010 |archive-date=31 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331030812/http://tourisme.metz.fr/en/index.php |url-status=dead}}</ref> This policy has been spurred by the creation of the [[Centre Pompidou-Metz]] in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/pompidou-centre-puts-metz-on-the-map-1970566.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/pompidou-centre-puts-metz-on-the-map-1970566.html |archive-date=12 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Pompidou centre puts Metz on the map, The Independent. |date=11 May 2010 |access-date=11 May 2010 |location=London |first=John |last=Lichfield}}</ref> Since its inauguration, the institution has become the most popular cultural venue in France outside Paris, with 550,000 visitors per year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.veilleinfotourisme.fr/frequentation-en-hausse-dans-les-musees-et-monuments-nationaux-en-2011-82338.kjsp?RH=1223377672109 |title=Official website of France tourism survey, 2011 Museum frequentation |access-date=30 December 2011 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033739/http://www.veilleinfotourisme.fr/frequentation-en-hausse-dans-les-musees-et-monuments-nationaux-en-2011-82338.kjsp?RH=1223377672109 |archive-date=9 March 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, [[Metz Cathedral|Saint-Stephen Cathedral]] is the most visited building in the city, accommodating 652,000 visitors per year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moselle-tourisme.com/espace-cdt-moselle/PDF/chiffres-cles-2011.pdf |title=Official website of Moselle tourism office, 2011 key numbers. p 12. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=29 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729000505/http://www.moselle-tourisme.com/espace-cdt-moselle/PDF/chiffres-cles-2011.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Culture ==

=== Museums and exhibition halls ===
[[File:Cultural venues in Metz, France.jpg|thumb|Some of the cultural venues in Metz, clockwise from top: the [[Arsenal de Metz|Arsenal]], the [[museums of Metz|Golden Courtyard]], the [[Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole|Opera House]], and the [[Place Saint-Jacques (Metz)|Saint-Jacques square]]]]
[[File:Museum 1870 War Gravelotte.jpg|thumb|The Museum of the 1870 War and of the Annexion, the only museum in Europe dedicated to the [[Franco-Prussian War]]]]
 
[[File:Metz Saint Pierre R02.jpg|thumb|[[Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains]], the oldest church in France and cradle of the [[Gregorian Chant]]]]
[[File:Palais episcopal Metz.jpg|thumb|The [[Covered Market, Metz|Covered Market]], home to traditional local food producers and retailers]]
[[File:Fireworks Saint Nicholas celebrations, Metz 2011.jpg|thumb|Fireworks on the town square for the celebrations of [[St. Nicholas|Saint Nicholas]], the [[Lorraine (region)|Lorraine]]'s [[patron saint]]]]
* The [[Centre Pompidou-Metz]] is a museum of [[Contemporary art|modern and contemporary arts]], the largest temporary exhibition area in France outside Paris. The museum features exhibitions from the extensive collection of the [[Centre Georges Pompidou|Centre Pompidou]], Europe's largest collection of 20th-century art.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/welcome |title=Official website of the Centre Pompidou-Metz. |access-date=29 June 2012 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128070419/http://www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/welcome |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Metz Cathedral|Saint Stephen's Cathedral]] is the [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] cathedral of the city built during the 13th century.<ref name="CathedralWebcam" /> The cathedral exhibits the collection of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Metz|Bishopric of Metz]], including [[parament]]s and items used in the service of the [[Eucharist]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cathedrale-metz.fr/ |title=Official website of the Saint-Stephen Cathedral. |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXF01013690/tresors-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html |title=INA Archive (1969) Trésor de la cathédrale de Metz, Lorraine soir, ORTF |format=VIDEO |access-date=2 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=14 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114234017/http://www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXF01013690/tresors-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ina.fr/economie-et-societe/religion/video/SXC02003845/patrimoine-tresor-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130213103640/http://www.ina.fr/economie-et-societe/religion/video/SXC02003845/patrimoine-tresor-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 February 2013 |title=INA Archive (1980) Patrimoine: trésor de la cathédrale de Metz, Lorraine soir, France 3 régions |format=VIDEO |access-date=2 July 2012 |language=fr}}</ref> Metz Cathedral is sometimes nicknamed the Good Lord's Lantern ({{Langx|fr|la Lanterne du Bon Dieu}}),<ref>Jolin J.L. (2001) La lanterne du Bon Dieu. Eds. Serpnoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-495-1}}. {{in lang|fr}}</ref> as it has the largest expanse of stained glass windows in the world: {{cvt|6500|m2}}. These include works by [[Gothic art|Gothic]] and [[Renaissance art|Renaissance]] master glass makers [[Hermann von Münster]], Théobald of Lixheim and [[Valentin Bousch]], [[romanticism|romantic]] [[Charles-Laurent Maréchal]], [[tachisme|tachist]] [[Roger Bissière]], [[cubism|cubist]] [[Jacques Villon]] and [[modernism|modernist]] [[Marc Chagall]].
* Another of the city's churches displays a complete set of stained glass windows by French [[modernism|modernist]] [[Jean Cocteau]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://marcmetzmoselle.eklablog.com/metz-les-vitraux-de-jean-cocteau-a-saint-maximin-a105918768 |title=Saint-Maximin church, Cocteau's artworks. |access-date=2 July 2012 |language=fr}}</ref>

