Located in the heart of Lorraine and at the crossroads of major European routes, Metz Metz is a bold metropolis that surprises with its rich heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and generous cuisine. Long overlooked, the city of Metz is now establishing itself as a top destination for a long weekend, a business trip, a corporate seminar, or a group or family outing.
Whether you're passionate about Gothic architecture, a contemporary art enthusiast, an epicurean seeking local specialties, or a group travel organizer, Metz offers a variety of memorable experiences. To fully enjoy the city without the hassles of parking or logistics, consider using a customized transportation solution like the minivan hire with driver Francebus proves to be the key to a smooth and successful stay.
Discover through this article Francebus' selection of places, restaurants and activities to do during your weekend in Metz and logistical advice to organize your travels with complete peace of mind.
I. Metz, the shining gem of the Grand Est
Metz is a city of a thousand faces, shaped by more than 3,000 years of history. Capital of the kingdom of Austrasia under the Carolingians, then prosperous Republic of Metz before being annexed to France and experiencing significant Germanic influences between 1871 and 1918, the city boasts an architectural identity unique in Europe.
Its visual signature relies largely on the Jaumont stone, This golden honey-colored limestone captures the light and gives Metz's buildings an inimitable, warm glow. From the medieval ramparts to the imperial avenues of the Prussian era, each district tells a story.
Metz is also one of the pioneers of urban ecology in France. With its 580 hectares of green spaces, its landscaped riverbanks along the Moselle and Seille rivers, and its lake right in the city center, the city amply deserves its title of «"Garden City"». The arrival of the Centre Pompidou-Metz in 2010 crowned this renewal by propelling the city to the rank of a first-rate European cultural capital.
For event organizers, travel agencies, and business groups, Metz benefits from a strategic location just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Paris by TGV, and in close proximity to Luxembourg, Germany, and Belgium. Logistics are simplified when working with professionals in the field. B2B and B2C group transport capable of providing transfers to train stations, airports and convention centers.
Visit the City of Metz website.
II. What to see, what to do and what to eat in Metz in a weekend?
Here's the ideal itinerary to maximize your time and discover the best of Metz. For each stop, we provide details about the location, its main attractions, practical information, and the logistical advantages of private minivan transport.
1. What to see in Metz: 6 must-see monuments and places
1. Metz Cathedral 
Nicknamed the «"Lantern of God"», Saint-Étienne Cathedral boasts the largest stained-glass surface area in Europe, with nearly 6,500 square meters of glass. Built between 1220 and 1552, its nave soars to a height of over 41 meters. The stained-glass windows span all centuries, from the Middle Ages to modern creations by Marc Chagall, Jacques Villon, and Laurent Charles.
✨ Strengths: A masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic, impressive natural lighting, a central location on the Place d'Armes.
📍 Address: 2 Place de Chambre, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: The historic center around the cathedral has pedestrian zones with restricted access. A Francebus minivan can drop off your group as close as possible to the pedestrian zone without the stress of parking for the driver.
Visit the official website of Metz Cathedral.
2. The Centre Pompidou-Metz 
Inaugurated in 2010, this contemporary art center, designed by architects Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines, has become a symbol of modernity in Metz. Its bold roof, inspired by a traditional Chinese hat, houses modular galleries presenting internationally renowned temporary exhibitions.
✨ Strengths: Iconic architecture, world-class modern art exhibitions, spacious forecourt suitable for hosting groups.
📍 Address: 1 Parv. des Droits de l'Homme CS 90490, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Located right next to the TGV station, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is the ideal starting point for a tour. A private minivan will pick up your group as soon as they leave the museum and take them directly to the next sites without wasting any time.
Visit the official website of the Centre Pompidou.
3. The German Gate and the Ramparts 
A veritable fortress overlooking the Seille, the Porte des Allemands is the most important vestige of the old medieval fortifications of Metz. It owes its name to the Teutonic Knights who had founded a hospital nearby in the 13th century.
✨ Strengths: Preserved defensive military architecture, romantic stroll along the ramparts, temporary exhibitions.
