'I love living in Metz, at the heart of Europe'

Matthew Benz and his family moved from Washington DC to Paris in 2010, and then to Metz (Moselle) in December, 2015. He is a lawyer and writer.

"Metz has enough of a big city vibe to be interesting. It has a big football club, which is in the top league. I love going to see a game. It's cheap and fun and an authentic French experience. When I watch French sports on TV, I compare it to US sports. The US ones are very commercial and very highly produced, but in France it's all about what's happening on the field. I love American sports but French sports are more real.

"Although it's a big city, Metz is still manageable. You can walk or cycle all over it. Pedestrians get first priority here and I love walking so it suits me perfectly. Although I don't use it that much, public transport here works very well. 

"When I worked in Luxembourg I carried on living here because it is so much cheaper than living there.

"It's true that weatherwise Metz can be a bit grey and the winters can be very long, but it means that we get very long summers without too much heat.

"The Metz'O thing is lovely and has been well-exploited, and there are plenty of boating opportunities. There is Metz plage every summer, and there are even boats in the winter.

"It doesn't snow often here but when it does, it's wonderful. 

"The Christmas markets are really my favourite time of the year here. There are several smaller markets scattered throughout the city, and each one is slightly different with its own vibe. It is beautiful for Christmas shopping because the shops make a good effort with decorations etc, and the centre still has a lot of smaller independent shops.

"The city's history and culture is amazing, and there are lots of historical buildings which are wonderful. Metz is well located at the heart of Europe and transport to Paris is great." 

The historic charm and stunning architecture of Metz railway station

Hands down, Metz has the best, most-stunning, most unspoiled railway station in France. Built by the Germans in 1905-1908 during their occupation of the city, it is absolutely massive, apparently constructed to look like a Mediterranean castle and designed for the efficient mass transport of troops, civilians and freight. 

The aim was to be able to move 2,700 men in 24 hours. So don't rush through it, take your time to appreciate this incredible edifice. And if you don't arrive by rail, take the free shuttle (83) to the station and explore. In fact, why not ride the 81 'navette' as well, just to get orientated?

As you stroll the long railway concourse, look up at the bas-reliefs atop each pillar. They indicate what the various rooms were designed to be; the sausages and beer indicates the 2nd class restaurant, the escargots and champagne shows the 1st class restaurant, the scissors shows the barbershop, others show 1st and 2nd as well as 3rd class waiting rooms, an infirmary, a telegraph office, international tickets (a honeymoon couple), a ticket office, arrivals and departures... 

There is even a bas-relief showing two men kissing, said to represent the continual partings and meetings at a railway station. 

Kissing on the lips was apparently more common in the 1900s; seen as an oriental version of a handshake.