Temple Neuf

Temple Neuf stands at the tip of a small island in the Moselle River, at the end of Place de la Comédie with water on both sides. Kaiser Wilhelm II had it built during the German annexation and came to inaugurate it himself in 1904. Romanesque churches of the Rhine valley for the inspiration of the design and led to the soaring octagonal lantern tower and twin turrets. The choice to use grey Vosges sandstone really stands out because the historic buildings of Metz are mostly built from a local limestone that is yellow. That contrast makes the church pop in cityscape and architectural photography. One of the best angles is from across the water. If you set up on the Moyen Pont, the island comes to a point right in front of you with the church filling your frame. The pathway along Quai Paul Vautrin puts you level with the water and on a still day the reflection doubles the whole view. Ideally plan to come back after dark. The church is floodlit at night, which allows you to experiment with the same framing but with completely different colours and feel. From Place de la Comédie you get the other contrast, grey stone of the church against the yellow linestone on the Opéra-Théâtre. The garden around the church is public and free to walk through. The cathedral is just five minutes away, so it's a great addition to a Metz shooting adventure. (Metz, Grand Est, France)