📍 Address: Boulevard André Maginot, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Access to the ramparts is located on the edge of the city center, where parking spaces for buses and cars are scarce. A quick drop-off by minivan ensures comfort and safety for your tour group.
Visit the official website of La Porte des Allemands and the Ramparts.
4. The Imperial Quarter and Metz Station
Voted the most beautiful train station in France several times, the Metz train station building was constructed during the German annexation at the beginning of the 20th century in a monumental Neo-Romanesque style. The surrounding Imperial Quarter offers a unique panorama of Wilhelmine architecture.
✨ Strengths: Remarkable architectural heritage, rich history, proximity to shops and business hotels.
📍 Address: Place du Général de Gaulle, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Ideal for business transfers. Your driver will meet your colleagues or clients directly at the platform exit with a personalized VIP shuttle.
Visit the official website of the Metz Tourist Office.
5. The Golden Court Museum 
Nestled within former Gallo-Roman religious buildings and baths, this museum houses exceptional collections of Roman archaeology, medieval art, and the history of Metz. Among the highlights are the ceiling paintings and the Graoully stele.
✨ Strengths: Deep historical immersion, Roman baths preserved in situ, captivating setting.
📍 Address: 2 Rue du Haut Poirier, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Located in the steep alleyways of the old town, the museum is difficult to access for large coaches. An 8- or 16-seater minivan is the perfect size for easily navigating these narrow streets.
Visit the official website of the Cour d'Or Museum.
6. Saint-Louis Square
This picturesque square, lined with 14th-century Italian-inspired arcades, recalls the financial golden age of the Republic of Metz. Today, it hosts numerous lively terraces and the famous Christmas market in winter.
✨ Strengths: Medieval and southern atmosphere, friendly terraces, central location.
📍 Address: Place Saint-Louis, 57000 Metz.
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Makes it easy to arrange a pick-up at the end of the evening after a drink or team dinner in the square, guaranteeing a safe return to the hotel.
Visit the official website of the Metz Tourist Office.
2. What to do in Metz: 6 unmissable activities and experiences
1. A solar-powered boat trip on the Moselle 
Embark on a peaceful and eco-friendly cruise along the water. Departing from the Plan d'Eau or the Quai des Régates, these electric boats offer a unique way to discover the city from a pristine maritime perspective.
✨ Strengths: Zen activity, zero carbon emissions, magnificent views of the Temple Neuf and the Île du Petit Saulcy.
📍 Address: Quai des Régates / Plan d'Eau, 57000 Metz.
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Allows you to bring your group's equipment and time the minivan's arrival perfectly for docking to continue the weekend program.
Visit the official website of Bateaux Solis Mettensis.
2. Admire the spectacle of the Temple Neuf in the Garden of Love 
Located on the Île du Petit Saulcy, the neo-Romanesque Temple Neuf appears to float on the Moselle River. The Jardin d'Amour, situated at the island's tip, offers the best view to capture your visit to Metz.
✨ Strengths: The most photographed setting in Metz, a romantic garden, absolute calm in the heart of the city.
📍 Address: Place de la Comédie, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: The proximity of the Opera Theatre allows for an ideal drop-off stop for a group photo shoot before heading to your next appointment.
Visit the official Céleste Expérience website.
3. Explore the nighttime route of the Constellations Festival (in season) 
Throughout the summer, the festival Constellations of Metz transforms the city into an open-air digital art gallery. Spectacular video mappings are projected onto Saint-Étienne Cathedral and along digital art trails.
✨ Strengths: Free event, magnificent illuminations, magical cultural experience in a group.
📍 Address: 1 Place d'Armes, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Finishing a night tour at midnight can be tiring. Your private minivan will be waiting for your group at a pre-arranged meeting point for a customized pick-up.
Visit the official Constellations de Metz website.
4. Stroll around the Esplanade and the Botanical Garden 
The Esplanade offers a vast landscaped balcony overlooking Mont Saint-Quentin. A little further south, the Botanical Garden features greenhouses dating from the late 19th century as well as a remarkable floral collection.
✨ Strengths: A break in nature, exceptional historic greenhouses, ponds and centuries-old trees.
