Getting There
Metz is served by Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport (ETZ), located approximately 15 km southeast of the city center. A dedicated shuttle bus meets every arriving and departing flight and connects the airport directly to Metz, while taxis make the trip in around 25-30 minutes. Many sports fans also arrive by train directly into Metz-Ville station, which sits in the heart of downtown and is well connected by TGV from Paris and TER regional trains from Strasbourg and Luxembourg.
Getting Around
Metz's urban transit network, branded Le MET', covers the city with 93 bus routes including two BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) lines called Mettis — Lines A and B — which run on dedicated lanes with tram-like frequency and comfort. A car is not necessary for getting to matches or exploring the city center, and parking near Stade Saint-Symphorien is notoriously scarce given the stadium sits on an island. Rideshare options (Uber and local taxis) are available but can be slow post-match; walking across the Moselle bridges from the city center to the stadium is practical and popular on matchdays.
Where to Stay
The city center (Centre-Ville) and the Sainte-Croix/Cathedral district are the best bases for visiting fans — you get easy access to bars, restaurants, and Le MET' bus connections, with budget hotels averaging €70-100/night and mid-range options around €100-150/night. The Sablon neighborhood, just south of the center, is another solid option with good transit links and a local feel. Book early for high-profile Ligue 1 fixtures or Lorraine derby weekends, as Metz is a compact city with moderate hotel stock. Staying within walking distance of the Moselle riverbank puts you close to the natural pre-match route across to the Île Saint-Symphorien.
Sports Fan Notes
FC Metz — known as Les Grenats (The Garnets) — are the flagship club of the Lorraine region, with a passionate ultras culture led by the Gradins Populaires Ouest and Horda Frénétik supporter groups. The club's fiercest rivalry is the Lorraine derby against Nancy, and matches against Strasbourg also carry strong regional tension. Stade Saint-Symphorien itself is one of the most atmospheric grounds in French football, uniquely situated on an island in the Moselle River, making the matchday walk across the bridges part of the ritual. For broader sports tourism, Metz's location near the borders of Luxembourg and Germany makes it easy to combine a trip with a match in Luxembourg City or even Saarbrücken.
Venues in Metz
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from ETZ to downtown Metz?
The most reliable option is the airport shuttle bus, which meets every flight and runs directly to Metz city center (roughly 30-40 minutes). A taxi takes about 25-30 minutes and costs approximately €40-60. Public bus connections exist but are infrequent, so the shuttle or taxi is the practical choice for arriving sports fans.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Metz for a sports trip?
The Centre-Ville (city center) and Sainte-Croix/Cathedral quarter are the top choices — they put you within easy walking or transit range of the stadium, close to pre-match bars and restaurants along the Place de la République and the riverfront, and at the hub of Le MET' bus network. Sablon is a quieter but well-connected alternative just to the south.
Which sports teams play in Metz?
FC Metz is the city's professional football club, currently competing in Ligue 1. Known as Les Grenats, they play at Stade Saint-Symphorien in Longeville-lès-Metz and have a long history in French top-flight football, having produced players such as Robert Pirès and Miralem Pjanić.
Is Metz a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Metz is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The 2026 World Cup is hosted entirely across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest host city is in North America — New York/New Jersey is one of the primary venues.
Sports cities near Metz
Close enough to pair with a Metz trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.