Metz Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h15 and 27 Audio Comments

This street of the Germans obviously led us to the German Gate! But contrary to what one might think, its name does not come from its geographical location towards Germany, nor even from a German occupation!

The little rue de la Baue takes you to Saint-Maximin Church, which is just on your left. The place may not be well known, but it deserves to be known!

You are now in St. Louis Square, where the main streets of downtown Metz open. It is the favorite place of locals and tourists alike. Place Saint-Louis dates from the Middle Ages.

See the statue of Our Lady of Prisoners on your left. It marks the Gothic portal of the former Saint Nicholas Hospice.

I just wanted to tell you, in case you were wondering, that the tower you see on your left is the tower of the old water tower.

Here you are on the magnificent Place Raymond Mondon. It is really very elegant with all these beautiful buildings. It’s normal, it’s the old imperial square.

The Camoufle Tower you see there is a vestige of the old medieval enclosure of Metz. It is one of the few towers to have been preserved. It was built in 1437 when the ramparts were reinforced on the site of an ancient Gallo-Roman tower.

There's the Serpenese gate on your left. Today the cities are expanding and merging, but from the 3rd century, to the construction of the first Roman rampart, to the destruction of the last rampart at the beginning of the 20th century, the city was well demarcated and protected.

This beautiful German neo-renaissance palace that you now face is the Governor's Palace. It was called before the “General Commando”.

You are in front of the old arsenal of Metz, built on the orders of Napoleon III in the 1860s, facing the rise of Prussia.

This ensemble that you now see before you, is the church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains. Built in the 4th century, it is one of the oldest churches in the world!

You arrive at the charming port of the quai des Régates. This small marina is labelled Blue Flag of Europe, which, incidentally, means that the place pursues a policy of sustainable tourism development and guarantees good environmental quality.

The lake of Metz is the ideal place to take a break from nature in your discovery of the city. You can go around in just one kilometer or enjoy the tranquility of the place.

You are now on the other side of the water. You certainly don't realize it, but you're on an island.

You cross the Middle Bridge, without which you would not have access to the superb postcard view of Metz. This bridge, built more than 700 years ago, now has only one of its original arches.

Here is this famous new temple!! It is even more beautiful up close with these beautifully sculpted details! It was built at the time of Metz’s accession to the German Empire.

You are facing the magnificent Opera Theatre of Metz, in the heart of Place de la Comédie. Well, it is one of the first theatres to be built in France and the oldest still in activity.

This little walk on the docks leads you to the Pont Saint-Georges, which offers a nice view on the other side, the old mill of the thermal baths, and the old wash house.

You now arrive at Place Jeanne d’Arc, built in 1905 during the reconstruction of the beautiful Sainte-Ségolène church.

This historic building, on your left, houses the Lorraine FRAC. FRAC means Regional Contemporary Art Fund.

Do you know why the street you’re walking up is called Taison Street? Because people used to whisper: “Let’s shut up, shut up, the Graouilly hangs over the city!”

You now arrive at the Place d’Armes. It was designed at the end of the 18th century, as the centrepiece of the urban development desired by Belle Isle in 1754 and realized by the architect Jacques-François Blondel 10 years later.

There it is, at last, this splendid cathedral of Saint Stephen. It is unique and one of the most impressive cathedrals in France.

The small square that opens on the right side of the street, allows you to observe at your leisure, the beautiful facade of the house of heads.

This small church well installed in its cobblestone square is the Church of Saint Eucarius. The very first version of the building dates from the 5th century, and was then located outside the city walls.

No, you are not in front of a cathedral or an old castle , it is the Metz train station. Monumental and impressive, there is no shortage of adjectives to describe this incredible monument.

We stay in the imposing monuments with the huge Post Inn facing the station. This central post office is a jewel of neo-Romanesque architecture and is classified as a historic monument.