Where Heritage, Culture and Legend Meet
Welcome to Metz, a city where European history, artistic excellence and living traditions converge in a uniquely inspiring setting. Located in the Grand Est region of France, at the crossroads of Latin and Germanic cultures, Metz has long been a meeting point of ideas, trade and creativity — making it a particularly meaningful host city for EUPRIO 2026.
A Legacy Written in Stone and Light
With over 3,000 years of history, Metz reveals its past through an extraordinary architectural landscape. From Roman remains to medieval streets and 18th-century classical squares, the city offers a journey through time.
At the heart of Metz stands the magnificent Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, one of the tallest Gothic cathedrals in France. Known as “La Lanterne du Bon Dieu” (The Good Lord’s Lantern), it is famous for having one of the largest expanses of stained glass in the world. Its windows, created across centuries and including works by artists such as Marc Chagall, fill the interior with luminous color — a powerful symbol of the dialogue between tradition and modernity that defines the city.
Nearby, the elegant Place d’Armes and the Opera-Theatre (one of the oldest working opera houses in France) highlight Metz’s long-standing commitment to the performing arts.
A Contemporary Cultural Capital
Metz is not only a guardian of heritage — it is also a vibrant cultural capital. The striking Centre Pompidou-Metz, with its bold and innovative architecture, hosts internationally acclaimed exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. It embodies the city’s forward-looking spirit and its openness to creative experimentation.
Music, theatre and festivals animate the city throughout the year. The renowned Arsenal Concert Hall offers an exceptional acoustic experience, while numerous galleries, cultural institutions and public art installations ensure that culture is present in everyday urban life.
Green Spaces and the Art of Living
Often described as a “garden city,” Metz is interwoven with rivers and canals and surrounded by landscaped parks and promenades. The Temple Neuf, reflected in the waters of the Moselle, and the peaceful Esplanade offer moments of contemplation between cultural discoveries.
The city’s gastronomy also reflects its cultural crossroads, blending French refinement with regional traditions from Lorraine. Markets, cafés and local restaurants invite visitors to experience Metz not only as spectators, but as participants in its art de vivre.
The Dragon of Metz: A Living Legend
Every great city has its legend — and Metz has its dragon. According to local tradition, the fearsome Graoully, a dragon said to have lived in the Roman amphitheatre, terrorised the city until it was defeated by Saint Clement, the first bishop of Metz. Over time, the Graoully became not a symbol of fear, but of identity and resilience. Today, the dragon is proudly associated with the city and appears in local iconography, celebrations and cultural references — a reminder that myth and history are inseparable parts of Metz’s rich narrative.
A European Spirit
Situated close to Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium, Metz embodies a truly European dimension. Its history has been shaped by shifting borders and cultural exchanges, making it a city that understands dialogue, diversity and cooperation — values that resonate deeply with the EUPRIO community.
For delegates attending EUPRIO 2026, Metz offers more than a conference destination: it offers an immersive cultural experience, where heritage inspires innovation and legend enriches reality.
👉 To learn more and plan your visit Inspire Metz website!