Events in Metz, Lorraine, France
Mirabelle Festival, Pilgrimage of St Blaise, Flea Market & More
80 minutes from Paris on the train, this European city break destination has a great Christmas Market amongst other attractions such as the cathedral and Pompidou Centre.
With the new TGV Est-Européen train line in France, the beautiful city of Metz in Lorraine is just 80 minutes away from Paris, making it the perfect location for a European city break – especially when the regional branch of the Pompidou Centre opens in 2009. But when is the best time to go? Perhaps in February for the Pilgrimage of Saint Blaise, or December for the Christmas Market in Place St Louis? Or maybe in September for the Mirabelle Festival? Whichever seems most attractive, make sure it’s combined with a trip to France’s second largest flea market.
Events in Metz, Lorraine, France: The Mirabelle Festival
The Mirabelle plum is a Lorraine delicacy, and it seems as though the people of Metz will put it into anything, whether it’s brandy, jam or little sweets. Since 1947, a festival has been thrown in the plum’s honour, and this involves a ball, a market, the election of the Mirabelle queen and a procession of floats going through Metz city centre. The Mirabelle Festival is held at the end of August and start of September every year.
Events in Metz, Lorraine, France: The Christmas Market
The Christmas Market is a tradition across much of Europe, and Metz hosts a particularly good one, with 80-or-so wooden cottages and stalls being set up, both along the Esplanade and amongst the medieval arcades of Place St Louis. The market takes place every December, and visitors can expect roasted chestnuts amongst seasonal gifts and festive music. The Christmas lights are also a highlight. Metz does a brilliant job of lighting the city up at the best of times – have a look at the cathedral of St Etienne at night for an example – so at this time of year, they are extra special.
Events in Metz, Lorraine, France: The Flea Market
The flea market, which takes place in the Congress Centre of Metz, is the second biggest of its type, and is held one or twice a month, depending on how the dates fall. The market acts as a major gathering for antiques dealers across France, and while there is undoubtedly some tat, visitors are able to come across priceless bargains. Look out for 19th century furniture, collector’s items and local ceramics amongst the treasures being haggled over.
Events in Metz, Lorraine, France: Pilgrimage of Saint Blaise
Saint Blaise was a 4th century doctor in Sebaste, Armenia who is thought to have performed miracles to cure his patients. Unfortunately, despite living the life of a hermit in a cave, he was persecuted by Agricola. The Roman general ordered Blaise to renounce his faith, but he refused to, and responded by walking on water. During the Middle Ages, a fragment of his jaw was brought to Metz, where it is now kept in the church of St Eucaire. A pilgrimage takes place to the church on February 3rd every year, as believers pay their respects.
