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{{Short description|City in Grand Est, France}}{{Other uses}}{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}

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|term = 2020–2026|intercommunality = Metz Métropole4913640region:FR_type:city|display=inline,title}}|elevation m = |elevation min m = 162|elevation max m = 256|area km2 = 41.94population_total}}population_as_of}}population_footnotes}}|urban pop = 285930|urban area km2 = 308.8|urban pop date = 2018|metro area pop = 367851|metro area km2 = 1877.2|metro area pop date = 2018|website = Metz Ville}}{{Lorraine sidebar}}Metz ({{IPAc-en|’|m|É›|t|s}} {{respell|METS}}, {{IPA-fr|mÉ›s|lang|prononciationmetz.ogg}}, , then ) is a city in northeast France located at the confluence of the Moselle and the Seille rivers. Metz is the prefecture of the Moselle department and the seat of the parliament of the Grand Est region.WEB,www.moselle.gouv.fr/, Official website of the prefecture of Moselle, 6 July 2012, fr, WEB,www.cg57.fr/Pages/default.aspx, Official website of the Moselle department, 6 July 2012, fr, Located near the tripoint along the junction of France, Germany and Luxembourg,Says J.M. (2010) La Moselle, une rivière européenne. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-857-2}} {{in lang|fr}} the city forms a central place of the European Greater Region and the SaarLorLux euroregion.WEB,www.granderegion.net/fr/index.html, Official website of the Greater Region, 6 July 2012, fr, dead,www.granderegion.net/fr/index.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20120712060502www.granderegion.net/fr/index.html,">web.archive.org/web/20120712060502www.granderegion.net/fr/index.html, 12 July 2012, Metz has a rich 3,000-year history,Bour R. (2007) Histoire de Metz, nouvelle édition. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-728-5}} {{in lang|fr}} having variously been a Celtic oppidum, an important Gallo-Roman city,Vigneron B. (1986) Metz antique: Divodurum Mediomatricorum. Eds. Maisonneuve. {{ISBN|2-7160-0115-4}} {{in lang|fr}} the Merovingian capital of 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}} the birthplace of the Carolingian dynasty,Settipani C. (1989) Les ancêtres de Charlemagne. Ed. Société atlantique d’impression. {{ISBN|2-906483-28-1}} pp. 3–49 {{in lang|fr}} a cradle of the Gregorian chant,Demollière C.J. (2004) L’art du chantre carolingien. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-555-9}} {{in lang|fr}} and one of the oldest republics in Europe.Roemer F. (2007) Les institutions de la République messine. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-709-4}} {{in lang|fr}} The city has been steeped in French culture, but has been strongly influenced by German culture due to its location and history.Weyland A. (2010) Moselle plurielle: identité complexe & complexes identitaires. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-748-3}} {{in lang|fr}}Because of its historical, cultural and architectural background, Metz has been submitted on France’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.WEB,whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/FR, World Heritage Site List of France, UNESCO Official Website., HTLM, 19 April 2014, WEB,whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5882/, Presentation of the specificity of Metz for the UNESCO World Heritage Site enlistment, UNESCO Official Website., HTLM, 19 April 2014, fr, WEB,metz.fr/pages/patrimoine/unesco/doc/140114_unesco_liste_indicative.pdf, Presentation of the specificity of Metz for the UNESCO World Heritage Site enlistment, Official Website of the Municipality of Metz., 9 January 2014, fr, dead,metz.fr/pages/patrimoine/unesco/doc/140114_unesco_liste_indicative.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20140201165959metz.fr/pages/patrimoine/unesco/doc/140114_unesco_liste_indicative.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20140201165959metz.fr/pages/patrimoine/unesco/doc/140114_unesco_liste_indicative.pdf, 1 February 2014, The city features noteworthy buildings such as the Gothic Saint-Stephen Cathedral with its largest expanse of stained-glass windows in the world,WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/cathedrale.php, Metz Cathedral webcam, VIDEO, 6 July 2012,metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/cathedrale.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120512072404metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/cathedrale.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120512072404metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/cathedrale.php, 12 May 2012, dead, Collectif (2009) Monumental 2009 – semestriel 1. Coll. Monumental. Eds. Guides archeologiques de la France. {{ISBN|978-2-7577-0055-6}} {{in lang|fr}} the Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains being the oldest church in France,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}} its Imperial Station Palace displaying the apartment of the German Kaiser,Schontz A. (2008) La gare de Metz. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-833-6}} {{in lang|fr}} or its Opera House, the oldest one working in France.Masson G. (2002) L’Opéra-théâtre de Metz. Ed. Klopp, Gerard. {{ISBN|978-2-911992-38-4}} {{in lang|fr}} Metz is home to some world-class venues including the Arsenal Concert Hall and the Centre Pompidou-Metz museum.A basin of urban ecology,Pelt J.M. (1977) L’Homme re-naturé. Eds. Seuil. {{ISBN|2-02-004589-3}} {{in lang|fr}}WEB,www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08030163/l-ecologie-et-l-urbanisme-a-metz.fr.html, INA Archive (1977) Samedi et demi, interview with Jean-Marie Pelt. Prod. Antenne 2., VIDEO, 16 May 2011, fr, Metz gained its nickname of The Green City (),WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/vam/pdf/0703_agenda21.pdf, Metz magazine (2007) 322:16-17., 6 July 2012, fr,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/vam/pdf/0703_agenda21.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20081129132437www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/vam/pdf/0703_agenda21.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20081129132437www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/vam/pdf/0703_agenda21.pdf, 29 November 2008, dead, as it has extensive open grounds and public gardens.WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/jardin/pdf/espver.pdf, Official municipal website, Public garden map of Metz, 1 July 2010, dead,metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/jardin/pdf/espver.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20101126160220metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/jardin/pdf/espver.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20101126160220metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/jardin/pdf/espver.pdf, 26 November 2010, The historic city centre is one of the largest commercial pedestrian areas in France.Hamel S. and Walter J. (2000) Metz. Ecologie urbaine et convivialité. Ed. Autrement. {{ISBN|978-2-86260-343-8}} {{in lang|fr}}WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/actions/agenda21/agenda21.pdf, Official Metz municipality website, Agenda 21., 6 July 2012, fr,metz.fr/metz2/actions/agenda21/agenda21.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20120512101922metz.fr/metz2/actions/agenda21/agenda21.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20120512101922metz.fr/metz2/actions/agenda21/agenda21.pdf, 12 May 2012, dead, A historic garrison town, Metz is the economic heart of the Lorraine region, specialising in information technology and automotive industries. Metz is home to the University of Lorraine, Georgia Tech Lorraine, and a centre for applied research and development in the materials sector, notably in metallurgy and metallography,WEB,www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_pl_recherche.pdf, University of Lorraine. Research, innovation, and valorisation., 29 June 2011, fr, 28 March 2012,www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_pl_recherche.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20120328161543www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_pl_recherche.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20120328161543www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_pl_recherche.pdf, dead, the heritage of the Lorraine region’s past in the iron and steel industry.Gendarme R. (1985) Sidérurgie en Lorraine, les coulées du futur. Eds. Presses Universitaires de Nancy. {{ISBN|2-86480-224-4}} {{in lang|fr}}