In addition, Metz features other museums and exhibition venues, such as:
* The [[Regional Contemporary Art Fund of Lorraine|FRAC Lorraine]], a public collection of [[contemporary art]] of the [[Lorraine (region)|Lorraine]] region. It is located in the 12th-century Saint-Liver [[Hôtel particulier|Hôtel]] and organizes exhibitions of local and international contemporary artists.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fraclorraine.org/ |title=Official website of the Lorraine Contemporary Arts Gallery. |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr}}</ref>
* The [[museums of Metz|Golden Courtyard]] ({{Langx|fr|la Cour d'Or}}), a museum dedicated to the history of Metz, divided into four sections (e.g. archeology, medieval, architecture and fine arts).<ref name="museums">{{cite web |url=http://musee.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php |title=Official website of the Golden Courtyard Museum. |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616152416/http://musee.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php |archive-date=16 June 2012}}</ref> The Golden Courtyard displays a rich collection of Gallo-Roman and medieval finds and the remains of the Gallo-Roman baths of ''Divodurum Mediomatricum'', revealed by the extension works to the museums in the 1930s.
* The Museum of the 1870 War and of the Annexion in [[Gravelotte]], a village located within the Metz-Metropole conurbation and the site of the [[Battle of Gravelotte]], the only museum in Europe dedicated to the [[Franco-Prussian War]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Museum of the Franco-Prussion War and the Annexion |url=https://www.tourisme-lorraine.fr/en/discover/remembrance/1870-1871-and-the-annexation/sites-and-monuments/838142781-musee-de-la-guerre-de-1870-et-de-lannexion-gravelotte |website=LaLorraine, Sites and monuments |access-date=13 January 2017 |archive-date=16 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116155934/https://www.tourisme-lorraine.fr/en/discover/remembrance/1870-1871-and-the-annexation/sites-and-monuments/838142781-musee-de-la-guerre-de-1870-et-de-lannexion-gravelotte |url-status=dead }}</ref> The museum exhibits military and everyday items from the period as well as artworks related to the 1870 war. A mausoleum erected in 1904 honoring the soldiers who died during the battle, the Memorial Hall ({{Langx|fr|La Halle du Souvenir}}), has been included in the museum.
* The House for Europe, located on the estate of [[Robert Schuman]] in [[Scy-Chazelles]] in the Metz-Metropole conurbation, transformed into a museum and convention centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/robert-schuman-european-centre |title=Scy-Chazelles: the house of Europe, the Robert Schuman Foundation. |access-date=28 February 2014}}</ref> Across the street is the fortified 12th Century church where Robert Schuman now rests. The Robert Schuman House for Europe organises cultural and educational events that introduce the visitor to Schuman's life and works and to the way Europe has been constructed and continues to develop today.
* Verlaine's House ({{Langx|fr|la Maison de Verlaine}}) is a museum located in the house where the poet [[Paul Verlaine]] was born, dedicated to his work, featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions.<ref name="Verlaine" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amis-verlaine.net/ |title=The Verlaine's Friends, International Association of French Poetry. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr}}</ref> The [[Solange Bertrand]] foundation, located in the artist's former house, conserves and displays her artworks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://valerie.dexemple.perso.neuf.fr/fondation/Accueil.html |title=Official website of the Solange Bertrand Foundation, gourmet webpage. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=24 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724012859/http://valerie.dexemple.perso.neuf.fr/fondation/Accueil.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The municipal archives preserve and exhibit Metz's historical municipal records dating from medieval times to the present.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/sortir/archive/index.php |title=Official Metz municipal website, Municipal Archives webpage. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504023423/http://metz.fr/metz2/sortir/archive/index.php |archive-date=4 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Entertainment and performing arts ===
Metz has several venues for the performing arts. The [[Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole|Opera House of Metz]], the oldest working [[opera house]] in France, features plays, dance and lyric poetry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://opera.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php |title=Official website of the Opera House of Metz Metropole. |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615080657/http://opera.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php |archive-date=15 June 2012}}</ref> The [[Arsenal de Metz|Arsenal Concert Hall]], dedicated to [[art music]], is widely renowned for its excellent acoustics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arsenal-metz.fr/ |title=Official website of the Arsenal of Metz. |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>Classica (2010) Les hauts lieux de la musique. September, Issue 125 {{in lang|fr}}</ref> The Trinitarians Club is a multimedia arts complex housed in the vaulted cellar and chapel of an ancient convent, the city's prime venue for [[jazz]] music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lestrinitaires.com/ |title=Official website of the Trinitaires. |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=24 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424131630/http://www.lestrinitaires.com/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Music Box ({{Langx|fr|Boîte à Musique}}), familiarly known as BAM, is the concert venue dedicated to rock and electronic music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bam-metz.fr/ |title=Official website of the BAM. |language=fr}}</ref> The Braun Hall and the [[Bernard-Marie Koltès|Koltès]] Theater feature plays, and the city has two [[movie theater]]s specializing in [[Auteur theory|Auteur cinema]]. The [[Place Saint-Jacques (Metz)|Saint-Jacques Square]], surrounded by busy bars and pubs whose open-air tables fill the centre of the square.

