Travel diary : As a couple, Culture & Heritage, In town, Responsible travel

Cultural weekend between Nancy and Metz
with Florin Defrance

Florin Defrance is passionate about history and heritage, and shares his love of unusual places with his community. He left the capital to discover the Grand Est, just 1? hours from Paris by train. Between Art Nouveau, Art Deco and contemporary art, he shares with us his greatest discoveries in Nancy and Metz!

Le Mag

DAY 1 - 12H

Lunch in an Art Nouveau brasserie, the Excelsior

Built in 1911 and listed as a Historic Monument in 1976, this grand brasserie is a true testament to the Belle Époque. With its ceiling, chandeliers, stained glass windows and mahogany furniture, you'd think you were back in the 19th century. A must-see!

14h

Discover Nancy's architectural heritage

Known as the French capital of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Nancy's streets are full of different facades, some sober, like the current Printemps store, others extravagant, like the BNP PARIBAS building on rue de St Jean. A visit to the former headquarters of the Société des Hauts fourneaux et Fonderies de Pont-à-Mousson will reveal 9 monumental stained glass windows by Jacques Gruber.

18h

Drinks or dinner on the terrace of Place Stanislas

Listed as one of the most beautiful squares in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this huge pedestrian square is the heart of Nancy. Here you can enjoy a drink or a meal on the terrace, and make the most of the long summer evenings.

21h

Overnight at the Best Western Crystal hotel

With its small rooftop, swimming pool and direct proximity to the station, this 4-star hotel is ideal.

Heritage and culture city trip

DAY 2 - 9.30 am

Workshop on the art of glass blowing with Théophile

Why not take advantage of our stay to discover local crafts? Less well known than glassblowing, the art of glassblowing is just as impressive and meditative. Théophile will show you his techniques, and you can even try your hand at it (and leave with your own creation!).

12h

Departure for Metz

It's time to head back to the station to discover another of the region's nuggets... Metz! What's more, it's only 30 minutes by train!

14h

Discover Metz's must-sees

Take a stroll through the old town, contemplate the unique façades of Avenue Foch or admire the railway station (voted France's most beautiful station 3 years in a row) - that's what awaits you when you arrive in Metz. And of course, a visit to the sublime cathedral of Saint-Étienne de Metz and its 6,500m2 of stained glass windows (the most in France!).

18h

Drinks and dinner at Maison Heler

A Metz villa on the roof of a building? That's Philippe Starck's brand new hotel. And it's definitely worth a visit! The decor is superb, with beautiful stained-glass windows designed by his daughter Ara Starck , and every detail has been carefully thought out, from the furniture to the crockery.

DAY 3 - 10am

Visit to the Centre Pompidou-Metz

Free for under-26s and presenting only temporary exhibitions, this museum with its unique architecture is a must-see in Metz.

12h

Lunch at La Réserve

Nestling in a former 16th-century food shop, this delicious restaurant is the ideal place to discover the local gastronomy.

14h

A trip on the Moselle

What better way to digest than to take to the water? The Compagnie des bateaux de Metz (Metz Boat Company) offers some great trips on board their electric boats. It's a great way to discover a quiet, leafy corner of the city.