Etymology

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

History

File:Henri2entranceMetz.jpg|thumb|Henry II of FranceHenry II of FranceMetz has a recorded history dating back over 2,000 years. Before the conquest of Gaul by Julius Caesar in 52 BC, it was the oppidum of the Celtic Mediomatrici tribe. Integrated into the Roman Empire, Metz became quickly one of the principal towns of Gaul with a population of 40,000, until the barbarian depredations and its transfer to the Franks about the end of the 5th century.Di Rocco A. (2009) Année 451 : la bataille qui sauva l’Occident. Eds. Thélès. {{ISBN|978-2-303-00228-8}} pp. 156–158 {{in lang|fr}}Gibbon E (1788) History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. 4:35 Between the 6th and 8th centuries, the city was the residence of the Merovingian kings of 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. During the 12th century, Metz became a republic and the Republic of Metz stood until the 15th century.With the signature of the Treaty of Chambord in 1552, Metz passed into the hands of the Kings of France.Brasme P. (2011) Quand Metz reçoit la France. Eds. des Paraiges. {{ISBN|979-10-90185-03-6}} pp. 17–34 {{in lang|fr}} 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.Vigneron B. (2010) Le dernier siècle de la république de Metz. Eds. du Panthéon. {{ISBN|978-2-7547-0356-7}} {{in lang|fr}} With creation of the departments by the Estates-General of 1789, Metz was chosen as capital of the Department of Moselle.Although largely French-speaking, after the Franco-Prussian War and under the 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.Roth F. (2011) La Lorraine Annexée – version 2011, nouvelle édition. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-866-4}} {{in lang|fr}}Metz remained German until the end of the First World War, when it reverted to France.Berrar J.C. (2009) Metz, retour à la France. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-784-1}} {{in lang|fr}} However, after the Battle of France during the Second World War, the city was annexed by Nazi Germany. In 1944, the attack on the city by the U.S. Third Army removed the city from German rule and Metz reverted one more time to France after World War II.Przybylski S. (2009) La Campagne de Lorraine de 1944, Panther contre Sherman. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-820-6}} {{in lang|fr}}Denis P. (2008) La Libération de la Lorraine, 1940–1945. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-764-3}} {{in lang|fr}}During the 1950s, Metz was chosen to be the capital of the newly created Lorraine region.Roth F. (2012) Histoire politique de la Lorraine, de 1900 à nos jours. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-881-7}} {{in lang|fr}} 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.

Geography

Metz is located on the banks of the Moselle and the Seille rivers, {{Cvt|43|km|0}} from the Schengen tripoint where the borders of France, Germany and Luxembourg meet. The city was built in a place where many branches of the Moselle river create several islands, which are encompassed within the urban planning.WEB,www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftNn_K-lh_I,ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ftNn_K-lh_I, 11 December 2021, live, Metz and the Messin pays from above, full movie, by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, YouTube, VIDEO, 6 June 2009, {{cbignore}}The terrain of Metz forms part of the Paris Basin and presents a plateau relief cut by river valleys presenting cuestas in the north–south direction.Leza-Chomard A. and Pautrot C. (2006) Géologie et géographie de la Lorraine. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-632-6}} {{in lang|fr}} 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}}.WEB,www.pnr-lorraine.com/, Official website of the Lorraine Regional Natural Park., 29 June 2012,

Climate

Lorraine has an oceanic climate.Beck J.S. (2011) 2000 ans de climat en Alsace et en Lorraine. Eds. Coprur. {{ISBN|978-2-84208-209-3}} {{in lang|fr}} 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.WEB,weatherspark.com/averages/32088/Metz-Lorraine-France, Weatherspark webpage dedicated to Metz., 29 June 2012, The length of the day varies significantly over the course of the year.WEB,climat.meteofrance.com/chgt_climat2/climat_france?76100.path=climatstation%252F57039001, Average Weather for Metz, FR, 29 June 2012, MeteoFrance.com, fr, {{dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} 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.{{Weather box192ftabbr=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 = 118.1Meteo FranceHTTPS://DONNEESPUBLIQUES.METEOFRANCE.FR/FICHESCLIM/FICHECLIM_57039001.PDF WORK=FICHE CLIMATOLOGIQUE: STATISTIQUES 1991–2020 ET RECORDS LANGUAGE=FR, 4 July 2022, }}

Demographics

File:Paul Verlaine-Edmond Aman-Jean mg 9503.jpg|thumb|Paul Verlaine by Edmond Aman-Jean, 1892, oil on canvas, 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!The Mutte is the name of the large bell of the Saint-Stephen cathedralSaint-Stephen cathedral

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 Republic prohibits making distinctions between citizens regarding race, beliefs, and political and philosophic opinions in the process of census taking.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.“The French national census of 2018 estimated the population of Metz to be 116,581, while the population of Metz metropolitan area was about 368,000.WEB,www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/1405599?geo=AAV2020-033+UU2020-57701+COM-57463, Comparateur de territoire: Aire d’attraction des villes 2020 de Metz (033), Unité urbaine 2020 de Metz (57701), Commune de Metz (57463), 20 June 2022, INSEE, fr, 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.WEB,www.lorraine.pref.gouv.fr/index.php?headingid=234, Official Lorraine prefecture webpage on the military restructurings., 30 June 2012, fr,www.lorraine.pref.gouv.fr/index.php?headingid=234," title="web.archive.org/web/20120108081217www.lorraine.pref.gouv.fr/index.php?headingid=234,">web.archive.org/web/20120108081217www.lorraine.pref.gouv.fr/index.php?headingid=234, 8 January 2012, dead, The historical population for the current area of Metz municipality is as follows:{{Historical populations36878 32099 39131 42030 42793 39767 56888 54817 51332 45856 53131 54072 60186 59794 58462 60419 54965 62311 69624 78767 83119 70105 85701 102771 107537 111869 114232 119594 123776 123580 119551 11642922347|Metz}} and INSEEPopulation en historique depuis 1968, INSEE| percentages = pagr| cols = 3| align = none| graph-pos = bottom}}

Notable people

Several well-known figures have been linked to the city of Metz throughout its history. Renowned Messins include poet Paul Verlaine,WEB,www.dailymotion.com/video/xskq5v_la-maison-de-verlaine-clip-2012_creation#.UUtxixnmvH0, Verlaine’s native house – House of Verlaine (museum), video clip., 2 August 2012, 21 March 2013, fr, 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 de La Fayette, and Luxembourg-born German-French statesman Robert Schuman.

Law and government

Local law

The local law () 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 law established by the Concordat of 1801, which provides for the public subsidy of the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Calvinist churches and the Jewish religion.

Administration

(File:Place darmes (3658773965).jpg|thumb|The city hall on the Place d’Armes.)Like every commune of the present French Republic, Metz is managed by a mayor () and a municipal council (), democratically elected by two-round proportional voting for six years.WEB,www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCodeArticle.do?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070633&idArticle=LEGIARTI000024040149&dateTexte=20120630, Official French general code of territorial collectivities, French Republic, 30 June 2012, fr, The mayor is assisted by 54 municipal councillors,WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/elus_photos.php, Official Metz municipality website, List of Metz municipal councilors., 24 July 2012, fr, dead,metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/elus_photos.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120512092500metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/elus_photos.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120512092500metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/elus_photos.php, 12 May 2012, and the municipal council is held on the last Thursday of every month.WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/index.php, Official Metz municipality website, agenda and procès-verbal of the Municipal Council of Metz., 24 July 2012, fr,metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/index.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20130115034602metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/index.php,">web.archive.org/web/20130115034602metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/index.php, 15 January 2013, dead, Since March 2009, records of municipal council meetings are available as audio files in French. Since 2008,WEB,www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/lesmaires.php, List of mayors of Metz since 1790., 27 December 2012, fr, dead,www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/lesmaires.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20080214195639www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/lesmaires.php,">web.archive.org/web/20080214195639www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/organigramme/lesmaires.php, 14 February 2008, the mayor of Metz has been socialist Dominique Gros.WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/maire.php, Official Metz municipality website, Resume of Dominique Gros., 30 June 2012, fr,metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/maire.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20130115033932metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/maire.php,">web.archive.org/web/20130115033932metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/maire.php, 15 January 2013, dead, The city belongs to the Metz Metropole union of cities, which includes the 40 cities of the Metz urban agglomeration.WEB,www.metzmetropole.fr/site/institution_territoire_carte.php, Official Metz Metropole website, list of cities webpage, 1 July 2012, fr, dead,www.metzmetropole.fr/site/institution_territoire_carte.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120715002100www.metzmetropole.fr/site/institution_territoire_carte.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120715002100www.metzmetropole.fr/site/institution_territoire_carte.php, 15 July 2012, Metz is the prefecture of the Moselle based in the former Intendant Palace. In addition, Metz is the seat of the parliament of the Grand Est region, hosted in the former Saint-Clement Abbey.