Since 2014, the former bus garage has been converted to accommodate over thirty artists in residence, in a space where they can create and rehearse artworks and even build set decorations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tcrm-blida.com/ |title=Official website of the Tcrm-Blida creative center. |date=29 June 2014 |language=fr}}</ref> The artistic complex, called Metz Network of All Cultures ({{Langx|fr|Toutes les Cultures en Réseau à Metz}}) and familiarly known as TCRM-Blida, encompasses a large hall of {{cvt|3000|m2}} while theater and dance companies benefit from a studio of {{cvt|800|m2}} with backstages. {{Citation needed|date=December 2015}}

=== Metz in the arts ===
Metz was an important cultural centre during the [[Carolingian Renaissance]].<ref name="GregorianChant" /> For instance, [[Gregorian chant]] was created in Metz during the 8th century as a fusion of Gallican and ancient Roman repertory. Then called Messin Chant, it remains the oldest form of music still in use in Western Europe. The bishops of Metz, notably [[Chrodegang of Metz|Saint-Chrodegang]] promoted its use for the Roman liturgy in Gallic lands under the favorable influence of the Carolingian monarchs. Messin chant made two major contributions to the body of chant: it fitted the chant into the ancient Greek [[octoechos]] system, and invented an innovative [[musical notation]], using [[neume]]s to show the shape of a remembered melody.<ref>Grier J. (2003) Ademar de Chabannes, Carolingian Musical Practices, and Nota Romana. Journal of the American Musicological Society. 56 (1):43–98.</ref> Metz was also an important centre of [[Illuminated manuscripts|illumination]] of [[Carolingian art#Illuminated manuscripts|Carolingian manuscripts]], producing such monuments of Carolingian book illumination as the [[Drogo Sacramentary]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bm.mairie-metz.fr/clientbookline/home.asp |title=Official Metz library website, medieval book webpage. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621014656/http://bm.mairie-metz.fr/clientbookline/home.asp |archive-date=21 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bm.mairie-metz.fr/sitebm/commun/patrimoine/galerie%20Vy/index-heures.html |title=Official Metz library website, Book of Hours of John of Vy. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114103409/http://bm.mairie-metz.fr/sitebm/commun/patrimoine/galerie%20Vy/index-heures.html |archive-date=14 January 2012}}</ref>

The [[Metz School]] ({{Langx|fr|École de Metz}}) was an art movement in Metz and the region between 1834 and 1870, centred on [[Charles-Laurent Maréchal]].<ref name="ecolemetz">Livre Groupe (2010) École de Metz: Christophe Fratin, Charles-Franois Champigneulle, Laurent-Charles Marechal, Louis-Theodore Devilly, Auguste Migette. Eds. Books LLC. {{ISBN|978-1-159-58648-5}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> The term was originally proposed in 1845 by the poet [[Charles Baudelaire]], who appreciated the works of the artists. They were influenced by [[Eugène Delacroix]] and inspired by the medieval heritage of Metz and its romantic surroundings.<ref name="ecolemetz" /> The Franco-Prussian War and the annexation of the territory by the Germans resulted in the dismantling of the movement. The main figures of the Metz School were Charles-Laurent Maréchal, [[Auguste Migette]], {{ill|Auguste Hussenot|fr}}, [[Louis-Théodore Devilly]], [[Christophe Fratin]] and {{ill|Charles Pêtre|fr}}.<ref name="ecolemetz" /> Their works include paintings, engravings, drawings, stained-glass windows and sculptures.