📍 Address: Rue de la Horgne, 57000 Montigny-lès-Metz (Botanical Garden)
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: The Botanical Garden is located outside the historic center. Renting a Francebus minivan allows you to travel between the two sites in less than 10 minutes without using public transport.
Consult the official website of the city of Metz.
5. Attend a performance at the Metz Opera-Theatre 
The oldest opera house still in operation in France (inaugurated in 1752), the Opéra-Théâtre de Metz offers a prestigious program of operas, ballets and plays in a sumptuous classical setting.
✨ Strengths: Historic hall of great elegance, high-level artistic programming, majestic setting on the Place de la Comédie.
📍 Address: Metz Opera-Theatre, 5 Place de la Comédie, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Ideal for a prestigious corporate event. Guests arrive in evening attire directly at the steps of the opera house in a high-end chauffeur-driven vehicle.
Visit the official website of the Metz Opera-Theatre.
6. Take a wine tour on the Moselle Wine Route
Just a few kilometers from Metz, the Moselle vineyards (AOC Moselle) stretch across sunny hillsides. A tasting at local wineries offers the chance to discover fine grape varieties such as Auxerrois, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.
✨ Strengths: Rolling landscapes, encounters with local producers, tasting of local products.
📍 Address: Moselle Wine Route (Vaux, Jussy, Marange-Silvange).
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: The ultimate safety advantage: you can enjoy wine tastings with complete peace of mind. Your professional driver will take the wheel to ensure smooth transportation between the vineyards.
Visit the official website of the Metz Tourist Office.
3. What to eat and where in Metz: 6 specialties and gourmet addresses
1. The Covered Market and Chez Mauricette 
Housed in a building originally intended to be an episcopal palace, the Metz Covered Market It is the temple of local gastronomy. Chez Mauricette is a true institution where you can enjoy platters of Lorraine charcuterie and cheeses in an ultra-convivial atmosphere.
✨ Strengths: Ultra-fresh products, authentic atmosphere, ideal for a quick and delicious lunch.
📍 Address: 15 Rue d'Estrées, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Possibility to load gourmet purchases (cured meats, liqueurs, cakes) into the spacious trunk of the minivan before continuing the day of sightseeing.
Visit the official website of the Metz Covered Market.
2. Enjoy a real, traditional Quiche Lorraine
An essential symbol of the region, the true quiche Lorraine contains neither cheese nor onions, but rather a custard filling (a mixture of eggs and cream) and rustic bacon on a crisp shortcrust pastry base. Artisan bakeries like Maison Lemoy prepare it according to time-honored traditions.
✨ Strengths: An authentic and comforting dish, perfect for a quick bite or a meal in a brasserie.
📍 Address: 5 Rue François de Curel, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: A quick stop with your minivan allows you to pick up an assortment of regional specialties for an impromptu picnic by the lake.
Visit the official website of La Maison Lemoy.
3. The Mirabelle plum of Lorraine in all its forms
The king of fruits in the region! Whether enjoyed in a fine tart, jam, sweets or digestive brandy, the Mirabelle plum from Lorraine benefits from a PGI guaranteeing its exceptional sweet taste.
✨ Strengths: A mild and fragrant flavor, suitable from breakfast to after-dinner digestif.
📍 Address: 17 Rue du Grand Cerf, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Allows you to organize a shop stop on the return journey to buy liqueurs and souvenir boxes without luggage weight restrictions.
Visit the official website of Confiserie Fresson.
4. The "Le Paris-Metz" Pastry Shop«
Created in 2008 to mark the inauguration of the TGV Est line, this original pastry consists of a two-tone macaron (mirabelle yellow and raspberry) filled with a mousseline with a delicious mirabelle candy flavor and fresh raspberries.
✨ Strengths: A modern gourmet creation, a nod to the city's railway history.
📍 Address: Pastry shops that are partners of the Moselle Pastry Chefs' Union in Metz.
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Ideal for offering a sweet VIP welcome to your passengers directly on board the minivan when they are picked up at the station.
Visit the official Tout-Metz website.
