6 places to discover between Metz and Nancy

Between culture and nature, the city of Metz offers many opportunities for entertainment and discovery!

After having eaten at the foot of the cathedral in a small bistro, we begin our exploration of the city by getting lost in the small streets around the imposing cathedral.

A few minutes later we are on the promenade along the Moselle where we admire the New Temple which stands in the middle of its island between two arms of the river.

What really impressed us in the city of Metz was the number of landscaped green spaces available.

With approximately 45m² of greenery per inhabitant, the city of Metz is one of the greenest cities in France.

Another asset of the city is the number of museums and cultural centers it houses!

Between the Centre Pompidou, the Court of Gold Museum, the Opera House and many others, you'll be spoiled for choice!

Fortified ancient city, Metz still includes some vestiges of its medieval history.

Leaving the city a little you will come across the imposing German Gate which constitutes today the most important vestige of its former ramparts.

Located southwest of the city of Metz, the Madine lake is an artificial body of water that stands out for its surface area (it is indeed the largest lake in Lorraine in terms of area!).

Classified as a nature reserve, this lake is also an essential place of entertainment in the region.

Many activities are available for everyone's enjoyment!

    •  Bike rides

    •  Treetop adventures

    •  Swimming

    •  Windsurfing

    •  …

You can also find numerous accommodation options such as gîtes, campsites, or even caravans!

Not far from Lake Madine is Montsec Hill and its monument commemorating the American offensives at the end of World War I.

With its altitude of 377 meters, the hill offers a panoramic view of Lake Madine and its surroundings.

The monument erected in 1932 is worth a visit on its own and contains numerous explanations about the details of this 1918 offensive.

Located a few kilometers west of Metz city center, Mount St. Quentin overlooks the Moselle valley.

In the 9th century, Mount St. Quentin housed an oratory where the relics of St. Quentin (hence its name) were placed.

This small mountain remained a sacred place for a long time before becoming a strategic point during the annexation by the Germans at the end of the 19th century.

All of this history has left behind numerous religious or military vestiges, which give the place a rather special atmosphere when you wander among all these ruins.

At the summit of the mountain, you will have an essential view of the Messine region.

We will have taken a beautiful walk on Mount St Quentin, following the many paths through the forest amidst ruins!

About 50km south of Metz and only 75km from the Vosges mountains, is the city of Nancy.

Despite its reputation as the densest city in France, the large squares and green spaces it contains give us a feeling of space and grandeur!

If there is one place next to which you cannot pass if you come to Nancy, it is the Place Stanislas! With its imposing town hall, fountains and sculptures all adorned with beautiful gold leaf, it will fill your eyes!

Urban art plays a very important role in the city; there is also a route you can follow to discover the various works present in the city.

Just like Metz, Nancy has an important medieval history, but the vestiges of this era have been much better preserved in the city. The ramparts walk is a very good example.

Last destination and not the least, the Lake of Pierre-Percée will remain our favorite discovery of our exploration between Metz and Nancy!

This artificial lake located southeast of Nancy is the largest water reservoir in the Lorraine region by volume.

Like Lake Madine, Lake Pierre Percée offers activities such as ziplining, kayaking, pedalo, …

The location is also known for sailing or motor boating enthusiasts (provided it is electric). 

It is easy to walk or cycle around the lake, and the surrounding pine forests and the shape of the lake are reminiscent of Canadian lakes!

If you are in the area, we also recommend visiting the Château de Salm, located just above the small village of Pierre-Percée, from where you will have a breathtaking view of the lake and its surroundings!