City administrative divisions

The city of Metz is divided into 14 administrative divisions:WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/mairie_quartiers/index.php, Official website of Metz municipality., PHP, 29 June 2012, fr,metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/mairie_quartiers/index.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120512105419metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/mairie_quartiers/index.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120512105419metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/mairie_quartiers/index.php, 12 May 2012, dead, {| class=“wikitable” style="margin:1em auto;” style="background:#efefef;“! style="width:40px; text-align:center;“| Number! style="width:100px; text-align:center;“| District! style="width:400px; text-align:center;“| Sights! style="width:300px; text-align:center;“| Location 1 Devant-les-Ponts Desvalliere barracks (File:Districts of Metz, France.jpg) 2 Metz-Nord Patrotte Harbour zone 3 Les îles ‘’Grand Est, University of Lorraine, Lycée Fabert>Fabert High School, Cogeneration Plant’’ 4 Plantières-Queuleu Queuleu Fort, Museum of Resistance and Deportation of Metz 5 Bellecroix Bellecroix Fort 6 Metz-Vallières Robert Schuman private hospital 7 Borny University of Lorraine, Contemporary Music Venue 8 Grigy-Technopôle Metz Science Park, Arts et Métiers ParisTech, University of Lorraine, Georgia Tech Lorraine, Supélec 9 Grange aux Bois Trade Fair Center 10 Sablon ‘’Centre Pompidou-Metz, Arènes de Metz, Groupe Caisse d’Épargne>Caisse d’Épargne regional headquarters, Metz-Metropole Conference Centre Hall (project)’’ 11 Magny Saint-Clement and Leusiotte woods 12 Nouvelle Ville ‘’Gare de Metz-Ville, INSEE and Groupe Banque Populaire>Banque Populaire regional headquarters, Central Post Office, Chamber of Commerce’’ 13 Metz Centre ‘’City Hall, Prefecture, Metz Cathedral, Temple Neuf, Metz>Temple Neuf, Arsenal de Metz, Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole>Opera House’’ 14 Ancienne Ville Germans’ Gate, Golden Courtyard Museum, Regional Contemporary Art Fund of Lorraine, Jazz Concert Venue{{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,Braun S. (2008) Metz, Portrait d’une ville. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-781-0}} {{in lang|fr}} and features a number of architectural landmarks.Hubert P. (2004) Metz, ville d’architectures. Ed. Domini, Serge. {{ISBN|2-912645-70-0}}; pp. 164–165 {{in lang|fr}} The city possesses one of the largest Urban Conservation Areas in France,WEB,www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm110127/doc/110127_cm_point03_annexe01.pdf, Metz municipal council, January 2011., 28 January 2011, fr,www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm110127/doc/110127_cm_point03_annexe01.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20111002201545www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm110127/doc/110127_cm_point03_annexe01.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20111002201545www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm110127/doc/110127_cm_point03_annexe01.pdf, 2 October 2011, dead, and more than 100 of the city’s buildings are classified on the list.WEB,www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_divers03_annexe04.pdf, Metz municipal council, April 2010., 30 April 2010, fr,www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_divers03_annexe04.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20110721012555www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_divers03_annexe04.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20110721012555www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_divers03_annexe04.pdf, 21 July 2011, dead, Because of its historical and cultural background, Metz is designated as French Town of Art and History, and has been submitted on to France’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.WEB,www.vpah.culture.fr/villes/pdf/Vpah_liste_17_11_2011.pdf, Towns and Lands of Art and History, official list from the French Minister of Culture, November 2011., 17 November 2011, fr, 22 July 2013,www.vpah.culture.fr/villes/pdf/Vpah_liste_17_11_2011.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20130722113112www.vpah.culture.fr/villes/pdf/Vpah_liste_17_11_2011.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20130722113112www.vpah.culture.fr/villes/pdf/Vpah_liste_17_11_2011.pdf, dead, WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/label_vah/2011_1611_dossier_lvahopt.pdf, Application folder of Metz municipality to the French Town of Art and History label, 30 June 2012, fr, dead,metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/label_vah/2011_1611_dossier_lvahopt.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20120512074407metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/label_vah/2011_1611_dossier_lvahopt.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20120512074407metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/label_vah/2011_1611_dossier_lvahopt.pdf, 12 May 2012, The city is famous for its yellow limestone architecture, a result of the extensive use of Jaumont stone.WEB,www.jaumont.fr/en/, Official website of the Jaumont stone companies., 1 July 2011, 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).WEB,www.inrap.fr/userdata/c_bloc_file/5/5567/3252_fichier_communiqué_128.pdf, An unknown Roman Quarter found in the heart of Metz, Official report of INRAP, 4 December 2009, {{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} At the Cardo and Decumanus intersection was situated the Roman forum, today the Saint-Jacques Square.