5. Gourmet dinner at the restaurant "Derrière Les Murs"« 
Nestled in a historic building with exposed stone, this renowned restaurant offers refined cuisine showcasing local produce revisited with creativity and elegance.
✨ Strengths: Warm, intimate setting, excellent wine list, attentive service.
📍 Address: 17 Rue de la Chèvre, 57000 Metz
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: Ensures a peaceful end to your group meals or business dinners. Your driver will escort each participant back to their hotel.
Visit the official website of the Derrière restaurant in Metz.
6. A craft beer at the Brasserie Les 3MousseQuetaires 
Lorraine is a historic land of brewers. The local scene in Metz is full of microbreweries and friendly pubs offering amber, blonde or mirabelle-flavored craft beers.
✨ Strengths: Festive and popular atmosphere, discovery of local brewing creations.
📍 Address: 43 Av. de Nancy, 57000 Metz.
🚌 Advantages of renting minivans: A dedicated night shuttle service allows the entire group to enjoy the conviviality of Metz evenings in complete responsibility.
Visit the official website of Bar Les 3MousseQuetaires.
III. Why choose minivan hire with driver with Francebus for your weekend in Metz?
Organizing a group weekend in Metz (family, friends, company outings, official delegations) requires flawless planning. Urban traffic, finding suitable parking, and coordinating schedules can quickly become sources of stress.
Trusting Francebus Renting your minivan with a driver in Metz offers decisive advantages:
⭐ Premium comfort: Our minivans (Mercedes V-Class or equivalent) feature leather seats, multi-zone climate control, onboard Wi-Fi and USB ports.
⭐ Regional professional drivers: Our private drivers have extensive knowledge of the Metz metropolitan area and the Grand Est region. They adapt routes in real time to avoid traffic jams.
⭐ Tailor-made flexibility: Transfers between train stations/airports (Metz-Nancy Lorraine, Luxembourg, Strasbourg), travel between seminar venues and day trips for tourists.
⭐ Optimal value for money: For groups of 4 to 16 people, a private minivan is an economical, friendly and ecological alternative to travelling in several individual cars.
IV. Why choose Francebus as your transport partner for your weekend in Metz?
Organizing a group trip to a historic city like Nancy requires specialized logistical expertise. Whether you are a tourist, a company, or an association, we are the ideal partner. key partner to transform your trip into a seamless and high-end experience.
👉 A suitable fleet: We don't just transport you; we offer you a a haven of comfort. Our fleet is rigorously maintained and renewed to meet the strictest environmental standards.
- Minivans (7 seats)
- Minibus (19 seats)
- Midibus (25-35 seats)
- Standard and extra-long coaches (49 seats and more)
- Double-decker coaches (80 seats and more)
- Luxury sedans (3 places)
👉 Local expertise and rigorous punctuality: Metz is a city with sometimes complex access points, especially in the city centre.
- Mastery of the terrain: Our drivers are fully familiar with the authorized drop-off zones near museums and hotels in the city center.
- Traffic management: Thanks to our knowledge of traffic flows, we optimize your routes to meet your schedule down to the minute.
👉 A tailor-made and flexible service: Each group is unique, which is why our The offer is 100 % customizable.
- 24/7 availability: Whether it's an early morning transfer to Metz train station or a late return after a gala dinner, our teams are ready to assist you.
- Logistical support: Beyond simply providing transportation, we can advise you on the best travel times between two visits to avoid any rushing.
👉 Total security and peace of mind: The safety of our passengers is our priority. top priority.
- Professional drivers: All our drivers are trained in defensive driving and have excellent presentation skills, making them true ambassadors for your stay.
- Zero parking stress: Forget the hassle of finding coach parking or expensive parking fees. Your driver drops you off at your destination and picks you up again with a simple phone call.
Discover our bus rental services in Metz.
Choosing Francebus means to make sure :
✅ comfort
✅ reliability
✅ punctuality
✅ safety
✅ peace of mind
Don't hesitate any longer and travel with Francebus!
Request your free quote online.
Read more:
Top 15 places to visit in Nancy by bus.
The most beautiful Christmas markets in France and its neighboring countries.
