Metz

Built at the confluence of the rivers Moselle and Seille, Metz dates back more than 3,000 years. Artefacts have been found here dated to the Bronze Age. Built on a strategic hill, its history includes periods of bitter fighting.

Its wealthiest period was from 1179 until well into the 15^th Century. In 1552 the Duc de Guise, defending the city, was besieged by Charles V and in 1648 at the end of the thirty years war, Metz was confirmed French under Louis XIII. The war between Germany and France in 1870-71 saw Metz come under German annexation, returning to France after 1918, only to be annexed again during 1940-44.

Metz is now a hub for road and rail networks and is the capital of Lorraine. It is known as the city of communications and new technologies. It has much to offer the tourist with time to wander through the streets absorbing the local history. The city is dominated from all directions by the beautiful Cathedral of St Stephen with its myriad of stained-glass windows from the 13^th to 20^th Centuries.

For more tourist information and history, see Premier Pages (Wine Regions, Places of interest)