Image – Straddling the Moselle, the Moyen-Pont bridge in Metz and the Temple Neuf, a Protestant church built between 1901 and 1904, Copyright Atout France/Michel Laurent.

Situated in the north-east of France, and only 82 mins from Paris by train, Metz is the perfect sized town for a short break. Its combination of lively shopping streets and riverside walks make it ideal for pedestrians, cyclists and those in search of a mix of amusement and relaxation. Family-friendly parks and gardens are part of the city lifestyle, just like the animated terraces, cafés and bars.

The past and the future meet in the city’s well preserved buildings and newly developing quarters with signature buildings by award winning architects including Shigaru Ban, Christian de Portzamparc and Rudy Ricciotti. This forms the backdrop to the many street fairs and festivities like the summer Mirabelle Festival with its outdoor concerts, the annual flea market in the Outre Seille quarter and the renowned Christmas Markets.

The Cour d’Or Museum has rich collections telling the long history of Metz, and the numerous art galleries display the latest in contemporary art, like the Centre Pompidou-Metz with its unmissable programme of innovative modern and contemporary art exhibitions.

Good quality food is easy to find. The Covered Market, patisseries run by award-winning pastry chefs, and the many restaurants serve local and international delicacies for every budget.

Don’t miss out on an evening stroll to see St Etienne’s Cathedral, the Temple Neuf and the other city monuments lit up a night, it’s a fine way to end the day.