I highly recommend driving to Metz, from Germany, the scenery, windmills, and open space will speak to your heart in ways I never imagined. Everything is so different here from living in The States, whether the changes have been good or bad, it's definitely made me feel as if I'm growing as a person and helped me to appreciate the different paths of life. I've gotten the wonderful opportunity to live abroad for the next 4 years, and I'm not going to waste it. Adapting to German culture is interesting to say the least, but to also dive into French culture for a basic crash course is something different entirely. The most rewarding thing I've done since we've moved to Germany is found an love and interest in the everyday life of people who live and have customs, far different from mine. To me, that speaks volumes. Whether you're living in Germany or living back in the United States, here are my travel tips for you. This is definitely a city full of surprises.
Metz is a beautiful city. The architecture was mind blowing, it was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen in my life. I marveled over these building quite a bit, and so did my husband. We stayed in a cute little apartment that had the best view that overlooked the river, and a wonderful view of the Temple, along with the Opera Theater. I didn't think I'd enjoy this random trip that we decided on within just a few days before, as much as I did. We were about 100 meters from Saint-Étienne de Metz, or better known as the Cathedral of Metz, along with having a huge array of restaurants, shopping and pastry places. Our apartment was in the best location to travel by foot, which was a huge bonus for me as I'm quite far along in my pregnancy.
After arriving, and settling - I got the recommendation to head down to L'Assiette Au Boeuf. I highly recommend a french phrase book if it bothers you not to know exactly what you're eating, and to of course, try to speak a bit of the language to the locals as much as possible. Not many people here speak much English, if at all. We're the adventurous type, so we did not have a phrase book, we brushed up on what we could and headed out. To our luck, the waitresses here did speak English fairly well, with that being said, for dinner we simply asked what was what. She told us which section was beef, chicken, seafood and so on. We randomly selected and laughed about not even knowing what we were eating, but who cares? We were in a new place to experience new things, so why not live a bit on the wild side? Before our food arrived they give you toasted bread pieces with a sauce that I can only describe as tasting like pizza. We munched on that along with a salad that was brought out. We fed the swans, laughed, and my husband bought me a rose from a man who was selling them. Our food arrived and I was delighted to see cut up steak pieces, with shrimp - to my surprise they bring out a tray and give you a nice serving of frites, I'm sure you can figure out what that is. My husband reserved a burger patty with a very interesting shaped bun, and of course he was given frites as well. The dinner there was so outstanding we decided to also stay and try their dessert. The waitress came and explained what the desserts on the menu were, and we just randomly chose again. He ended up with whipped cheese cake, crumble topping all drizzled in strawberry syrup with fresh strawberries to top it off. Let me just say, I strongly dislike cheese cake, but this cheese cake, I would eat over and over. It was creamy, soft, full of flavor and definitely did not remind me of cheese cake in The States. I had gotten a baked apple brûlée, with a cinnamon crumble, that had caramel, fresh whipped cream and ice-cream at the bottom of the glass. Long story short, we left more than satisfied. I had fallen in love with this place. In France, eating is not rushed, people spend hours just sitting around talking so to Americans the service may be slow, but that is not the case, everyone just takes their time here to enjoy their food and the company of whomever accompanied them to dinner. Even after we were finished with our meal, we sat, talked and fed the swans who came to say hello. It's a beautiful place to eat right on the river. Don't miss this spot.
Oh, before I forget, dinner starts at 7pm in France. Make sure to not miss lunch which starts at 12pm until 2pm. Breakfast, well you'll figure out, to do what the French do. There is no real breakfast places, most French people went to pastry shops. They ate pastries and tarts for breakfast with a hot glass of tea or coffee.
While L'Assiette Au Boeuf was an amazing recommendation. I also highly recommend Bistrot de G. The food was out of this world. We had a 3 course meal there for 20€ each, which included an appetizer, meal, and dessert. It was a great deal for the portions we received. I can not express enough to not miss out on either of these food places. If you're a pastry lover, I would go to Patisserie Jean which is within walking distance from the Cathedral. Lets just say, they were so good we bought a whole cake covered in macaroons, a strawberry tart, the french version of Quiche which didn't have eggs, but it was stuffed with pork, potatoes and green beans on a tart, which was to die for. Another great pastry place was Claude Bourguigon, it's a little bit of a walk, but you won't be disappointed.
Enough about food, I'm making myself hungry. Things to do while in Metz: Do not pass up seeing the beauty of the Cathedral, take the tour to the underground cave they offer, admire the stain glass and the blood, sweat, and tears put into building this breath-taking Cathedral. Make sure to go to the Temple, feed the swans and if you have the time rent a small boat and take a ride down the river. The museum was a bit too far to walk, but if you can drive there, or take a cab of course. Visit all the shops, and go to the market that they have on Saturday mornings! Filled with great finds. Last but not least, just get lost. Seriously, get lost and find things you'd never find without doing so. Take walks and explore.
This is a great trip to take for 2 or 3 days. You won't be disappointed by anything this city has to offer. I'd say it's a very romantic place, especially for a couple who need a good get away without spending the expensive price tag.
*Be warned, the French come out to play at night, and they can get a bit loud. Okay, more than a bit, more like we didn't sleep much at all because there were drunk people screaming, and partying on top of an Elvis cover band playing at the Opera Theater.
I hope to hear about any travels you've taken, or places you'd like a detailed outlook on. Next stop, is the Star Wars convention in Cologne this weekend coming. You'd better believe I'll be writing a review for then. If the baby permits then we'll also visit Belgium and our trip to Greece will have to wait until the baby has arrived and has her passport. Safe travels everyone and explore that wanderlust burning within us all! Get outside and experience new things!
No comments:
Post a Comment