Metz ‘Runseeing’ Tour

This is a terrific ‘runseeing’ tour of Metz, hitting all the highlights: Ancien Ville, important cathedrals, gardens, waterfront paths, & cultural sites. The full route is 11.5 km, but see below for some shorter options.

Start at the Tourism Office, near the Metz Cathedral area in Ancien Ville, which is one of the largest commercial pedestrian areas in France. Head north along R. du Chanoine Collin to the Synagogue de Metz, and then come back south along the path along the Moselle River for 1 km, with great views of the water, the city center, and the historic Pont Saint-Georges (bridge). Turn LEFT on Rue de la Paix, a mainly pedestrianized street through the historic center. RIGHT on Rue des Clercs, passing through the large paved square, Place de la République de Metz. Then, run through the Citadelle area, which includes the Basilica of Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains — one of the oldest churches in Europe. Continue through the Jardin de l’Esplanade to the Dancing Fountains, and cross the pedestrian Passerelle Hildegarde (bridge) to the Metz Plage (beach).

This next section is an optional 4 km out and back on a nice path along the Moselle River, to just past the Parc du Grand Pâtural. After this out and back, come back over the Passarelle, and run north along the Rue des Roches along the river, crossing the historic Moyen Pont (bridge) to the Université de Lorraine. Here, there’s another optional 2.5 km out and back along a path at the edge of the university along the river. The final section is through the Square du Luxembourg, a lovely city park, and then the Pl. de la Comédie, an island featuring the Library, Opera House, and more in beautiful older buildings.

Shorter Options: Can eliminate some or all of the 4 km out & back from Metz Plage and the 2.5 out & back along the University.