Golden stone, luminous stained glass, and bold contemporary design give Metz a distinctive character in northeastern France. At its heart, the magnificent Saint Stephen’s Cathedral rises above medieval streets and elegant squares, its extraordinary stained-glass windows illuminating centuries of history.

Follow the Moselle and Seille rivers through leafy promenades and gardens, or pause among the grand open spaces of the Esplanade. Metz also looks firmly to the future at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, whose striking architecture houses an ever-changing program of modern and contemporary art. From Roman heritage and Gothic treasures to riverside scenery and cutting-edge culture, Metz rewards travelers with a city break that feels both historic and refreshingly creative.