The Parade Place, facing Metz Cathedral, is a large rectangle 410 ft long (125 m) and 164 ft wide (50 m). King Louis XV had it fitted out in the years 1750-1760 by removing the cloister that occupied the area. He wanted a space for the exits of processions to seem more solemn. The place is covered with two-tone paving stones, in an excellent state of conservation despite the traffic. They are arranged in X's in the shape of Saint Andrew crosses.