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Metz, the capital and most important city of Lorraine, is located not far from the borders with Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. The city originated and developed during the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages it became the capital of Austrasia (Mettis), the most important of the four duchies of the Merovingian kings. Metz also flourished in the following centuries as an episcopal city. The city is very beautiful with a large, partly pedestrianised, historic center where you can admire Roman remains (baths, amphitheater), prestigious religious buildings such as the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Étienne, with stained glass windows by Marc Chagall, public buildings and medieval fortifications and Renaissance. During Christmas, the Metz Christmas Market is the busiest and most important event in the city.
METZ CHRISTMAS MARKET
Metz’s Christmas events take place in a large part of the historic center of the city. They usually fill the squares Saint Louis, Saint-Jacques and Place de Chambre as well as other places scattered around the city centre.
1) Metz Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Metz (Le Marché des traditions)). The Market usually occupies the entire beautiful Place Saint Louis. There are almost a hundred exhibitors that enliven the market in the historic center of the city. There you can find valuable examples of craftsmanship from the city and the region, such as pottery, objets d’art, paintings, clothing and jewellery. According to some statistics, the Metz market is – after that of Strasbourg – the second most visited market in France.
2) The gourmet market (Le marché gourmand) usually takes place on the Place de Chambre.
3) The large chalet and its village (Le grand chalet et son village) usually enliven the place Saint-Jacques. It is a small village made up of decorated wooden chalets with quality handicrafts on display. The illuminated carousel brings a poetic touch to the place.
4) Other attractions are usually on the Republic Square (Place de la République): the Ferris wheel, the skating rink, a magical Christmas tree and a village of chalets.