MIREILLE'S MUSINGS: Centre Pompidou-Metz

Take a one hour and 15 minute TGV ride for a day in provincial France to discover Metz and its new, temporary exhibition space, the largest outside Paris in France. The outside is as interesting as the inside...designed by two architects, a Chinese and a French (interesting combination, don't you think?), the structure is audacious with a roof made of 16 kilometers of laminated timber that looks like cane work and resembles a Chinese hat. Stunning...with curves and amazing openings towards landmarks like the train station and the gothic cathedral.

Inside...some gems for every taste...Braque, Picasso, Matisse, Man Ray, Klein, De Stael, Giacometti, Rodin, Starck, videos and more.

I also had a wonderful lunch at nearby El Theatris with views of swans on the Moselle River and a perfect and unusual macaroon (the real McCoy) for dessert with the local little yellow plum called mirabelle in a mousse, sorbet and "real" fruit. Yummy.