Metz and Nancy, two close cities, two contrasting histories
This stretch links Lorraine’s two major towns: Nancy and Metz. Each has a quite distinct history. The former is famed in particular for its 18th-century squares (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the latter for its majestic Gothic cathedral. Following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, Metz came under German rule for some time, while Nancy remained French, the new Art Nouveau style thriving there.
La Voie Bleue creates a fabulous link between the two towns, each a must for visitors.
Day 1: Metz - Pont-à-Mousson (33km)
From Metz railway station, cross the centre of town, making sure you stop to contemplate the striking contemporary architecture of the Centre Pompidou-Metz, behind the station. Metz historic centre, including its imperial and cathedral quarters, its old streets and the grand square, Place de la Comédie, is very much worth a visit. Once you’ve joined the cycle route, you head south from Metz, riding beside waterways and a canal, with views all the way along of the Moselle Valley’s vine-covered slopes.
South beyond Metz, you enter the area of Bassin de Pont-à-Mousson via Pagny-sur-Moselle.
Enjoy the natural setting along here, with its mix of vines and lakes, plus a protected natural area.
Day 2: Pont-à-Mousson - Nancy (34km)
Pont-à-Mousson has long been known for its foundries, the major French manufacturer Saint-Gobain and, somewhat curiously, for making manholes in particular!
You can spot the blast-furnace, still in operation, before reaching the heart of town. Here, Place Duroc stands out, the only triangular, arcaded Renaissance square in Europe. While in town, explore the Abbaye des Prémontrés and the Musée au Fil du Papier (with its extraordinary collection of papier mâché items). Taste mirabelle treats at the Confiserie Perrin, plus the many beer specialities made by the Brasseurs de Lorraine.
Arriving in the heart of Nancy, just behind Place Stanislas stands the Maison du Vélo, where you can leave your bicycle safely while visiting town.
Make the most of this to go and admire the three main 18th-century squares, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Don't miss:
- The Centre Pompidou-Metz
- The Abbaye des Prémontrés in Pont-à-Mousson ('Accueil Vélo')
- Place Stanislas, Nancy
- Villa Majorelle, Nancy
Getting there and back
- Express Regional Train (TER) access in the train station of Metz-ville.
- Express Regional Train (TER) and High speed train (TGV) access in the train station of Nancy-ville
- TER train station in Pont-à-Mousson
- Other train stations on the route : Ars-sur-Moselle, Ancy-sur-Moselle, Novéant-sur-Moselle
Map
Map
3 Metz / Pont-à-Mousson