Architecture

File:Metz (F) - Centre Pompidou - Außenansicht.jpg|thumb|The Centre Pompidou-MetzCentre Pompidou-MetzFile:Borny District Metz.jpg|thumb|The Music Box, a high-quality concert and recording studio venue dedicated to the modern forms of art music, in the Borny District. The venue has been erected in a cité HLM as an urban renewalurban renewalFrom its Gallo-Roman past, the city preserves vestiges of the thermae (in the basement of the Golden Courtyard museum), parts of the aqueduct,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}} and the Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains.Saint Louis’ square with its vaulted arcades and a Knights Templar chapel remains a major symbol of the city’s High Medieval heritage. The Gothic Saint-Stephen Cathedral, several churches and Hôtels, and two remarkable municipal granaries reflect the Late Middle Ages.WEB,www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wM8NgPiGUs,ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/-wM8NgPiGUs, 11 December 2021, live, Animation of the Saint-Stephen Cathedral construction, part 1, YouTube, VIDEO, 30 June 2012, {{cbignore}}WEB,www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhgsX4dk_L4,ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/KhgsX4dk_L4, 11 December 2021, live, Animation of the Saint-Stephen Cathedral construction, part 2, YouTube, VIDEO, 30 June 2012, {{cbignore}}WEB,www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMOIvAWDY44,ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/sMOIvAWDY44, 11 December 2021, live, Animation of the Saint-Stephen Cathedral construction, part 3, YouTube, VIDEO, 30 June 2012, {{cbignore}}WEB,www.youtube.com/watch?v=1evIHE503Jk,ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/1evIHE503Jk, 11 December 2021, live, Animation of the Saint-Stephen Cathedral construction, part 4, YouTube, VIDEO, 30 June 2012, {{cbignore}} Examples of Renaissance architecture can be seen in Hôtels from the 16th century, such as the House of Heads ().The 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 Royal Academy of Architecture in 1755 the context of the Enlightenment.WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/mairie.php, Town square webcam, VIDEO, 6 July 2012,metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/mairie.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120512072219metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/mairie.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120512072219metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/mairie.php, 12 May 2012, dead, 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. 123–276 {{in lang|fr}} Neoclassical buildings from the 18th century, such as the Opera House, the Intendant Palace (the present-day prefecture),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}} and the Royal Governor’s Palace (the present-day courthouse) built by Charles-Louis Clérisseau, are also found in the city.The Imperial District was built during the first annexation of Metz by the German Empire.Pignon-Feller C. (2005) Metz 1848–1918. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-584-7}} {{in lang|fr}} 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. Instead of 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. The district features noteworthy buildings including the rail station and the Central Post Office by German architect Jürgen Kröger.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 (subdivisions, 1960s).Expert R.H. Roger-Henri Expert, 1882–1955. Volume 3 de Institut français d’architecture. Eds. du Moniteur. {{in lang|fr}}Collectif (1997) Georges-Henri Pingusson, architecte de l’Å“uvre lorraine N°147. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-309-2}} {{in lang|fr}} The refurbishment of the former Ney Arsenal as a Concert Hall in 1989 and the erection of the Metz Arena in 2002, by Spanish and French architects Ricardo Bofill and French Paul Chemetov represent the Postmodern movement.The Centre Pompidou-Metz museum in the Amphitheatre District represents a strong architectural initiative to mark the entrance of Metz into the 21st century.Jodidio P. (2010) Shigeru Ban, complete works 1985–2010. Ed. Jodidio, Philip. {{ISBN|978-3-8365-1792-8}} pp. 426–447 Designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, the building is remarkable for the complex, innovative carpentry of its roof,WEB,www.architecture.com/Awards/RIBAAwards/2012/EUAwards/CentrePompidou-Metz/CentrePompidouMetz.aspx, RIBA Awards, 2012 European winners, Centre Pompidou-Metz webpage., 21 June 2012, dead,www.architecture.com/Awards/RIBAAwards/2012/EUAwards/CentrePompidou-Metz/CentrePompidouMetz.aspx," title="web.archive.org/web/20130510220020www.architecture.com/Awards/RIBAAwards/2012/EUAwards/CentrePompidou-Metz/CentrePompidouMetz.aspx,">web.archive.org/web/20130510220020www.architecture.com/Awards/RIBAAwards/2012/EUAwards/CentrePompidou-Metz/CentrePompidouMetz.aspx, 10 May 2013, WEB,www.tribu.com/en/news/centre-pompidou-metz-innovative-architecture, Centre Pompidou Metz, innovative architecture. Tribù, the art of leisure., 30 June 2012, dead,www.tribu.com/en/news/centre-pompidou-metz-innovative-architecture," title="web.archive.org/web/20121117200624www.tribu.com/en/news/centre-pompidou-metz-innovative-architecture,">web.archive.org/web/20121117200624www.tribu.com/en/news/centre-pompidou-metz-innovative-architecture, 17 November 2012, 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.WEB,www.metzmetropole.fr/site/medias/_pdfs/ZAC/fiche_QDA_07.pdf, Description of the project of the Amphitheatre District by Metz Metropole, 29 June 2012, fr, dead,www.metzmetropole.fr/site/medias/_pdfs/ZAC/fiche_QDA_07.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20121020220540www.metzmetropole.fr/site/medias/_pdfs/ZAC/fiche_QDA_07.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20121020220540www.metzmetropole.fr/site/medias/_pdfs/ZAC/fiche_QDA_07.pdf, 20 October 2012, The urban project is expected to be completed by 2023.WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/zac_amphi.php, Official Metz municipality website, Amphitheatre District webcam, PDF, 29 June 2012, fr,metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/zac_amphi.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120923222627metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/zac_amphi.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120923222627metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/zac_amphi.php, 23 September 2012, dead, Further, a contemporary music venue designed by contextualist French architect Rudy Ricciotti stands in the Borny District.WEB,bam-metz.fr/, Official Website of the BAM musical venue, 25 July 2014, fr,

Urban ecology

File:Metz R03.jpg|thumb|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. Because of the failure of post-war urban planning and housing estate development in Europe during the 1960s, mostly based on the concepts of CIAM,Berrar J.C. (2011) Metz défigurée dans les années 60-70. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-909-8}} {{in lang|fr}}WEB,www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08010372/quartiers-anciens-de-metz.fr.html, INA Archive (1964) Quartiers anciens de Metz, chefs d’oeuvre en péril, ORTF., VIDEO, 29 June 2012, fr, 1 August 2009,www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08010372/quartiers-anciens-de-metz.fr.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20090801062112www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08010372/quartiers-anciens-de-metz.fr.html,">web.archive.org/web/20090801062112www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08010372/quartiers-anciens-de-metz.fr.html, dead, WEB,www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/beaux-arts/video/CPF86620930/au-secours-des-quartiers-anciens-deuxieme-partie.fr.html, INA Archive (1964) Au secours des quartiers anciens, ORTF., VIDEO, 29 June 2012, fr, {{dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Jean-Marie Pelt, then municipal councillor of Metz, initiated a new approach to the urban environment.Based initially on the ideas of the 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”.WEB,www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08030164/restauration-urbaine-a-metz.fr.html, INA Archive (1977) Restauration urbaine à Metz, Antenne 2., VIDEO, 4 July 2012, fr, 29 October 2009,www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08030164/restauration-urbaine-a-metz.fr.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20091029175121www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08030164/restauration-urbaine-a-metz.fr.html,">web.archive.org/web/20091029175121www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/I08030164/restauration-urbaine-a-metz.fr.html, dead, WEB,www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXC02003471/urbanisme-a-metz-renovation-des-quartiers-anciens.fr.html, INA Archive (1980) Urbanisme à Metz : rénovation des quartiers anciens, France 3 Régions., VIDEO, 4 July 2012, fr, 14 January 2010,www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXC02003471/urbanisme-a-metz-renovation-des-quartiers-anciens.fr.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20100114231855www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXC02003471/urbanisme-a-metz-renovation-des-quartiers-anciens.fr.html,">web.archive.org/web/20100114231855www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXC02003471/urbanisme-a-metz-renovation-des-quartiers-anciens.fr.html, dead, His policy was realized in Metz by the establishment of extensive open areas surrounding the Moselle and the 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.The principles of urban ecology are still applied in Metz with the implementation of a local Agenda 21 action plan. The municipal ecological policy encompasses the sustainable refurbishment of ancient buildings,WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point06.pdf,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point06.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20140329043632www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point06.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20140329043632www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point06.pdf, dead, 29 March 2014, Official municipal website, municipal council February 2010, Carbon Plan., 26 February 2010, fr, WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm101028/doc/101028_cm_point04.pdf,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm101028/doc/101028_cm_point04.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20140329015732www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm101028/doc/101028_cm_point04.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20140329015732www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm101028/doc/101028_cm_point04.pdf, dead, 29 March 2014, Official municipal website, municipal council October 2010, Sustainable Energy Plan, 29 October 2010, fr, the erection of sustainable districts and buildings, green public transport,WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100701/doc/100701_cm_point06_annexe01.pdf,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100701/doc/100701_cm_point06_annexe01.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20140329044339www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100701/doc/100701_cm_point06_annexe01.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20140329044339www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100701/doc/100701_cm_point06_annexe01.pdf, dead, 29 March 2014, Official municipal website, municipal council July 2010, Bicycle Plan., 2 July 2010, fr, and the creation of public gardens by means of landscape architecture.WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point13.pdf,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point13.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20140329043237www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point13.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20140329043237www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100225/doc/100225_cm_point13.pdf, dead, 29 March 2014, Official municipal website, municipal council February 2010, Public garden policy., 26 February 2010, fr, Additionally, the city has developed its own combined heat and power station, using waste wood biomass from the surrounding forests as a renewable energy source.WEB,www.uem-metz.fr/site/index.php, Official website of the power plant of Metz, 1 October 2012, fr,www.uem-metz.fr/site/index.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120919233304www.uem-metz.fr/site/index.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120919233304www.uem-metz.fr/site/index.php, 19 September 2012, dead, WEB,www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=792,www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=792," title="archive.today/20130213141557www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=792,">archive.today/20130213141557www.mairie-metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=792, dead, 13 February 2013, Official municipal website, municipal council April 2011, Debate of the cogeneration boiler investment., Audio, 1 October 2012, fr, With a thermal efficiency above 80%, the 45MW boiler of the plant provides electricity and heat for 44,000 dwellings. The Metz power station is the first local producer and distributor of energy in France.WEB,www.uem-metz.fr/site/medias/_documents/telechargements/decouvrir_uem/dossier_presse.pdf, Official Pressbook of the power plant of Metz, 26 February 2010, fr, dead,www.uem-metz.fr/site/medias/_documents/telechargements/decouvrir_uem/dossier_presse.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20130511203555www.uem-metz.fr/site/medias/_documents/telechargements/decouvrir_uem/dossier_presse.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20130511203555www.uem-metz.fr/site/medias/_documents/telechargements/decouvrir_uem/dossier_presse.pdf, 11 May 2013,

