This northeastern French city captivates with its 16th-century palace, expansive art museum, and yearly jazz festival. Its botanical garden houses over 5,000 plant species.
Nancy, the capital of France's Meurthe-et-Moselle department, is known for its 18th-century architecture and Art Nouveau influences. The city's centerpiece, Place Stanislas, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can explore Art Nouveau buildings and visit museums like the Musée de l'École de Nancy to learn about the city's artistic past. Nancy's old town includes medieval gates and a ducal palace. The city is also famous for its macarons and bergamotes candies.
Place Stanislas: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Place Stanislas is the central square of Nancy, designed in the 18th century by Emmanuel Héré under Stanislas I, former King of Poland. The square connects the old and new parts of the city and is surrounded by elegant buildings, including the City Hall and the Fine Arts Museum. You'll see wrought-iron gates decorated with gold leaf and a central statue of Stanislas. In the evenings, a light show illuminates the square's architectural details.
Art Nouveau in Nancy
Nancy was an important center for the Art Nouveau movement through the École de Nancy. This artistic school, founded in the late 19th century, created works with flowing, organic forms inspired by nature. Visit the Musée de l'École de Nancy to see furniture, glasswork, and decorative objects made by artists like Émile Gallé and Louis Majorelle. You can also walk through Nancy's streets to find Art Nouveau buildings. One example is the Villa Majorelle, designed by Henri Sauvage, which has curving lines and nature-inspired decorations.
The Old Town
Nancy's Vieille Ville (Old Town) dates back to medieval times. Start at the Porte de la Craffe, a 14th-century gate that was once part of the city's defenses. As you walk through the narrow streets, you'll come across the Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine, now home to the Lorraine History Museum. This museum displays artifacts and documents from the region's past, from prehistoric times to the 20th century. You can also visit the Saint-Epvre Basilica, a neo-Gothic church with tall spires that stands out in the old town's skyline.
Parks and Gardens
Nancy has several parks where you can relax. The Pépinière Park, created in the 18th century, is popular among locals. This large green space has a rose garden, a small zoo, and the Mozart bandstand. Another option is the Parc Sainte-Marie, where you'll find the Musée de l'École de Nancy. These parks are good spots for a picnic or a quiet walk.
Local Food and Drink
Nancy is known for its unique macarons, which are different from the Parisian variety. These small, round almond cookies have been made in Nancy since the 16th century. Another local specialty is the bergamote, a candy flavored with bergamot essential oil. For a savory option, try the quiche Lorraine, which originated in this region. Visit the Marché Central, Nancy's covered market, to sample local products and get a sense of the city's food culture.
Transportation in Nancy
Many of Nancy's main attractions are in the city center, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, you can use the city's public transport system. The tram and bus network, run by Stan, connects major points of interest. If you're staying for a few days, consider getting a Nancy City Pass, which includes free public transport and entry to several museums. You can also use Vélostan, the city's bike-sharing system, to cycle around Nancy.