A festival named "passages" takes place in May. Numerous shows are presented to it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://festival-passages.org |title=Accueil – Festival Passages Metz |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312144304/https://www.festival-passages.org/ |archive-date=12 March 2021}}</ref>

=== Graoully dragon as symbol of the city ===
{{See also|Graoully|Clement of Metz}}
The Graoully is depicted as a fearsome dragon, vanquished by the sacred powers of [[Saint Clement of Metz]], the first Bishop of the city. The Graoully quickly became a symbol of Metz and can be seen in numerous insignia of the city, from the 10th century on.<ref name="graoully">Bellard A. (1966) Le Graoully de Metz à la lumière de la paléontologie. Ed. Mémoires de l'Académie de Metz. {{ISBN|978-2-9531744-3-4}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> Writers from Metz tend to present the legend as an allegory of Christianity's victory over [[paganism]], represented by the harmful dragon.<ref name="graoully" />

=== Cuisine ===
Local specialties include [[quiche]], [[potée]], Lorraine [[pâté]] and also [[suckling pig]].<ref name="cuisine">Sassi J. (2002) Cuisine, terroir et traditions de Moselle. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-534-6}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref><ref name="cuisine2">{{cite web |url=http://tourisme.metz.fr/en/mes_attentes/gastronomie.php |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130213115249/http://tourisme.metz.fr/en/mes_attentes/gastronomie.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 February 2013 |title=Official Metz tourism website, gourmet webpage. |access-date=1 July 2012}}</ref> Various dishes such as jam, tart, [[charcuterie]] and [[fruit brandy]] are made from the [[Mirabelle plum|Mirabelle]] and [[Damsons]].<ref name="cuisine" /><ref name="cuisine2" /> Metz is the home of some [[Pastry|pastries]], such as Metz cheese pie and Metz Balls ({{Langx|fr|boulet de Metz}}), a ganache-stuffed biscuit coated with [[marzipan]], caramel and dark chocolate.<ref name="cuisine" /> Local beverages include [[Moselle wine]] and Amos beer.<ref name="cuisine" /><ref name="cuisine2" /> The [[Covered Market, Metz|Covered Market of Metz]] is one of the oldest and most grandiose in France and is home to traditional local food producers and retailers.  It was originally built as the bishop's palace but the [[French Revolution]] broke out before the Bishop of Metz could move in and the citizens decided to turn it into a food market.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://siteindex.francetoday.com/covered-market.html |title=France Today magazine, Covered Market webpage. |access-date=6 May 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929130112/http://siteindex.francetoday.com/covered-market.html |archive-date=29 September 2011}}</ref> The adjacent Chamber's Square ({{Langx|fr|Place de la Chambre}}) is surrounded by numerous restaurants serving local food.

=== Celebrations and events ===
Many events are celebrated in Metz throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tourisme.metz.fr/fr/metz/fun/sortie-907121-0-0.php#.T-5cBXCkQVk |archive-date=17 February 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217123447/http://tourisme.metz.fr/fr/metz/fun/sortie-907121-0-0.php%23.T-5cBXCkQVk |url-status=dead |title=Official website of the Metz tourism office, events calendar (automated updates). |language=fr}}</ref> The city of Metz dedicates two weeks to the [[Mirabelle plum]] during the popular Mirabelle Festival held in August. During the festival, in addition to open markets selling fresh plums, mirabelle tarts and mirabelle liquor, there are live music, fireworks, parties, art exhibits, a parade with floral floats, a competition, the crowning of the Mirabelle Queen and a gala of celebration.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fetesdelamirabelle.fr/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630113513/http://www.fetesdelamirabelle.fr/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2012 |title=Official website of the Mirabelle Festival in Metz. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr}}</ref>

A literature festival is held in June. The Montgolfiades [[hot air balloon festival]] is organized in September. The second most popular [[Christmas Market]] in France is held in November and December.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.noel-a-metz.com/ |title=Official website of the Christmas Market in Metz. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623093017/http://www.noel-a-metz.com/ |archive-date=23 June 2012}}</ref> Finally, a [[St. Nicholas|Saint Nicholas]] parade honors the [[patron saint]] of the [[Lorraine (region)|Lorraine region]] in December.

