A day in...

The must-see attractions in the QuattroPole metropolitan cities

Immerse yourself in the cities’ colourful histories, stroll through the historic Old Towns or simply take in the vibrant atmosphere of the metropolitan hubs: These are just a few things tourists can experience on a cultural mini-break to the four cities in the tri-border area. Whether enjoying a long weekend away as a couple or a mini-holiday with the whole family, Luxembourg, Metz, Saarbrücken and Trier are situated just an hour apart. Hopping from one to the other is no problem at all, even for a short stay. Here are a few highlights you definitely shouldn’t miss…  

…in Saarbrücken

In the morning

The perfect way to start the day in Saarbrücken is with a visit to the Ludwigskirche, one of the most beautiful Evangelical Baroque churches in Germany. From here, take a stroll to the gardens of Saarbrücken Castle, an imposing testament to Baroque architecture. Here visitors can see 500 years of history up close in the city’s defences, which were opened to the public in 2003. The ruins of castles and palaces and even a tennis court can be found 14 metres below historic Saarbrücken – each one a fascinating architectural relic of history dating back to the 13th to 18th centuries for visitors to marvel at. 

After the monumental underground discoveries, you can get fresh air on a walk along the Saar heading towards Staden, one of Saarbrücken’s most beautiful residential areas with villas from the Gründerzeit period plus parks and gardens. The city’s green promenades start at the Bismarckbrücke (Bismark Bridge) and end by the power station. Walkers, skaters, joggers, cyclists and sun-worshippers all hang around here on sunny days. And if the weather gods are not in your favour, then a visit to the Modern Gallery should definitely be at the top of your list. Its exhibition pavilion features regular temporary exhibitions of traditional and contemporary art.

In the afternoon

Although not actually in Saarbrücken itself, the Völklingen Ironworks are a must-see attraction. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated around 15 kilometres to the west of the city centre and is a major landmark of industrial heritage. The UrbanArt Biennale event with around 100 international artists is held here every other year. 

In the evening

After a day of soaking up the city’s culture, it’s time to rest and recharge. The best place to do this is the St. Johanner Markt square, home of Saarbrücken’s comfort and cordiality. People sit here with the aim of “seeing and being seen”, with no sense of urgency whatsoever. With more than 3,000 events every year, Saarbrücken has a wide range of cultural gems on offer with numerous highlights, including the free Sundays at the Castle concerts, the Vélo Swing Festival, the film festival Max Ophüls Preis or the Festival Perspectives, a Franco-German stagecraft festival. Various theatre performances, concerts and art exhibitions guarantee a diverse range of events for lovers of culture.

…in Luxembourg

In the morning

Luxembourg’s brand-new year-round attraction is the spectacular panoramic lift that takes visitors from the upper city centre to the picturesque Pfaffenthal district. On the banks of the Alzette, visitors can marvel at the mighty Vauban Towers and walk along the Dällchen West Tour route to the Grund district, passing the mighty Bock promontory, the cradle of the city, as they go. Do not miss the sensational view from the most beautiful balcony in Europe, the Chemin de la Corniche, in the Old Quarters and Fortifications of Luxembourg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In the afternoon

Depending on the weather, it may be worth visiting one of the seven Museumsmile museums, which regularly provide completely new insights into history and art. The Kirchberg European quarter with its huge variety of architectural buildings is also worth a visit. In summer, there is also an opportunity to explore the Grand Ducal Palace on a tour. Younger visitors can then have fun on the large pirate ship in the Municipal Park.

In the evening

The best way to spend an evening in Luxembourg is at one of the many cultural events that change with the seasons. International artists are presented and world-famous productions staged at the Philharmonie concert hall and the Grand Théâtre. 

…in Trier

In the morning

The best way to start your day in Trier is on a 90 minutes tour to experience the fascinating history of Germany’s oldest city. A special highlight is City Walking Tour where you’ll experience the fascinating time of the Middle Ages, when defensive citizens used architectural tricks to try and protect their goods and chattels, St Peter became the city’s patron saint, and self-assured citizens fought the bishop for imperial immediacy – a fight which sometimes also involved knights, monkeys and church spires. And finally, you will be immersed in the baroque magnificence of the modern age at the Domfreihof and Kurfürstliches Palais (Electoral Palace). After the tour, enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the wonderful restaurants with outdoor seating overlooking the Moselle in the fisherman’s district of Zurlauben. 

In the afternoon

After a leisurely stroll through the Old Town, we recommend a detour to the Cathedral Museum, Archaeological Museum or Toy Museum, all of which are in or near the pedestrian zone. If the weather is too good for a museum visit, there are various wine growers in Trier’s district of Olewig that offer wine tastings. 

In the evening

Theater Trier, Arena Trier or Europahalle Trier – the city offers a wide variety of ever-changing events. The many bars and pubs in Trier are also worth a visit. Not to be missed is Trier’s national drink: Viez cider. Don't miss the wine booth in the city centre either, which can be found on the main market square from March to October.

…in Metz

In the morning

Metz is a gourmet city. All roads are lined with tempting bakery and patisserie windows. So why not begin your day with a delicious Mirabelle plum tart or a “Paris-Metz” macaron filled with raspberries and crème pâtissière? Once you’ve gathered your strength, it’s time to visit St-Etienne Cathedral, an impressive Gothic building with colourful windows by Marc Chagall that have earned it the nickname “Lantern of God”. This year, Metz will be celebrating the cathedral’s 800th anniversary. From December 2019 there will be a wide array of events ending with the “Chagall, passeur de lumiere” (Chagall, Bearer of Light) exhibition at the Centre Pompidou-Metz in October 2020. After visiting the cathedral, pop into the Marché Couvert indoor market to try the regional specialities before continuing on to the Centre Pompidou-Metz, where the building’s architecture is as exciting as the art it holds – a highlight for all art lovers.

In the afternoon

Rose gardens, rare trees and garden plants: The Montigny-lès-Metz botanical gardens are a great place for a stroll and have plenty of new information for avid botanists. If you like a more active holiday, you can tour the Sainte-Croix district along the Moselle on two wheels or explore the charming Les Îles district on a pedal boat and enjoy a coffee break with a picturesque backdrop.

In the evening

A radiant city by day under the amber glow of its Jaumont stone, Metz is transformed by night under the lights of 13,000 spotlights. From the banks of the Moselle, where the Temple Neuf is reflected, to the Sainte-Croix hill from which the spires of Sainte Ségolène spring, from the Saint-Etienne Cathedral, transcended into the "Lanterne du Bon Dieu", to the splendid arcades of the Place Saint Louis, from the Opera Theatre to the Gare Impériale, Metz is an invitation to stroll and to encounter urban landscapes at night, with their intimate atmospheres.

Numerous bars at the Place Saint-Louis or Place Saint-Jacques make for a great night out in Metz. Metz also has plenty of culture on offer: The Opéra-Théâtre, one of France’s oldest theatres with its highly praised acoustics, and the Conservatoire National de Région can look back on centuries of history and forward to a diverse and sophisticated range of events. The Cité Musicale-Metz, the city’s musical heart and the home of the Orchestre National de Metz, is always worth a visit. The extraordinary institution with its three event halls – Arsenal, Bam and Trinitaires – wow audiences with their extraordinary ambiance, excellent acoustics and diverse calendar of events, from classical concerts to performances right through to modern music events.