My wishes and my tastes
Stop-overs and city breaks
Tables de Rabelais
Gastronomy at its best
Quality dishes, a pleasure for the palate, a famous heritage.
The "Tables de Rabelais" is a symbol of local gastronomy, a testimony to the Rabelaisian spirit. With the help of the Tourist Office, it groups together thirty or so restaurants, professionals of the food trade and experienced producers whose business it is to develop flavour, who long to communicate the values which make up the French art de vivre, combined with subtle influences from across the borders.
"Tables de Rabelais" partner service providers have signed a Quality Charter whereby they undertake to serve regional products and specialities while taking into consideration the criteria on which customer satisfaction is measured, namely: intensity of flavour, service provided, welcome and information made available to consumers.
Delicious products for everyone to enjoy
The "Tables de Rabelais" is an invitation to sample a variety of culinary creations, made possible thanks to the knowledge and talent of the Masters of flavour: traditional or contemporary menus, sugary delights, gourmet tours, dishes from the region or dating back to medieval times, wine-tasting trails. Young and old gourmets alike, come and savour a feast for the palate to suit all pockets!
Discover specialities and recipes from the Lorraine region
Seasonal and traditional aromas
The "Tables de Rabelais" objective is to promote locally farmed specialities and the diversity of skills of those who work to produce and transform, turning products into something special.
Products change to match the passing seasons, honouring the crops and the symbolic aromas of the area (strawberries, Mirabelle plums, grapes, truffles, etc.). They are in total harmony with festivities marking the calendar year (farm markets, mirabelle festivals, vineyard festivals, Saint Nicolas, advent traditions).
Heritage at the table
According to their speciality and if given sufficient notice, artisans and producers can rustle up a personalised visit with tasting sessions, giving you the opportunity to discover the skills of their craft. At the "Tables de Rabelais" the menu also offers a chance to discover the astounding heritage of Metz, variations in honey-coloured stone, medieval and Renaissance architecture or mysterious legends. The Tourist Office can recommend a programme of themed commented tours (in French only), food for thought to round off your gourmet tour of Rabelaisian Metz.
Go to the Rabelais-themed tours programme (in French)
On the illustrious inhabitant of Metz, François Rabelais
Author, doctor, humanist of the French Renaissance, Rabelais lived for two years in Metz, during which time, he was inspired to write the "Quart Livre", between 1545 and 1547.
In this work, where he tells the famous legend of the Graoully, a fearsome dragon who would occasionally devour inhabitants of Metz, he borrows elements from the traditions of Metz and expressions from the local dialect.
The ruins of his home, the Maison de Rabelais, located in the heart of the city near the Saint-Genest chapel have been well-preserved and are used today as a backdrop to a city life of culture and conviviality.
Discover the legends and famous characters of Metz
The "Tables de Rabelais", instructions à la carte
If you wish to take advantage of the services offered by the "Tables de Rabelais", just contact the Tourist Office or visit the partner providers at your convenience.
Tourist Office agents can give information on the gourmet package which comprises a one or two-day tour (or longer) of Metz and its area, including tasting sessions. This all-inclusive formula is practical and especially popular with those wishing to make the very most of their stay.
Here is some practical information for visitors who prefer to devise their own schedule à la carte: you can easily identify "Tables de Rabelais" restaurants, food professionals and partner suppliers by the logo, displayed at the entrance to their establishment. Posters and brochures are also available in partner establishments as well as at the Tourist Office.
- Go to our "Tables de Rabelais" themed tours open to individuals (in French) and groups
- Go to our weekend and short break offers open to individuals and groups
The "Tables de Rabelais" key commitments to quality
Restaurateurs, producers and food professionals of Metz and its surrounding area are committed to:
- Developing and promoting an image of excellence and art de vivre based on the authenticity of flavours and the region’s gourmet characteristics
- Offering products from the Lorraine region and / or typical "Tables de Rabelais" dishes
- Customer satisfaction by extending a warm welcome
- Highlighting the "Tables de Rabelais" campaign by displaying posters and using the identification macaroon.