== Sport ==
[[File:Stade Saint-Symphorien, Metz (14219502229).jpg|thumb|[[Stade Saint-Symphorien]]]]
Metz is home to the Football Club of Metz ([[FC Metz]]), a football association club in [[Ligue 1]], the highest division of French football (as of 2019–2020 season). FC Metz has won three times the [[Ligue 2]] (1935, 2007 and 2014), twice the [[Coupe de France]] (in 1984 and 1988) and the [[Coupe de la Ligue|French League Cup]] (in 1986 and 1996), and was [[Ligue 1|French championship]] runner-up in 1998.<ref name="fcmetz">{{cite web |url=http://www.fcmetz.com/historique/palmares |title=Official website of the Football Club de Metz, Honours. |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr}}</ref> FC Metz has also gained recognition in France and Europe for its successful youth academy, winning the [[Coupe Gambardella|Gambardella Cup]] 3 times in 1981, 2001 and 2010.<ref name="fcmetz" /> The [[Stade Saint-Symphorien|Saint-Symphorien stadium]] has been the home of FC Metz since the creation of the club.

[[Metz Handball]] is a [[Handball]] club. Metz Handball has won the French Women's First League championship 23 times, the Women's France Cup nine times, and the French Women's League Cup eight times.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz-handball.com/historique.php |title=Official website of Metz Handball, Honours. |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530035802/http://www.metz-handball.com/historique.php |archive-date=30 May 2012}}</ref> The [[Arènes de Metz|Metz Arena]] has been the home of Metz Handball since 2002.

Since 2003, Metz has been home to the [[Open de Moselle|Moselle Open]], an [[ATP World Tour 250 series|ATP World Tour 250 tournament]] played on indoor hard courts, which usually takes place in September.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Metz.aspx |title=ATP official webpage of the Moselle Open.}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
! Club !! Event !! Sport !! Leagues and Cups !! Stadium
|-
| [[FC Metz]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fcmetz.com/ |title=Official website of the FC Metz. |language=fr}}</ref>
|
| [[Association football]]
| [[Ligue 1]], [[Coupe de France|French Cup]], [[Coupe de la Ligue|French League Cup]]
| [[Stade Saint-Symphorien|Saint-Symphorien stadium]]
|-
| [[Metz Handball]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz-handball.com/ |title=Official website of the Metz Handball club. |language=fr}}</ref>
|
| [[Handball]]
| [[French Women's Handball Championship|French Women's First League]], [[EHF Women's Champions League]]
| [[Arènes de Metz|Metz Arena]]
|-
| Metz Hockey Club<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hockey-club-metz.fr/ |title=Official website of the Metz Hockey Club. |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703015355/http://hockey-club-metz.fr/ |archive-date=3 July 2012}}</ref>
|
| [[Ice hockey]]
| French Men's Second League
| Saint-Symphorien Ice Ring
|-
| Metz Ronde Pétanque
|
| [[Pétanque]]
| French Championship, European Cup
| Saint-Symphorien Arena
|-
| Metz TT<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metztt.fr/metz-tennis-de-table/ |title=Official website of the Metz TT club. |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614054322/http://www.metztt.fr/metz-tennis-de-table/ |archive-date=14 June 2012}}</ref>
|
| [[Table Tennis]]
| French Women's Pro A; French Men's Pro B
| Saint-Symphorien Arena
|-
|
| [[Open de Moselle|Moselle Open]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moselle-open.com/ |title=Official website of the Moselle Open tournament. |language=fr}}</ref>
| [[Tennis]]
| [[ATP World Tour 250 series|ATP World Tour 250 tournament]]
| [[Arènes de Metz|Metz Arena]]
|-
|
| Golden Mirabelle Open<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allianzgolftour.fr/allianz-open-de-la-mirabelle-dor/presentation |title=Allianz Golf Tour official webpage about the Golden Mirabelle Open. |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731213408/http://www.allianzgolftour.fr/allianz-open-de-la-mirabelle-dor/presentation |archive-date=31 July 2012}}</ref>
| [[Golf]]
| Allianz Golf Tour
| Technopole Golf Course
|-
|
| Mirabelle Metz Marathon<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marathon-metz.fr/en |title=Official website of the Mirabelle Metz Marathon. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525060659/http://www.marathon-metz.fr/en |archive-date=25 May 2012}}</ref>
| [[Athletics (sport)|Athletics]]
|
| Metz Urban Agglomeration
|}

== Education ==
[[File:GT Lorraine.jpg|thumb|[[Georgia Tech Lorraine]] campus.]]

