Getting to Metz can be a hassle. When you prepare to leave the US, taking 2 checked bags and 2 carry-ons from Charles De Gaulle airport to the Gare de L’Est train station, catching the TGV, and getting to Metz seems like no problem. The fact is, arriving in France is stressful, especially if you don’t speak the language and have heavy bags to tote around. Here are some suggestions as to the best way to get from the good ol’ USA to Metz, France:
Fly Into Luxemborg
This is the easiest way to get to Metz. The airport is smaller than CDG and Frankfurt, and only 45 minutes by train from Metz. More information to come in the future.
Fly into Frankfurt
From other people’s experiences, it is a little easier than CDG and the German train system is nicer than the French system.
Fly into Paris (CDG)
This is probably the most difficult of the three airports mentioned here at which to arrive, but it is also usually the cheapest. After arriving in CDG, you will go through passport control and customs, although when I arrived customs was not checking anybody. After clearing both, you will need to get to Gare de L’Est, the train station to Metz. DO NOT take a taxi from someone who walks up to you and offers. It is ILLEGAL in France to solicit people for taxis, and these people will overcharge you by a lot for taxis to and from the airport. Expect to pay around 40-60 euros, depending on baggage and time of arrival, for a real taxi. After arriving in Gare de L’Est, buy a ticket to Metz, France for around 50 euros (unless you have a Eurail pass already). After around 1:30 on the train, you will arrive in Metz.
Getting from the Train Station to the Dorms
Bus: Take the 8, 11, or U bus from the stop in front of the station to the Technopole. The U is the easiest; push the button for a stop right after the turning circle with the Technopole sign, and walk around the lake to the Supelec dorm. The bus is 1.2 euros 1 way, 2.2 for a “deux voyages”.
Taxi: Pick up a taxi from the station in front of the train station (it’s to the left as you exit the big doors). It will be around 15-20 euros. Ask to go to the Technopole, rue Edouard Branly. If the driver doesn’t know about that street, say the Supelec dorms and he’ll know where they are. If he still doesn’t know, it’s the 2nd right after the turning circle which says “Technopole” on a sign.