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 castlebridge castleAs a historic garrison town, Metz has been heavily influenced by military architecture throughout its history.WEB,the95thmovie.com/2009/08/tour-of-metz-part-1/, Tour of Metz:Part 1, trailer from the Iron Men of Metz movie., VIDEO, 1 July 2011, dead,the95thmovie.com/2009/08/tour-of-metz-part-1/," title="web.archive.org/web/20100410024731the95thmovie.com/2009/08/tour-of-metz-part-1/,">web.archive.org/web/20100410024731the95thmovie.com/2009/08/tour-of-metz-part-1/, 10 April 2010, From ancient history to the present, the city has been successively fortified and modified to accommodate the troops stationed there. Defensive walls from classical antiquity to the 20th century are still visible today, incorporated into the design of public gardens along the Moselle and Seille rivers. A medieval bridge castle from the 13th century, named Germans’ Gate (), 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 16th century citadel, as well as fortifications built in the 1740s by Louis de Cormontaigne but based on designs by Vauban.Halleck W., Halleck H.W., and Halleck H. (2009) Elements of military art and science. Ed. Applewood Books. {{ISBN|978-1-4290-2206-4}}WEB,www.citadelle-metz.com/uk/, La Citadelle Hotel official website, former edifice of the military citadel of Metz, 29 June 2014,www.citadelle-metz.com/uk/," title="web.archive.org/web/20150527181544www.citadelle-metz.com/uk/,">web.archive.org/web/20150527181544www.citadelle-metz.com/uk/, 27 May 2015, dead, 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 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.Le Hallé G. (2001) Le système Séré de Rivières ou le témoignage des pierres. Eds. Ysec. {{ISBN|2-84673-008-3}} {{in lang|fr}} Other forts were incorporated into the Maginot Line.Allcorn W. (2003) The Maginot Line 1928–45. Ed. Osprey Publishing, Oxford. {{ISBN|1-84176-646-1}} pp. 57–58 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.WEB,en.moselle.free.fr/Site/Temp/fortifications.htm, Saint-Quentin plateau fortifications dossier, 1 July 2011, fr, WEB,en.moselle.free.fr/Site/Temp/fortifications-plan.htm, Saint-Quentin fortification map, 1 July 2011,

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.WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm110707/doc/110707_pdcm01_annexe01.pdf, Intercommunal cooperation scheme of Metz Metropole, 8 July 2011, fr, {{dead link|date=January 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The transport facilities found in the conurbation, including the international high-speed railway, motorway, inland connections and the local bus rapid transit system, have made the city a transport hub in the heart of the European Union.WEB,www.granderegion.net/fr/publications/cesgr/CESGR_actes_colloque_conference_transports.pdf, 2nd seminar on the Greater Region transports, 1 July 2012, fr, dead,www.granderegion.net/fr/publications/cesgr/CESGR_actes_colloque_conference_transports.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20130526015454www.granderegion.net/fr/publications/cesgr/CESGR_actes_colloque_conference_transports.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20130526015454www.granderegion.net/fr/publications/cesgr/CESGR_actes_colloque_conference_transports.pdf, 26 May 2013, Metz is home to the biggest harbour handling cereals in France with over 4,000,000 tons/year.WEB,www.sn-nord-est.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=1743, Official data sheet of Metz harbor, VNF, 1 July 2012, fr, 1 December 2018,www.sn-nord-est.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=1743," title="web.archive.org/web/20181201143005www.sn-nord-est.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=1743,">web.archive.org/web/20181201143005www.sn-nord-est.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=1743, dead, Metz is home to the Moselle Chamber of Commerce. International companies such as PSA Peugeot Citroën, ArcelorMittal, SFR and TDF have established plants and centres in the Metz conurbation. Metz is also the regional headquarters of the Caisse d’Epargne and 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.WEB,www.ilovemetz.com/index.php, Official Metz retailer federation website., 1 July 2012, fr,www.ilovemetz.com/index.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120522051712www.ilovemetz.com/index.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120522051712www.ilovemetz.com/index.php, 22 May 2012, dead, 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, Metz municipality have promoted an ambitious policy of tourism development, including urban revitalization and refurbishment of buildings and public squares.WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm120705/doc/120705_pdcm11_annexe01.pdf, Official Metz municipality website, municipal council July 2012, local tourism development scheme., 1 July 2012, fr,metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm120705/doc/120705_pdcm11_annexe01.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20121127074827metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm120705/doc/120705_pdcm11_annexe01.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20121127074827metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm120705/doc/120705_pdcm11_annexe01.pdf, 27 November 2012, dead, WEB,tourisme.metz.fr/en/index.php, Official website of the Metz tourism office., PHP, 11 May 2010, 31 March 2014,tourisme.metz.fr/en/index.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20140331030812tourisme.metz.fr/en/index.php,">web.archive.org/web/20140331030812tourisme.metz.fr/en/index.php, dead, This policy has been spurred by the creation of the Centre Pompidou-Metz in 2010.NEWS,www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/pompidou-centre-puts-metz-on-the-map-1970566.html,ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/pompidou-centre-puts-metz-on-the-map-1970566.html, 12 May 2022, subscription, live, Pompidou centre puts Metz on the map, The Independent., 11 May 2010, 11 May 2010, London, John, Lichfield, Since its inauguration, the institution has become the most popular cultural venue in France outside Paris, with 550,000 visitors per year.WEB,www.veilleinfotourisme.fr/frequentation-en-hausse-dans-les-musees-et-monuments-nationaux-en-2011-82338.kjsp?RH=1223377672109, Official website of France tourism survey, 2011 Museum frequentation, 30 December 2011, fr,www.veilleinfotourisme.fr/frequentation-en-hausse-dans-les-musees-et-monuments-nationaux-en-2011-82338.kjsp?RH=1223377672109," title="web.archive.org/web/20130309033739www.veilleinfotourisme.fr/frequentation-en-hausse-dans-les-musees-et-monuments-nationaux-en-2011-82338.kjsp?RH=1223377672109,">web.archive.org/web/20130309033739www.veilleinfotourisme.fr/frequentation-en-hausse-dans-les-musees-et-monuments-nationaux-en-2011-82338.kjsp?RH=1223377672109, 9 March 2013, dead, Meanwhile, Saint-Stephen Cathedral is the most visited building in the city, accommodating 652,000 visitors per year.WEB,www.moselle-tourisme.com/espace-cdt-moselle/PDF/chiffres-cles-2011.pdf, Official website of Moselle tourism office, 2011 key numbers. p 12., 1 July 2012, fr, 29 July 2013,www.moselle-tourisme.com/espace-cdt-moselle/PDF/chiffres-cles-2011.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20130729000505www.moselle-tourisme.com/espace-cdt-moselle/PDF/chiffres-cles-2011.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20130729000505www.moselle-tourisme.com/espace-cdt-moselle/PDF/chiffres-cles-2011.pdf, dead,