=== High schools ===

Metz has numerous high schools, including the [[Lycée Fabert|Fabert High School]] and the Lycée of Communication. Some of these institutions offer higher education courses such as [[classes préparatoires]] (undergraduate school) or [[Brevet de Technicien Supérieur|BTS]] (technician certificate).

=== University of Lorraine ===
{{Main|University of Lorraine}}
Metz is also home to the University of Lorraine (often abbreviated as UL).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.univ-lorraine.fr/ |title=Official website of the University of Lorraine. |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr}}</ref> The university is divided into two university centers, one in Metz (material sciences, technology and management) and one in [[Nancy, France|Nancy]] (biological sciences, health care, administration, management and law). The University of Lorraine, which ranks in 2016 among the top 15 of French universities and among the top 300 of universities in the world according to the 2016 [[Academic Ranking of World Universities]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shanghairanking.com/fr/ARWU2015.html |title=2016 Academic Ranking of World Universities. |format=HTL |access-date=21 June 2016 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625115248/http://www.shanghairanking.com/fr/ARWU2015.html |archive-date=25 June 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> has a student body of over 55,000 and offers 101 accredited research centers organized in 9 research areas and 8 doctoral colleges.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_chiffres_cles.pdf |title=University of Lorraine, key numbers. |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr |archive-date=28 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328161516/http://www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_chiffres_cles.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Graduate schools ===
At the end of the 1990s, the city expanded and the [[Metz Science Park]] was created in the southern area. Along with this expansion, several graduate schools took the opportunity to establish campuses in the park. At first, facilities were grouped around the lake Symphony, like [[Supélec]] in 1985 and [[Georgia Tech Lorraine]] in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://lorraine.gatech.edu/about |title=About &#124; GT Lorraine &#124; Georgia Institute of Technology &#124; Atlanta, GA}}</ref> In 1996, the engineering school [[Arts et Métiers ParisTech]] (ENSAM) built a research and learning center next to the golf course.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tout-metz.com/quartiers/technopole-metz |title=Technopôle de Metz}}</ref> This opened the way to the development of a new area, where the Franco-German university (ISFATES) and the ENIM moved in 2010. These graduate schools often cooperate with the University of Lorraine. For instance, the university and ENSAM share research teams, laboratories, equipments and doctoral programs. The [[École supérieure d'ingénieurs des travaux de la construction de Metz]] is also located in the city.

== Transport ==
[[File:Mettis BRT Metz.jpg|thumb|The Mettis hybrid bi-articulated bus]]
[[File:Gare de Metz R01.jpg|thumb|The [[Gare de Metz-Ville|Station Palace]] in the Imperial District, built 1905–1908 during German rule.]]

=== Local transport ===
[[Public transport]] includes a [[bus rapid transit]] system, called Mettis.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mettis.metzmetropole.fr/ |title=Official website of Mettis. |access-date=29 June 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626220602/http://mettis.metzmetropole.fr/ |archive-date=26 June 2012}}</ref> Mettis vehicles are high-capacity [[Hybrid vehicle drivetrain|hybrid]] bi-articulated buses built by [[Van Hool]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vanhool.be/ENG/highlights/vanhoolpresentst.html |title=Van Hool presents the ExquiCity Design Mettis. |access-date=5 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605074801/http://www.vanhool.be/ENG/highlights/vanhoolpresentst.html |archive-date=5 June 2013}}</ref> and stop at designated elevated tubes, complete with disability access. Mettis has its own planned and integrated [[transportation system]], which includes two dedicated lines that spread out into the Metz conurbation. Mettis lanes A and B serve the city's major facilities (e.g., city centre, university campus and hospitals), and a [[transport hub]] is located next to the railway station.

=== Railways ===
{{See also|Gare de Metz-Ville}}
Metz Railway Station is connected to the French high speed train ([[TGV]]) network, which provides a direct rail service to [[Paris]] and [[Luxembourg City|Luxembourg]]. The time from Paris ([[Gare de l'Est]]) to Metz is 82 minutes. Additionally, Metz is served by the [[Gare de Lorraine TGV|Lorraine TGV railway station]], located at [[Louvigny, Moselle|Louvigny]], {{Cvt|25|km}} to the south of Metz, for high speed trains going to [[Nantes]], [[Rennes]], [[Lille]] and [[Bordeaux]] (without stopping in [[Paris]]). Also, Metz is one of the main stations of the regional express trains system, [[Métrolor]].

