Best attractions and places to see around Vaux include a variety of historical sites and architectural marvels. The region, situated near Metz, offers insights into Roman engineering and medieval urban development. Visitors can explore ancient aqueducts, fortified city gates, and significant religious structures. The area provides diverse points of interest for those interested in history and culture.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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Built between 1220 and 1522, it is the result of the merging of two separate churches. With its 42-meter-high nave, it is one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe. Its 6,500 square meters of stained-glass windows have earned it the nickname "Lantern of the Lord." Created in the 16th and 18th centuries by Hermann von Münster, Thiébault de Lixheim, Valentin Bousch, Jacques Villon, and Marc Chagall, these masterpieces of fire and light are a true encyclopedia of glass art.
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A bridge over the Moselle River offers beautiful views of the Moselle Island. At night, the arches beneath the bridge are illuminated in colorful lights, a beautiful eye-catcher.
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Of the original 17 city gates, only the German Gate in the east remains. Named after the former hospital of the Teutonic Order, which stood nearby, it was built as an entrance to the city on a bridge over the Seuille River. A medieval structure straight out of a picture book.
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Always worth a bike tour! In the old town area, however, you should keep an eye on the ground. The cobblestones are very rough in places and have deep, wide cracks.
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In the evening the bridge is illuminated and looks very beautiful
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Beautiful Roman aqueduct on the edge of the cycle path towards Metz.
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The aqueduct connecting Gorze to Metz is a Roman aqueduct built at the beginning of the second century. Divodurum (Metz) is the capital of the Mediomatris, at the crossroads of the south-north and east-west axes, i.e. on the Roman roads from Lyon to Trier and from Reims to Strasbourg. The city, which had about 20,000 inhabitants in the second century, needed a supply of spring water to supply the fountains, the three Roman baths, the public latrines and the craftsmen. The exact distribution points are not known because no trace remains (Wikipedia).
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The aqueduct connecting Gorze to Metz is a Roman aqueduct built at the beginning of the second century (Wikipedia).
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The region around Vaux is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Gorze–Metz Roman Aqueduct (Jouy-aux-Arches), a marvel of Roman engineering that once supplied Metz with water. Another significant site is the Porte des Allemands in Metz, a well-preserved medieval fortified city gate. Don't miss the Moyen Bridge, also in Metz, which offers scenic views and a glimpse into medieval construction, or the stunning Saint-Étienne Cathedral with its vast stained-glass windows.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Gorze–Metz Roman Aqueduct (Jouy-aux-Arches) is a fascinating historical site that can be enjoyed by all ages. The Porte des Allemands, a medieval fortified gate, also offers an engaging historical experience for families. Additionally, the Saint-Étienne Cathedral is a grand architectural wonder that can captivate younger visitors.
The area around Vaux offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Dornot – Turning Stone loop' or the 'Cycle path along the Moselle – Tour near the Moselle loop'. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are routes like 'Whoops du Saint Quentin – Blocaus plappeville loop'. Runners can enjoy trails like the 'View of the River Moselle – Moselle Left-Bank Cycle Path loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Hiking around Vaux, MTB Trails around Vaux, and Running Trails around Vaux.
Yes, there are easy hiking options available. For instance, the 'Pont de Moulins-lès-Metz loop' is an easy running trail that can also be enjoyed as a walk, covering about 4.3 km. You can find more hiking routes, including those of varying difficulties, in the Hiking around Vaux guide.
Visitors frequently praise the historical depth and architectural beauty of the attractions. The Gorze–Metz Roman Aqueduct is highlighted for its impressive scale and historical significance. The Porte des Allemands is appreciated as a well-preserved medieval fortification. Many also enjoy the unique blend of German and French architectural influences found in Metz, particularly around sites like the Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the city's old town.
The attractions around Vaux, particularly the historical sites and architectural landmarks, can be enjoyed year-round. However, for comfortable exploration of outdoor sites like the Roman Aqueduct or walks around the Porte des Allemands, spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather. Summer (July-August) is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter visits allow for a different, often quieter, experience of the historical sites.
Yes, the nearby routes include several circular options for various activities. For hiking, you can find loops like the 'Dornot – Turning Stone loop from Ars-sur-Moselle'. Mountain bikers have options such as the 'Whoops du Saint Quentin – Blocaus plappeville loop'. These and more can be found in the Hiking around Vaux and MTB Trails around Vaux guides.
When hiking near Vaux, especially on longer routes, it's advisable to bring appropriate footwear, water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. Depending on the season, layers are recommended. For detailed route information and preparation, consult the Hiking around Vaux guide.
While specific cafes directly on every walking route are not detailed in the guide data, the attractions are located near or within Metz. Metz offers a wide array of cafes and restaurants, especially around central locations like the Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the Moyen Bridge. You'll find plenty of options for refreshments before or after your walks.
The region boasts several unique architectural features. The Gorze–Metz Roman Aqueduct showcases ancient Roman engineering with its preserved arches. The Porte des Allemands is a rare example of a medieval fortified city gate that also served as a bridge. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral is renowned for having the largest surface area of stained-glass windows in France and some of the highest vaults among French churches.
Absolutely. The area around Vaux and Metz provides excellent running opportunities. You can find routes like the 'View of the River Moselle – Moselle Left-Bank Cycle Path loop' or the 'Plan d'Eau de Metz – Mini sluice under chestnuts loop'. These routes offer scenic views and varying distances. More running trails are detailed in the Running Trails around Vaux guide.
Walks around Vaux's attractions can vary greatly in length. Exploring a single site like the Roman Aqueduct or the Porte des Allemands might take an hour or two. If you combine these with a stroll through Metz, you could easily spend half a day. For dedicated hiking, routes range from shorter, easy loops like the 4.3 km 'Pont de Moulins-lès-Metz loop' to more challenging, longer trails over 20 km, as found in the Hiking around Vaux guide.


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