Hi,

Any suggestions about to stay for a three day mini vacation between Metz and Paris? We have a car and would love to spend the time in the countryside, perhaps sightseeing or champagne country?

Reims or Compiegne.

It is a really short drive, not even 3 hours. I do it all the time. You can stop in Reims if you must, but for a 3-day mini vacation, you should really spend more time in Metz. If necessary, you can take the Métrolor (the local commuter train) from Metz to either Luxembourg or Nancy in no more than half an hour.

Another vote for Nancy. Not to be missed if you have any interest in Art Nouveau, plus one of the best squares in Europe.

According to many, Place Stanislas in Nancy is the most beautiful square in the world.

Depends on whether you like your squares formal or quirky. But absolutely worth seeing.

I've spent time in both Nancy and Metz and prefer Metz. Place Stanislas is lovely if you like your squares huge, paved and treeless. Walking across it in summer heat is challenging.

Walking across it in driving rain isn't a bowl of cherries, either, but Nancy is a fine city, and Place Stanislaus is definitely a powerful place. I prefer Metz, though, too.

I also prefer Metz, but the evening light show on Place Stanislas in the summer is quite stunning.