=== Motorways ===
Metz is located at the [[Intersection (road)|intersection]] of two major road axes: the [[A4 autoroute|Eastern Motorway]], itself a part of the [[European route E50]] connecting Paris to [[Prague]], and the [[A31 autoroute|A31 Motorway]], which goes north to [[Luxembourg]] and south to the [[Mediterranean Sea]] towards [[Nancy, France|Nancy]], [[Dijon]] and [[Lyon]].

=== Airports ===
The [[Luxembourg – Findel Airport|Luxembourg International Airport]] is the nearest international airport, connected to Metz by [[Métrolor]] train. The [[Gare de Lorraine TGV|Lorraine TGV Station]] is 75 minutes by train from [[France]] international [[Charles de Gaulle Airport]]. Finally, [[Metz–Nancy–Lorraine Airport]] is located in [[Goin, Moselle|Goin]], {{Cvt|16.5|km|1}} southeast of Metz.

=== Waterways ===
{{See also|Moselle (river)}}
Metz is located at the confluence of the [[Moselle (river)|Moselle]] and the [[Seille (Moselle)|Seille]] rivers, both [[Voies navigable de France|navigable waterways]]. The marina connects Metz to the cities of the Moselle valley (i.e. [[Trier]], [[Schengen, Luxembourg|Schengen]] and [[Koblenz]]) via the Moselle river.

== Main sights ==
[[File:Temple de Metz mai 2009.jpg|thumb|The iconic [[Protestant]] church [[Temple Neuf, Metz|Temple Neuf]] on the Moselle river<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/moyenpont.php |title=Protestant church webcam |format=VIDEO |access-date=6 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604033514/http://metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/moyenpont.php |archive-date=4 June 2012}}</ref>]]

{{See also|List of Historic Monuments in Metz, France}}

=== Religious heritage ===
* the [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] [[Metz Cathedral|Saint Stephen's cathedral]] built during the 13th century. The cathedral is nicknamed the Good Lord's Lantern ({{Langx|fr|la Lanterne du Bon Dieu}}),<ref name="cathedral" /> as it has the largest expanse of [[stained glass]] windows in the world and the [[List of highest church naves|tenth-highest]] nave in the world.<ref>Kuhn-Mutter M.A. (2011) Oratorio pour une cathédrale. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-887-9}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref>
* the [[Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains basilica]], one of the [[List of oldest churches|oldest churches in the world]] and cradle of the [[Gregorian Chant]].<ref name="nonnains" />
* Saint Maximin's church featuring stained glass windows by French artist [[Jean Cocteau]],<ref>Kuhn-Mutter M.A. (2012) Vitraux de Jean Cocteau à Metz, féérie de lumière et de couleurs. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-906-7}} {{in lang|fr}}</ref> and the Sainte-Thérèse-de-l'Enfant-Jésus church built by French architect [[Roger-Henri Expert]].<ref name="expert" />
* the 13th-century Romanesque [[Knights Templar]]'s chapel, once part of the Templar [[Commandry (feudalism)|commandery]] of Metz, the oldest Templar institution in the [[Holy Roman Empire]].

=== Civil heritage ===
* The [[Opéra-Théâtre de Metz|opera house of Metz Metropole]] built during the 18th century in [[Tuscany]]-influenced neo-Classical style.<ref name="architecture" /> It is the oldest working [[opera house]] in France and one of the oldest in [[Europe]].<ref name="opera" />
* The birthplaces of [[Paul Verlaine]],<ref name="Verlaine" /> [[Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier]], [[André Schwarz-Bart]], [[Gustave Kahn]], [[Gabriel Pierné]], the sculptor [[Charles Pêtre]], and [[Antoine Charles Louis de Lasalle]].
* The house of [[François Rabelais]], when he came to Metz—then a [[free imperial city]] and a [[republic]]—to escape condemnation for heresy by the [[University of Paris]].
* Numerous medieval edifices, including two [[granary|granaries]] and several [[Hôtel particulier|Hôtels]].<ref name="architecture" />

=== Administrative heritage ===
* the town square and its surrounding [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] buildings, built by French architect [[Jacques-François Blondel]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.univ-metz.fr/recherche/labos/2l2s/activites/JF-Blondel-Colloque-mars-2010.pdf |title=City embellishment by Jacques-François Blondel, Seminar series, March 2010 |access-date=1 July 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/68qkJXdr7?url=http://www.univ-metz.fr/recherche/labos/2l2s/activites/JF-Blondel-Colloque-mars-2010.pdf |archive-date=2 July 2012}}</ref>
* the [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] courthouse (former [[Governor#France|Governor]]'s Palace), built by French artist [[Charles-Louis Clérisseau]],<ref name="architecture" /> location in 1775 of the ''[[Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette#Joining the American War|Diner of Metz]]'' when [[Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette|Lafayette]] met [[Charles-François de Broglie, marquis de Ruffec|Marquis of Ruffec]] and [[Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh|Duke of Gloucester]] and decided to support the [[American Revolutionary War]].
* the [[Romanesque Revival architecture|Romanesque Revival]] [[Gare de Metz-Ville|Station-Palace]] and Central Post Office, built by German architect [[Jürgen Kröger]].<ref name="gare" />
* the Northeast France defence headquarters (former [[Kaiser]] [[headquarters]]), built by German architects Schönhals and Stolterfoth in a neo-Flemish style.<ref name="imperial" />

