METZ STATION

The district in which it is located is known as the "Imperial Triangle", which suggests that it will be a meeting place. A splendid architectural masterpiece in the neo-Romanesque style, Metz station is one of the city's proudest landmarks.

The station won the first Prix Spécial des Gares from the Conseil National de Ville et Village Fleuris in 2007. In 2017, it was voted "most beautiful station in France" by Internet users, following a competition organized on Facebook by Gares & Connexions; it was up against La Rochelle station in the final.

This colossus of pink granite was built in 1908 by Kröger during the German occupation. Since then, the building has been listed as a historic monument (Monument Historique) since 1975, notably for its facades, roof, VIP lounge, buffet décor (with elaborate woodwork and painted friezes) and departure hall. The latter served almost 100,000 people in a single day! Once inside, don't fail to admire the various neo-Romanesque sculpted capitals, featuring picturesque figures depicting themes of travel.

Kaiser Wilhelm II's reception room, with its sumptuous stained-glass window in tribute to Charlemagne, is open to visitors during the Heritage Days. The Emperor could, if he wished, reach the platforms on horseback from his apartments, thanks to an elevator. In 2015, the station underwent major renovation work. The beautifully crafted complex has been well received by the people of Metz, who have not always appreciated the building's authoritarian imperialist style... As for the tower, a sort of dungeon to the left of the station, it served as an air shaft to supply air and water to the steam locomotives. The tower is adorned with the image of a valiant knight named Roland.