top of page

Nancy

Long before the 18th century, Nancy was a fortified medieval city. This district north of Place Stanislas has a picturesque atmosphere, with its cobbled streets and hidden courtyards. The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine: This magnificent building boasts a flamboyant Gothic façade with Renaissance influences (the gatehouse is a sculptural masterpiece). It houses the Musée Lorrain, guardian of the region's history and arts. The Cordeliers Church: Adjoining the palace, this church houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, including magnificent polychrome effigies. Its funerary chapel, inspired by the Medici Chapel in Florence, is topped with an impressive octagonal dome. The Porte de la Craffe: The oldest remaining vestige of the city's fortifications (14th century), this monumental gate, flanked by two large circular twin towers, served as a prison during the French Revolution and proudly marks the entrance to the old city. Place Saint-Epvre: Dominated by the neo-Gothic Saint-Epvre basilica with its sparkling stained-glass windows, this cobbled square surrounded by old houses is today a hub of social life in Nancy with its lively terraces.

The former capital of the Dukes of Lorraine, Nancy is a magnificent city of art, elegance, and light located in the Grand Est region of France. World-renowned for its 18th-century architectural ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also the historical birthplace of Art Nouveau in France. Strolling between its medieval heart and its regal vistas, Nancy exudes a unique atmosphere, both noble and vibrant, fueled by a thriving student and cultural life.

Stanislas Square and the UNESCO complex

A true jewel of the city, Place Stanislas is regularly voted one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Commissioned in the 18th century by Stanislas Leszczynski, former King of Poland and Duke of Lorraine, it connects the Old Town to the New Town.

The City Hall and the Classical Pavilions: The square is framed by sumptuous symmetrical buildings, including the grand City Hall. Their perfectly harmonious neoclassical facades lend the site a theatrical air.

Jean Lamour's Golden Gates: At the four corners of the square and on either side of the fountains, monumental wrought-iron gates, forged by the craftsman Jean Lamour and embellished with gold leaf, shimmer in the sunlight and have earned Nancy the nickname "City of Golden Gates."

The Neptune and Amphitrite Fountains: Sculpted by Barthélemy Guibal, these monumental Baroque fountains, set against groves of greenery, bring a touch of mythology and aquatic freshness to the ensemble.

The Place de la Carrière and the Place d'Alliance: Extending from the Place Stanislas via the Arc Héré (a triumphal arch in honor of Louis XV), the Place de la Carrière, with its row of linden trees, and the peaceful Place d'Alliance complete this unique architectural triptych, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Long before the 18th century, Nancy was a fortified medieval city. This district north of Place Stanislas has a picturesque atmosphere, with its cobbled streets and hidden courtyards. The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine: This magnificent building boasts a flamboyant Gothic façade with Renaissance influences (the gatehouse is a sculptural masterpiece). It houses the Musée Lorrain, guardian of the region's history and arts. The Cordeliers Church: Adjoining the palace, this church houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, including magnificent polychrome effigies. Its funerary chapel, inspired by the Medici Chapel in Florence, is topped with an impressive octagonal dome. The Porte de la Craffe: The oldest remaining vestige of the city's fortifications (14th century), this monumental gate, flanked by two large circular twin towers, served as a prison during the French Revolution and proudly marks the entrance to the old city. Place Saint-Epvre: Dominated by the neo-Gothic Saint-Epvre basilica with its sparkling stained-glass windows, this cobbled square surrounded by old houses is today a hub of social life in Nancy with its lively terraces.
Long before the 18th century, Nancy was a fortified medieval city. This district north of Place Stanislas has a picturesque atmosphere, with its cobbled streets and hidden courtyards. The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine: This magnificent building boasts a flamboyant Gothic façade with Renaissance influences (the gatehouse is a sculptural masterpiece). It houses the Musée Lorrain, guardian of the region's history and arts. The Cordeliers Church: Adjoining the palace, this church houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, including magnificent polychrome effigies. Its funerary chapel, inspired by the Medici Chapel in Florence, is topped with an impressive octagonal dome. The Porte de la Craffe: The oldest remaining vestige of the city's fortifications (14th century), this monumental gate, flanked by two large circular twin towers, served as a prison during the French Revolution and proudly marks the entrance to the old city. Place Saint-Epvre: Dominated by the neo-Gothic Saint-Epvre basilica with its sparkling stained-glass windows, this cobbled square surrounded by old houses is today a hub of social life in Nancy with its lively terraces.
Long before the 18th century, Nancy was a fortified medieval city. This district north of Place Stanislas has a picturesque atmosphere, with its cobbled streets and hidden courtyards. The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine: This magnificent building boasts a flamboyant Gothic façade with Renaissance influences (the gatehouse is a sculptural masterpiece). It houses the Musée Lorrain, guardian of the region's history and arts. The Cordeliers Church: Adjoining the palace, this church houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, including magnificent polychrome effigies. Its funerary chapel, inspired by the Medici Chapel in Florence, is topped with an impressive octagonal dome. The Porte de la Craffe: The oldest remaining vestige of the city's fortifications (14th century), this monumental gate, flanked by two large circular twin towers, served as a prison during the French Revolution and proudly marks the entrance to the old city. Place Saint-Epvre: Dominated by the neo-Gothic Saint-Epvre basilica with its sparkling stained-glass windows, this cobbled square surrounded by old houses is today a hub of social life in Nancy with its lively terraces.