=== Military heritage ===
* the German's Gate from the 13th century, the last medieval [[bridge castle]] in France. The fortification played a crucial defensive role during the [[Siege of Metz (1552)|siege of Metz]] in 1552–53 by Emperor [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles V]].
* the ruins of the city's [[defensive wall]]s dating from [[ancient history]] to the 18th century,<ref name="cormontaigne" /> and the extensive 19th- and 20th-century [[fortifications of Metz]].
* the [[Fort de Queuleu|Fort of Queuleu]], also called the Hell of Queuleu ({{Langx|fr|l'Enfer de Queuleu}}), used by the Germans as a detention and interrogation centre for members of the [[French Resistance]] during the Second World War.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_point15.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307053633/http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_point15.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 March 2016 |title=Official municipal website, municipal council April 2010, Commemorative plate at Queuleu fort. |access-date=30 April 2010 |language=fr}}</ref>
* the [[war memorial]], an [[art deco]] sculpture by French sculptor [[Paul Niclausse]] representing a mother cradling the dead body of her son.

== International relations ==
Metz is a member of the [[QuattroPole]]<sup>[[:fr:QuattroPole|(FR)]] [[:de:QuattroPole|(DE)]]</sup> union of cities, along with [[Luxembourg City|Luxembourg]], [[Saarbrücken]] and [[Trier]] (neighbouring countries: Luxembourg, France, and Germany).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.quattropole.org/en/home |title=Official website of the Quattropole city union. |access-date=30 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710034159/http://www.quattropole.org/en/home |archive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> Metz has a central place in the [[Greater Region]] and of the economic [[SaarLorLux]] [[Euregio|Euroregion]]. Metz is also twin town with:<ref name="Metz twinning">{{cite web |url=http://www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=1163 |title=Metz Municipal Council |access-date=1 June 2012 |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116052559/http://metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=1163 |archive-date=16 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

* {{flagicon|GER}} [[Trier]], [[Rhineland-Palatinate]], Germany, from 1957
* {{flagicon|UK}} [[Gloucester]], England, [[United Kingdom]], from 1967<ref name="Metz twinning" /><ref name="Archant twinning">{{cite web |url=http://www.completefrance.com/language-culture/twin-towns |title=British towns twinned with French towns |access-date=11 July 2013 |work=Archant Community Media Ltd}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|ISR}} [[Karmiel]], Israel, from 1984<ref>{{cite web |title=Réception du groupe Classical Fusion de Karmiel |url=http://www.engagespourmetz.fr/actualites/reception-du-groupe-classical-fusion-de-karmiel-887 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225094458/http://www.engagespourmetz.fr/actualites/reception-du-groupe-classical-fusion-de-karmiel-887 |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 February 2020 |website=engagespourmetz.fr |publisher=Engagés es pour Metz |language=fr |date=21 August 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Saint-Denis, Réunion]], France, from 1986
* {{flagicon|PRC}} [[Yichang]], China, from 1991
* {{flagicon|CZE}} [[Hradec Králové]], Czech Republic, from 2001
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Kansas City]], United States of America, from 2003
* {{flagicon|CGO}} [[Djambala]], Republic of Congo, from 2012
* {{flagicon|PRC}} [[Nanjing]], China, from 2019
* {{flagicon|UKR}} [[Chernivtsi]], Ukraine, from 2022

== See also ==
*[[Mont Saint-Quentin in Moselle Valley]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Sources==
{{Catholic|wstitle=Metz}}

== External links ==
* {{Wikivoyage inline}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}

{{Cities in France}}
{{Préfectures of départements of France}}
{{Prefectures of regions of France}}
{{Moselle communes}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Metz| ]]
[[Category:Cities in France]]
[[Category:Communes of Moselle (department)]]
[[Category:Free imperial cities]]
[[Category:Mediomatrici]]
[[Category:Prefectures in France]]
[[Category:Three Bishoprics]]