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, the Golden Courtyard, the Opera House, and the 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 WarFranco-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 ChantGregorian ChantFile:Palais episcopal Metz.jpg|thumb|The 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 Saint Nicholas, the Lorraine’s patron saintpatron saint

• The Centre Pompidou-Metz is a museum of modern and contemporary arts, the largest temporary exhibition area in France outside Paris. The museum features exhibitions from the extensive collection of the Centre Pompidou, Europe’s largest collection of 20th-century art.WEB,www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/welcome, Official website of the Centre Pompidou-Metz., 29 June 2012, 28 November 2020,www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/welcome," title="web.archive.org/web/20201128070419www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/welcome,">web.archive.org/web/20201128070419www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/welcome, dead,
• Saint Stephen’s Cathedral is the Gothic cathedral of the city built during the 13th century. The cathedral exhibits the collection of the Bishopric of Metz, including paraments and items used in the service of the Eucharist.WEB,www.cathedrale-metz.fr/, Official website of the Saint-Stephen Cathedral., 29 June 2012, fr, WEB,www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXF01013690/tresors-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html, INA Archive (1969) Trésor de la cathédrale de Metz, Lorraine soir, ORTF, VIDEO, 2 July 2012, fr, 14 January 2010,www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXF01013690/tresors-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20100114234017www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXF01013690/tresors-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html,">web.archive.org/web/20100114234017www.ina.fr/art-et-culture/architecture/video/SXF01013690/tresors-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html, dead, WEB,www.ina.fr/economie-et-societe/religion/video/SXC02003845/patrimoine-tresor-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html,www.ina.fr/economie-et-societe/religion/video/SXC02003845/patrimoine-tresor-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html," title="archive.today/20130213103640www.ina.fr/economie-et-societe/religion/video/SXC02003845/patrimoine-tresor-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html,">archive.today/20130213103640www.ina.fr/economie-et-societe/religion/video/SXC02003845/patrimoine-tresor-de-la-cathedrale-de-metz.fr.html, dead, 13 February 2013, INA Archive (1980) Patrimoine: trésor de la cathédrale de Metz, Lorraine soir, France 3 régions, VIDEO, 2 July 2012, fr, Metz Cathedral is sometimes nicknamed the Good Lord’s Lantern (),Jolin J.L. (2001) La lanterne du Bon Dieu. Eds. Serpnoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-495-1}}. {{in lang|fr}} as it has the largest expanse of stained glass windows in the world: {{cvt|6500|m2}}. These include works by Gothic and Renaissance master glass makers Hermann von Münster, Théobald of Lixheim and Valentin Bousch, romantic Charles-Laurent Maréchal, tachist Roger Bissière, cubist Jacques Villon and modernist Marc Chagall.
• Another of the city’s churches displays a complete set of stained glass windows by French modernist Jean Cocteau.WEB,marcmetzmoselle.eklablog.com/metz-les-vitraux-de-jean-cocteau-a-saint-maximin-a105918768, Saint-Maximin church, Cocteau’s artworks., 2 July 2012, fr,

In addition, Metz features other museums and exhibition venues, such as:

• The FRAC Lorraine, a public collection of contemporary art of the Lorraine region. It is located in the 12th-century Saint-Liver Hôtel and organizes exhibitions of local and international contemporary artists.WEB,www.fraclorraine.org/, Official website of the Lorraine Contemporary Arts Gallery., 29 June 2012, fr,
• The Golden Courtyard (), a museum dedicated to the history of Metz, divided into four sections (e.g. archeology, medieval, architecture and fine arts).WEB,musee.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php, Official website of the Golden Courtyard Museum., 29 June 2012, fr, dead,musee.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120616152416musee.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120616152416musee.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php, 16 June 2012, 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.WEB, Museum of the Franco-Prussion War and the Annexion,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, LaLorraine, Sites and monuments, 13 January 2017, 16 January 2017,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, dead, 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 (), 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.WEB,www.robert-schuman.eu/en/robert-schuman-european-centre, Scy-Chazelles: the house of Europe, the Robert Schuman Foundation., 28 February 2014, 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 () is a museum located in the house where the poet Paul Verlaine was born, dedicated to his work, featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions.WEB,www.amis-verlaine.net/, The Verlaine’s Friends, International Association of French Poetry., 1 July 2012, fr, The Solange Bertrand foundation, located in the artist’s former house, conserves and displays her artworks.WEB,valerie.dexemple.perso.neuf.fr/fondation/Accueil.html, Official website of the Solange Bertrand Foundation, gourmet webpage., 1 July 2012, fr, 24 July 2012,valerie.dexemple.perso.neuf.fr/fondation/Accueil.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20120724012859valerie.dexemple.perso.neuf.fr/fondation/Accueil.html,">web.archive.org/web/20120724012859valerie.dexemple.perso.neuf.fr/fondation/Accueil.html, dead, The municipal archives preserve and exhibit Metz’s historical municipal records dating from medieval times to the present.WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/sortir/archive/index.php, Official Metz municipal website, Municipal Archives webpage., 1 July 2012, fr,metz.fr/metz2/sortir/archive/index.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120504023423metz.fr/metz2/sortir/archive/index.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120504023423metz.fr/metz2/sortir/archive/index.php, 4 May 2012, dead,

Entertainment and performing arts

Metz has several venues for the performing arts. The Opera House of Metz, the oldest working opera house in France, features plays, dance and lyric poetry.WEB,opera.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php, Official website of the Opera House of Metz Metropole., 29 June 2012, fr, dead,opera.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120615080657opera.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120615080657opera.metzmetropole.fr/site/index.php, 15 June 2012, The Arsenal Concert Hall, dedicated to art music, is widely renowned for its excellent acoustics.WEB,www.arsenal-metz.fr/, Official website of the Arsenal of Metz., 29 June 2012, fr, Classica (2010) Les hauts lieux de la musique. September, Issue 125 {{in lang|fr}} 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.WEB,www.lestrinitaires.com/, Official website of the Trinitaires., 29 June 2012, fr, 24 April 2012,www.lestrinitaires.com/," title="web.archive.org/web/20120424131630www.lestrinitaires.com/,">web.archive.org/web/20120424131630www.lestrinitaires.com/, dead, The Music Box (), familiarly known as BAM, is the concert venue dedicated to rock and electronic music.WEB,www.bam-metz.fr/, Official website of the BAM., fr, The Braun Hall and the Koltès Theater feature plays, and the city has two movie theaters specializing in Auteur cinema. The 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.WEB,tcrm-blida.com/, Official website of the Tcrm-Blida creative center., 29 June 2014, fr, The artistic complex, called Metz Network of All Cultures () 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. 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 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 neumes to show the shape of a remembered melody.Grier J. (2003) Ademar de Chabannes, Carolingian Musical Practices, and Nota Romana. Journal of the American Musicological Society. 56 (1):43–98. Metz was also an important centre of illumination of Carolingian manuscripts, producing such monuments of Carolingian book illumination as the Drogo Sacramentary.WEB,bm.mairie-metz.fr/clientbookline/home.asp, Official Metz library website, medieval book webpage., 1 July 2012, fr, dead,bm.mairie-metz.fr/clientbookline/home.asp," title="web.archive.org/web/20120621014656bm.mairie-metz.fr/clientbookline/home.asp,">web.archive.org/web/20120621014656bm.mairie-metz.fr/clientbookline/home.asp, 21 June 2012, WEB,bm.mairie-metz.fr/sitebm/commun/patrimoine/galerie%20Vy/index-heures.html, Official Metz library website, Book of Hours of John of Vy., 1 July 2012, fr, dead,bm.mairie-metz.fr/sitebm/commun/patrimoine/galerie%20Vy/index-heures.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20120114103409bm.mairie-metz.fr/sitebm/commun/patrimoine/galerie%20Vy/index-heures.html,">web.archive.org/web/20120114103409bm.mairie-metz.fr/sitebm/commun/patrimoine/galerie%20Vy/index-heures.html, 14 January 2012, The Metz School () was an art movement in Metz and the region between 1834 and 1870, centred on Charles-Laurent Maréchal.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}} 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. 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}}. 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.WEB,festival-passages.org, Accueil – Festival Passages Metz,web.archive.org/web/20210312144304/https://www.festival-passages.org/, 12 March 2021,

