Idonotdespair is off on holiday – to the south of France for some sunshine, food (and maybe just a little bit of cycling).

En route we broke our journey at Metz, a city I had heard of but might have struggled to place on a map if it were not for the fact we were travelling down the Eastern side of France and need a spot to stay. Put that down to British incompetence in European geography, and as a mistake!

We were very impressed, the historic city centre was a delight. The majestic architecture straddles numerous waterways which are fed by the Moselle River and the city centre is highly restricted for cars so the cobbled streets and old buildings have a nice atmosphere, in the evening and when searching for a petit dejeuner to set us up for the long haul south.

Sorry we haven’t visited before Metz – now we can recommend you!