Metz

Metz
Name	Metz
Arrondissement	Metz
Department	Moselle
Region	Grand Est
Population	120,874
Population date	2021
Elevation min m	162
Elevation max m	256
Area km2	41.94
Mayor	François Grosdidier
Party	LR
Term	2020–2026

Metz. A historic city in northeastern France, it serves as the prefecture of the Moselle department within the Grand Est region. Strategically situated at the confluence of the Moselle and Seille rivers, it has been a significant cultural and administrative center for centuries, known for its rich architectural heritage blending Gothic and German Imperial styles. The city is a major hub for commerce and institutions like the University of Lorraine and the Centre Pompidou-Metz.

History

The site was originally a stronghold of the Celtic Mediomatrici before becoming an important city of Roman Gaul, known as *Divodurum Mediomatricorum*. Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it emerged as a prominent center of the Merovingian Frankish kingdom and later the capital of the Austrasian region. In the Middle Ages, it flourished as a free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire, renowned for its communal republic and the influential Bishopric of Metz. The city was annexed by the Kingdom of France under Henry II in 1552, formalized by the Treaty of Westphalia, and subsequently fortified by Louis XIV's military engineer Vauban. After the Franco-Prussian War, it was incorporated into the German Empire from 1871 to 1918, a period that saw extensive construction in a distinct Wilhelminian style. Heavily contested in both World War I and World War II, particularly during the Battle of Metz (1944), it was liberated by the United States Army and returned to France.

Geography

The urban area is located in the Lorraine region, primarily on the left bank of the navigable Moselle River, with several islands such as the Île du Petit Saulcy. The terrain is characterized by the gentle slopes of the Paris Basin and the nearby Côtes de Moselle hills. The city's layout integrates extensive green spaces like the Plan d'eau de Metz and the Jardin botanique de Metz, with the Seille River flowing through its eastern districts. Its climate is of the oceanic type with continental influences, moderated by its proximity to the Lorraine Regional Natural Park.

Demographics

The commune has a population of approximately 120,000 inhabitants, making it the prefecture of the Moselle department. The larger metropolitan area, encompassing communes like Montigny-lès-Metz and Longeville-lès-Metz, forms a significant urban center within the Grand Est region. Demographic trends have been shaped by its industrial history and its status as a garrison city for the French Army, hosting regiments like the 1st Spahi Regiment. The presence of the University of Lorraine contributes to a substantial student population.

Economy

Traditionally an industrial and logistical center, its economy has diversified towards services and technology. It hosts major administrative functions for the Grand Est region and houses the headquarters of corporations like the Banque Populaire group. The Metz Technopôle is a hub for research and innovation, while the presence of the Centre Pompidou-Metz has bolstered cultural tourism. The city remains an important transportation and distribution node for the Lorraine basin, with historical ties to the iron and steel industry of the Lorraine region.

Culture and landmarks

The city is famed for its architectural heritage, most notably the towering Metz Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with stained glass by artists including Marc Chagall. The German Imperial district of Metz features notable buildings like the Metz railway station and the Centre Pompidou-Metz, a branch of the famed Musée National d'Art Moderne. Cultural institutions include the Arsenal concert hall, the Théâtre de Metz, and the Museum of La Cour d'Or. The city celebrates its history through events like the Mirabelle Festival and is known for its culinary specialties such as the Mirabelle plum and Quiche Lorraine.

Transport

It is a major multimodal hub, served by the Metz railway station on the LGV Est high-speed rail line, providing direct connections to Paris and Luxembourg. The city's public transit is operated by Le Met and is integrated with the Réseau de transport de la communauté urbaine du Grand Nancy. Road access is provided by the A4 and A31 motorways, while the Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport offers regional air service. The Moselle River is canalized for commercial barge traffic, linking the city to the Rhine network.

Category:Metz Category:Communes in Moselle Category:Prefectures in France