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.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}} Writers from Metz tend to present the legend as an allegory of Christianity’s victory over paganism, represented by the harmful dragon.

Cuisine

Local specialties include quiche, potée, Lorraine pâté and also suckling pig.Sassi J. (2002) Cuisine, terroir et traditions de Moselle. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|2-87692-534-6}} {{in lang|fr}}WEB,tourisme.metz.fr/en/mes_attentes/gastronomie.php,tourisme.metz.fr/en/mes_attentes/gastronomie.php," title="archive.today/20130213115249tourisme.metz.fr/en/mes_attentes/gastronomie.php,">archive.today/20130213115249tourisme.metz.fr/en/mes_attentes/gastronomie.php, dead, 13 February 2013, Official Metz tourism website, gourmet webpage., 1 July 2012, Various dishes such as jam, tart, charcuterie and fruit brandy are made from the Mirabelle and Damsons. Metz is the home of some pastries, such as Metz cheese pie and Metz Balls (), a ganache-stuffed biscuit coated with marzipan, caramel and dark chocolate. Local beverages include Moselle wine and Amos beer. The 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.WEB,siteindex.francetoday.com/covered-market.html, France Today magazine, Covered Market webpage., 6 May 2012, fr, dead,siteindex.francetoday.com/covered-market.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20110929130112siteindex.francetoday.com/covered-market.html,">web.archive.org/web/20110929130112siteindex.francetoday.com/covered-market.html, 29 September 2011, The adjacent Chamber’s Square () is surrounded by numerous restaurants serving local food.

Celebrations and events

Many events are celebrated in Metz throughout the year.WEB,tourisme.metz.fr/fr/metz/fun/sortie-907121-0-0.php#.T-5cBXCkQVk, 17 February 2013,tourisme.metz.fr/fr/metz/fun/sortie-907121-0-0.php%23.T-5cBXCkQVk," title="archive.today/20130217123447tourisme.metz.fr/fr/metz/fun/sortie-907121-0-0.php%23.T-5cBXCkQVk,">archive.today/20130217123447tourisme.metz.fr/fr/metz/fun/sortie-907121-0-0.php%23.T-5cBXCkQVk, dead, Official website of the Metz tourism office, events calendar (automated updates)., fr, 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.WEB,fetesdelamirabelle.fr/,www.fetesdelamirabelle.fr/," title="web.archive.org/web/20120630113513www.fetesdelamirabelle.fr/,">web.archive.org/web/20120630113513www.fetesdelamirabelle.fr/, dead, 30 June 2012, Official website of the Mirabelle Festival in Metz., 1 July 2012, fr, 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.WEB,www.noel-a-metz.com/, Official website of the Christmas Market in Metz., 1 July 2012, fr, dead,www.noel-a-metz.com/," title="web.archive.org/web/20120623093017www.noel-a-metz.com/,">web.archive.org/web/20120623093017www.noel-a-metz.com/, 23 June 2012, Finally, a Saint Nicholas parade honors the patron saint of the Lorraine region in December.

Sport

File:Stade Saint-Symphorien, Metz (14219502229).jpg|thumb|Stade Saint-SymphorienStade Saint-SymphorienMetz 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 French League Cup (in 1986 and 1996), and was French championship runner-up in 1998.WEB,www.fcmetz.com/historique/palmares, Official website of the Football Club de Metz, Honours., 1 July 2012, fr, FC Metz has also gained recognition in France and Europe for its successful youth academy, winning the Gambardella Cup 3 times in 1981, 2001 and 2010. The 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.WEB,www.metz-handball.com/historique.php, Official website of Metz Handball, Honours., fr, dead,www.metz-handball.com/historique.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120530035802www.metz-handball.com/historique.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120530035802www.metz-handball.com/historique.php, 30 May 2012, The Metz Arena has been the home of Metz Handball since 2002.Since 2003, Metz has been home to the Moselle Open, an ATP World Tour 250 tournament played on indoor hard courts, which usually takes place in September.WEB,www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Tournaments/Metz.aspx, ATP official webpage of the Moselle Open., {| class=“wikitable“! Club !! Event !! Sport !! Leagues and Cups !! StadiumFC MetzHTTP://WWW.FCMETZ.COM/ LANGUAGE=FR, || Association footballLigue 1, Coupe de France>French Cup, French League CupStade Saint-Symphorien>Saint-Symphorien stadiumMetz HandballHTTP://WWW.METZ-HANDBALL.COM/ LANGUAGE=FR, || HandballFrench Women’s Handball Championship>French Women’s First League, EHF Women’s Champions LeagueArènes de Metz>Metz ArenaLANGUAGE=FR ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20120703015355/HTTP://HOCKEY-CLUB-METZ.FR/, 3 July 2012, || Ice hockey| French Men’s Second League| Saint-Symphorien Ice Ring| Metz Ronde Pétanque|| Pétanque| French Championship, European Cup| Saint-Symphorien ArenaLANGUAGE=FR ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20120614054322/HTTP://WWW.METZTT.FR/METZ-TENNIS-DE-TABLE/, 14 June 2012, || Table Tennis| French Women’s Pro A; French Men’s Pro B| Saint-Symphorien Arena|Open de Moselle>Moselle OpenHTTP://WWW.MOSELLE-OPEN.COM/ >TITLE=OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE MOSELLE OPEN TOURNAMENT., fr, | TennisATP World Tour 250 series>ATP World Tour 250 tournamentArènes de Metz>Metz Arena|LANGUAGE=FR ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20120731213408/HTTP://WWW.ALLIANZGOLFTOUR.FR/ALLIANZ-OPEN-DE-LA-MIRABELLE-DOR/PRESENTATION, 31 July 2012, | Golf| Allianz Golf Tour| Technopole Golf Course|URL-STATUS=DEAD ARCHIVE-DATE=25 MAY 2012, Athletics (sport)>Athletics|| Metz Urban Agglomeration

