My wishes and my tastes
Stop-overs and city breaks
Famous characters
Since the times of Saint-Arnould, bishop of Metz in the 7th century, the city has welcomed within its walls some great men whose influence has marked the worlds of literature, politics, science and the arts.
François Rabelais (1483 or 1494 - 1553)
Author, doctor, humanist of the French Renaissance, Rabelais lived in Metz for two years.
During this time, he was inspired to write the "Quart Livre", between 1545 and 1547. In this work, where he tells the famous legend of the Graoully, a fearsome dragon who would occasionally devour inhabitants of Metz, he borrows elements from the traditions of Metz and expressions from the local dialect.
The ruins of his home, the Maison de Rabelais, are located near the Saint-Genest chapel, on the corner of la Rue d’Enfer and Jurue.
Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet (1627-1704)
Great archdeacon and dean of the Cathedral, this is where he delivered his 2nd funeral oration for Henri de Gournay in 1658.
Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier (1754-1785)
Jean-François Pilatre de Rozier was born in Metz on 30th March 1754.
Member of the learned society and a scientist during the Age of Enlightenment, he was the commander on board the first hot-air balloon flight, in the company of the Marquis of Arlandes.
It was the 21st November 1783. He succeeded in landing his aerostat after a 25-minute flight.
Mondial Air Ballons website: http://www.pilatre-de-rozier.com
Ambroise Thomas (1811-1896)
and Gabriel Pierné (1863-1937)
The composers Ambroise Thomas and Gabriel Pierné both learned the first stirrings of their art in the heart of the city.
Paul Verlaine (1844-1896)
Paul Verlaine was born in Metz, on 30th March 1844.
Although he did not live here for very long, when writing "Confessions" he remembered having played on the Esplanade with a little girl named Mathilde.
Many years later, the shock of defeat, betrayal and the annexation of 1871, would inspire him to write "Ode à Metz", one of the poems from his work "Invectives ".
Robert Schuman (1886-1963)
Robert Schuman, in his role as father of Europe, holds a very special place in the history of the city.
You can visit his house in Scy-Chazelles (5 km from Metz), and the fortified 13th century church which serves as his final resting place.
Further information on Robert Schuman’s residence (in French)
