Metz

The administrative capital of 'Région Lorraine', Metz (pronounced [mĕs]) is a city of 128,000 inhabitants. 75 million people and a large proportion of the production capacity of industrial Europe are situated within a radius of 300 km.

The conglomeration of Metz is situated at the crossroads of two main roads running from the Mediterranean to the North Sea (A31) and from Paris to Eastern Europe (A4). The railway network makes all European great cities easily accessible. With the arrival of the ´High Speed Train' (TGV) in 2007, travel time to Paris will be reduced to about 90 minutes and the eastward link will be consolidated. In terms of freight traffic, the largest marshalling railway yard in France is situated in the conglomeration. The airports of Metz-Nancy-Lorraine, Luxembourg and Saarbrucken represent the main European and international connections. With regard to waterways, Metz is traversed by the canalized 'Moselle' river, the main French river port for cereals.

How to reach Metz

By train

From CDG:

Option 1: The TGV will be available starting June 15, 2007 and will connect Paris-Charles de Gaulle to the Lorraine TGV station in 1h10 minutes.

Option 2: Take RER from CDG to Paris-Nord and TGV from Paris-Est to Metz Train Station. (Street map Paris-Nord & Paris-Est)

Click HERE for schedules and more information on both options.

From Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport to Metz-Ville Station: 30 mins (schedule)

From Luxembourg Airport (64 kms):

Take a taxi or bus to "Gare de Bonnevoie" (7 kms)

Take a train to Metz-Ville Station (45-60 mins) (schedule Luxemburg (LU) -Metz (57))

For more information on trains and schedules, visit sncf.fr

By air

The international airports closest to Metz are Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Luxembourg (65 km from Metz) and Saarbrucken. For European connections, Metz-Nancy Lorraine Airport may be used as the final destination (33 km from Metz).

Air France Discounts Information (ENGL.doc) or (FREN. doc)

By car

From the A4 or A31 towards Metz, take the exit Metz-Centre, then follow signs for Parking Republique-Arsenal.

Maps

Please see http://geo.metz.fr/ for an interactive map of Metz.

Click on the map to see the location of your assigned hotel, the Conference venue, the train station...

Excursions

----- METZ Under the Light -----

Included for all participants and accompanying persons - Wednesday, September 5th

This tour will be organized by bus with English speaking guides.

Like a diva getting ready every evening for her most beautiful show, Metz puts on its light’s costume and offers to the walker a brilliant entertainment. Skillfully measured, the illuminations sublimate the beauty of every building: stained glasses seem to be alive and send back striking reflections (1 hr-1h30).

----- Metz - City of Art and Architecture -----

Included for all accompanying persons - Thursday, September 6th

There will be an English speaking guide for this tour as well. The excursion will be on foot.

Morning: Guided tour of the city including La Cathédrale
Lunch time: Lunch buffet at the museums « La Cour d’or »
Afternoon : Visit of the museums "La Cour d'Or"

La Cathédrale: Built between 1220 and 1520 in the ochre stone of Jaumont which characterizes the majority of the buildings of Metz, the imposing silhouette of St Stephen's cathedral dominates the city and contains splendid stained-glass windows realized by famous artists (including Chagall). With its 6500 m2 surface of windows, it is the most luminous cathedral in France. Sculptural and mysterious, masterpiece of the Gothic world, the cathedral has a magic atmosphere and tells us old legends. (From Office de Tourisme Metz Cathedrale).

Museums "La Cour d'Or": The museums "La Cour D'Or" reflect perfectly well the wealthy historical patrimony of Metz. From the Roman time to the Renaissance, from the roman baths to the famous storage facility of Chevremont(15th century), the Museums shelter surprising treasures like the painted gothic wooden ceilings (13th century), the Chancel of St Pierre-aux-Nonnains - a stone balustrade considered as one of the most important stone-works of early Middle Ages in France. (From Office de Tourisme Metz ).

----- Metz- The Imperial German District -----

Included for all accompanying persons - Friday, September 7th

Morning: The Imperial German District + Center Pompidou Project Showcase

Lunch time: Lunch at the Arsenal

Afternoon: Visit of "Maison Robert Schuman"

The Imperial German District. The German town was built at the beginning of the 20th Century around the central station, masterpiece of the architect Kröger (1905-1908), in a characteristic and contrasting style. The square in front of the station has been remodeled in 1995 with the participation of contemporary designers: Philippe Starck, Foster... (From Office de Tourisme Metz ). The Mayer of Metz is presenting The Imperial German District on June 8th, 2007 to be classified as world patrimony by the Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Center Pompidou Project Showcase. Designed, like the Centre Pompidou-Metz itself, the project showcase is also highly original: two containers at either end define the outline and support the roof. To obtain a broad open space, the architects drew a roof made up of two 10-metre sections, supported simply by two posts in an upside-down V shape where the entrance is. It looks out onto the Amphitheatre passage through a large glass façade. The Project showcase will deliver the Centre Pompidou-Metz’ progress until opening day. The use of simple and cheap materials underscores the temporary nature of the structure. (www.centrepompidou-metz.com/site/en/nav/maison-du-projet)

Maison Robert Schuman. In 1924 Robert Schuman purchased the estate in Scy-Chazelles, a Lorraine village on the slopes of Mont St.Quentin that forms the backdrop to the area of Metz. Today the house has been transformed into a museum and convention centre. The buildings and the gardens are austere and yet simple integrating harmoniously into the landscape of the Moselle valley.
Scy-Chazelles is of significance in terms of European memorials in that in honors one of the Father's of Europe. The location provides an ideal place for contemplation and many come here to do just that. Across the street lies the fortified 12th Century church where Robert Schuman now rests.

Others suggestions - on your own.

----- Trails-Gardens -----

No entrance fee to the Parks or Greenhouses.

Le Jardin Botanique (Botanical Garden)

Opening hours of the Botanical Garden: From 8AM to sundown

Opening hours of the greenhouse: 9.00-18.45
Sat, Sun and Holidays: Closed 11.30-14.00

L’Esplanade

The Garden of the Esplanade (9 200 m²) has occupied the site of the Citadel since 1816.

Behind the Judicial Palace, you can walk through the Jardin Boufflers whose creation goes back to the embankment of the Citadel (early 19th Century). This garden, filled with Lime trees and oaks of impressive size, offers a nice view of the Moselle water bank.
On the opposite side of the Judicial Palace, you find the "Basilique St Pierre", the courtyards of the Arsenal and of the Governor Palace.

Les Promenades de l'Ouest

Le parc de l’Ile du Saulcy

Le jardin des Régates

La promenade du Canal de Jouy et des berges de Moselle

Thermapolis

Thermapolis is a thermal center in Amnéville-les-Thermes, located 21 kms from Metz. The water complex, built like a lakeside town, has been totally designed to provide all the pleasure that spa water can bring for those who are subjected to the stresses of everyday life but who also want to combine a healthy lifestyle with a sense of well-being. Spa water indoor and outdoor rivers at 35 degrees Celsius, jacuzzis, sauna, hot stones,... You may learn more about Thermapolis at www.thermapolis.com (information in French only).

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