Education

File:GT Lorraine.jpg|thumb|Georgia Tech LorraineGeorgia Tech Lorraine

High schools

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

University of Lorraine

Metz is also home to the University of Lorraine (often abbreviated as UdL).WEB,www.univ-lorraine.fr/, Official website of the University of Lorraine., 29 June 2012, fr, The university is divided into two university centers, one in Metz (material sciences, technology and management) and one in 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,WEB,www.shanghairanking.com/fr/ARWU2015.html, 2016 Academic Ranking of World Universities., HTL, 21 June 2016, en,www.shanghairanking.com/fr/ARWU2015.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20160625115248www.shanghairanking.com/fr/ARWU2015.html,">web.archive.org/web/20160625115248www.shanghairanking.com/fr/ARWU2015.html, 25 June 2016, dead, has a student body of over 55,000 and offers 101 accredited research centers organized in 9 research areas and 8 doctoral colleges.WEB,www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_chiffres_cles.pdf, University of Lorraine, key numbers., 29 June 2012, fr, 28 March 2012,www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_chiffres_cles.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20120328161516www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_chiffres_cles.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20120328161516www.univ-lorraine.fr/sites/www.univ-lorraine.fr/files/node_files/publics/users/falgas5/2012/03/univ-lorraine_chiffres_cles.pdf, dead,

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.WEB,lorraine.gatech.edu/about, About | GT Lorraine | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA, In 1996, the engineering school Arts et Métiers ParisTech (ENSAM) built a research and learning center next to the golf course.WEB,tout-metz.com/quartiers/technopole-metz, Technopôle de Metz, 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 Station Palace in the Imperial District, built 1905–1908 during German rule.]]

Local transport

Public transport includes a bus rapid transit system, called Mettis.WEB,mettis.metzmetropole.fr/, Official website of Mettis., 29 June 2012, fr, dead,mettis.metzmetropole.fr/," title="web.archive.org/web/20120626220602mettis.metzmetropole.fr/,">web.archive.org/web/20120626220602mettis.metzmetropole.fr/, 26 June 2012, Mettis vehicles are high-capacity hybrid bi-articulated buses built by Van Hool,WEB,www.vanhool.be/ENG/highlights/vanhoolpresentst.html, Van Hool presents the ExquiCity Design Mettis., 5 June 2012, dead,www.vanhool.be/ENG/highlights/vanhoolpresentst.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20130605074801www.vanhool.be/ENG/highlights/vanhoolpresentst.html,">web.archive.org/web/20130605074801www.vanhool.be/ENG/highlights/vanhoolpresentst.html, 5 June 2013, 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. The time from Paris (Gare de l’Est) to Metz is 82 minutes. Additionally, Metz is served by the Lorraine TGV railway station, located at 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 of two major road axes: the Eastern Motorway, itself a part of the European route E50 connecting Paris to Prague, and the A31 Motorway, which goes north to Luxembourg and south to the Mediterranean Sea towards Nancy, Dijon and Lyon.

Airports

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

Waterways

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

Main sights

File:Temple de Metz mai 2009.jpg|thumb|The iconic Protestant church Temple Neuf on the Moselle riverWEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/moyenpont.php, Protestant church webcam, VIDEO, 6 July 2012, dead,metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/moyenpont.php," title="web.archive.org/web/20120604033514metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/moyenpont.php,">web.archive.org/web/20120604033514metz.fr/metz2/decouvrir/webcam/moyenpont.php, 4 June 2012, ]]{{See also|List of Historic Monuments in Metz, France}}

Religious heritage

• the Gothic Saint Stephen’s cathedral built during the 13th century. The cathedral is nicknamed the Good Lord’s Lantern (), as it has the largest expanse of stained glass windows in the world and the tenth-highest nave in the world.Kuhn-Mutter M.A. (2011) Oratorio pour une cathédrale. Eds. Serpenoise. {{ISBN|978-2-87692-887-9}} {{in lang|fr}}
• the Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains basilica, one of the oldest churches in the world and cradle of the Gregorian Chant.
• Saint Maximin’s church featuring stained glass windows by French artist Jean Cocteau,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}} and the Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus church built by French architect Roger-Henri Expert.
• the 13th-century Romanesque Knights Templar’s chapel, once part of the Templar commandery of Metz, the oldest Templar institution in the Holy Roman Empire.

Civil heritage

• The opera house of Metz Metropole built during the 18th century in Tuscany-influenced neo-Classical style. It is the oldest working opera house in France and one of the oldest in Europe.
• The birthplaces of Paul 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 granaries and several Hôtels.

Administrative heritage

• the town square and its surrounding Neoclassical buildings, built by French architect Jacques-François Blondel.WEB,www.univ-metz.fr/recherche/labos/2l2s/activites/JF-Blondel-Colloque-mars-2010.pdf, City embellishment by Jacques-François Blondel, Seminar series, March 2010, 1 July 2012, fr, dead,www.webcitation.org/68qkJXdr7?url=http://www.univ-metz.fr/recherche/labos/2l2s/activites/JF-Blondel-Colloque-mars-2010.pdf, 2 July 2012,
• the Neoclassical courthouse (former Governor’s Palace), built by French artist Charles-Louis Clérisseau, location in 1775 of the Diner of Metz when Lafayette met Marquis of Ruffec and Duke of Gloucester and decided to support the American Revolutionary War.
• the Romanesque Revival Station-Palace and Central Post Office, built by German architect Jürgen Kröger.
• the Northeast France defence headquarters (former Kaiser headquarters), built by German architects Schönhals and Stolterfoth in a neo-Flemish style.

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 in 1552–53 by Emperor Charles V.
• the ruins of the city’s defensive walls dating from ancient history to the 18th century, and the extensive 19th- and 20th-century fortifications of Metz.
• the Fort of Queuleu, also called the Hell of Queuleu (), used by the Germans as a detention and interrogation centre for members of the French Resistance during the Second World War.WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_point15.pdf,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_point15.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20160307053633www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_point15.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20160307053633www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/cm100429/doc/100429_cm_point15.pdf, dead, 7 March 2016, Official municipal website, municipal council April 2010, Commemorative plate at Queuleu fort., 30 April 2010, fr,
• 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(:fr:QuattroPole|(FR)) (:de:QuattroPole|(DE)) union of cities, along with Luxembourg, Saarbrücken and Trier (neighbouring countries: Luxembourg, France, and Germany).WEB,www.quattropole.org/en/home, Official website of the Quattropole city union., 30 June 2011, dead,www.quattropole.org/en/home," title="web.archive.org/web/20110710034159www.quattropole.org/en/home,">web.archive.org/web/20110710034159www.quattropole.org/en/home, 10 July 2011, Metz has a central place in the Greater Region and of the economic SaarLorLux Euroregion. Metz is also twin town with:WEB,www.metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=1163, Metz Municipal Council, 1 June 2012, fr,metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=1163," title="web.archive.org/web/20121116052559metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=1163,">web.archive.org/web/20121116052559metz.fr/metz2/municipalite/cyber_mairie/conseil/point.php?id_chapitre=1163, 16 November 2012, dead,

• {{flagicon|GER}} Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, from 1957
• {{flagicon|UK}} Gloucester, England, United Kingdom, from 1967WEB,www.completefrance.com/language-culture/twin-towns, British towns twinned with French towns, 11 July 2013, Archant Community Media Ltd,
• {{flagicon|ISR}} Karmiel, Israel, from 1984WEB, Réception du groupe Classical Fusion de Karmiel,www.engagespourmetz.fr/actualites/reception-du-groupe-classical-fusion-de-karmiel-887,www.engagespourmetz.fr/actualites/reception-du-groupe-classical-fusion-de-karmiel-887," title="web.archive.org/web/20200225094458www.engagespourmetz.fr/actualites/reception-du-groupe-classical-fusion-de-karmiel-887,">web.archive.org/web/20200225094458www.engagespourmetz.fr/actualites/reception-du-groupe-classical-fusion-de-karmiel-887, dead, 25 February 2020, engagespourmetz.fr, Engagés es pour Metz, fr, 21 August 2019, 19 November 2019,
• {{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}}