Journey from Rotterdam to Metz what's to see?

[sparkythecat]

Next month sees our annual, roof down continental jaunt. Over the years we've covered most of northern France and a little of Belgium. This year we're renting a property near Metz for a week as a base to explore Alsace Lorraine.

We've allowed for 2 overnight stops en route to give us ample chance to explore at leisure anything of interest on the way. We've previously explored the Champagne area, and so are looking for some other distractions. Any suggestions or recommendations of places of interest or towns to visit and stay would be very welcome

[Markytop]

Slightly biased given I live there, but if you havent been before, Luxembourg is worth a stop over for a look around. Although it is easily doable in the day from Metz if you are there for a while.

Worth stopping in Lux for the cheap petrol if nothing else

[5potTurbo]

OP: Ditto for Lux, as I live there too!
Why not have a day in the City and a day on the Moselle supping wine at the vienyards that follow the river?

Metz now has the Centre Pompidou
http://www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/en/welcome

The cathedral in Metz has been undergoing renovation for YEARS now ... a colleague lives right on Metz' Place de la Cathedrale.

Unless you're driving, close your eyes when you cross the border from Lux>France. Thionville's a st hole and it doesn't get much better until you arrive IN Metz.

[sparkythecat]

Luxemburg City is definitely on our visiting list. Would you advise us to drive there or take the train from Metz?

[5potTurbo]

It's only ~40 mins by car.
The train to/from Metz is actually slower - which is why my colleagues all drive.