The Nancy School — The Triumph of Art Nouveau

Long before the 18th century, Nancy was a fortified medieval city. This district north of Place Stanislas has a picturesque atmosphere, with its cobbled streets and hidden courtyards. The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine: This magnificent building boasts a flamboyant Gothic façade with Renaissance influences (the gatehouse is a sculptural masterpiece). It houses the Musée Lorrain, guardian of the region's history and arts. The Cordeliers Church: Adjoining the palace, this church houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, including magnificent polychrome effigies. Its funerary chapel, inspired by the Medici Chapel in Florence, is topped with an impressive octagonal dome. The Porte de la Craffe: The oldest remaining vestige of the city's fortifications (14th century), this monumental gate, flanked by two large circular twin towers, served as a prison during the French Revolution and proudly marks the entrance to the old city. Place Saint-Epvre: Dominated by the neo-Gothic Saint-Epvre basilica with its sparkling stained-glass windows, this cobbled square surrounded by old houses is today a hub of social life in Nancy with its lively terraces.

At the turn of the 20th century, Nancy became the spearhead of Art Nouveau in France thanks to the École de Nancy movement, inspired by the forms of nature (local flora and fauna).

The Musée de l'École de Nancy: Located in the former estate of collector Eugène Corbin, this unique museum is entirely dedicated to the masters of the movement. Visitors can admire sumptuous furniture, stained glass, and ceramics by Émile Gallé, Louis Majorelle, and Victor Prouvé, all set within a period garden.

Villa Majorelle: A masterpiece of total architecture, this house, built for the cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle, has been magnificently restored. From its wrought-iron railings imitating honesty flowers to its interior decorations, it embodies the perfect symbiosis of art and home.

The Saurupt district: This residential area boasts an exceptional collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco bourgeois villas. A stroll through the area reveals whimsical facades with curved windows and floral motifs carved in stone.

Banks and shops in the city center: Looking up in the shopping district, you'll discover treasures like the glass roof of the CCI bank or the facade of the Brasserie L'Excelsior, an Art Nouveau gem where you can enjoy a drink beneath Daum crystal chandeliers.

Long before the 18th century, Nancy was a fortified medieval city. This district north of Place Stanislas has a picturesque atmosphere, with its cobbled streets and hidden courtyards. The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine: This magnificent building boasts a flamboyant Gothic façade with Renaissance influences (the gatehouse is a sculptural masterpiece). It houses the Musée Lorrain, guardian of the region's history and arts. The Cordeliers Church: Adjoining the palace, this church houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, including magnificent polychrome effigies. Its funerary chapel, inspired by the Medici Chapel in Florence, is topped with an impressive octagonal dome. The Porte de la Craffe: The oldest remaining vestige of the city's fortifications (14th century), this monumental gate, flanked by two large circular twin towers, served as a prison during the French Revolution and proudly marks the entrance to the old city. Place Saint-Epvre: Dominated by the neo-Gothic Saint-Epvre basilica with its sparkling stained-glass windows, this cobbled square surrounded by old houses is today a hub of social life in Nancy with its lively terraces.

The Old Town and the past of the Dukes of Lorraine

Long before the 18th century, Nancy was a fortified medieval city. This district north of Place Stanislas has a picturesque atmosphere, with its cobbled streets and hidden courtyards.

The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine: This magnificent building boasts a flamboyant Gothic façade with Renaissance influences (the gatehouse is a sculptural masterpiece). It houses the Musée Lorrain, guardian of the region's history and arts.

The Cordeliers Church: Adjoining the palace, this church houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, including magnificent polychrome effigies. Its funerary chapel, inspired by the Medici Chapel in Florence, is topped with an impressive octagonal dome.

The Porte de la Craffe: The oldest remaining vestige of the city's fortifications (14th century), this monumental gate, flanked by two large circular twin towers, served as a prison during the French Revolution and proudly marks the entrance to the old city.

Place Saint-Epvre: Dominated by the neo-Gothic Saint-Epvre basilica with its sparkling stained-glass windows, this cobbled square surrounded by old houses is today a hub of social life in Nancy with its lively terraces.

Long before the 18th century, Nancy was a fortified medieval city. This district north of Place Stanislas has a picturesque atmosphere, with its cobbled streets and hidden courtyards. The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine: This magnificent building boasts a flamboyant Gothic façade with Renaissance influences (the gatehouse is a sculptural masterpiece). It houses the Musée Lorrain, guardian of the region's history and arts. The Cordeliers Church: Adjoining the palace, this church houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, including magnificent polychrome effigies. Its funerary chapel, inspired by the Medici Chapel in Florence, is topped with an impressive octagonal dome. The Porte de la Craffe: The oldest remaining vestige of the city's fortifications (14th century), this monumental gate, flanked by two large circular twin towers, served as a prison during the French Revolution and proudly marks the entrance to the old city. Place Saint-Epvre: Dominated by the neo-Gothic Saint-Epvre basilica with its sparkling stained-glass windows, this cobbled square surrounded by old houses is today a hub of social life in Nancy with its lively terraces.

Green spaces and leisurely strolls along the water

Nancy offers its visitors ample green spaces for relaxation and respite, seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric.

The Pépinière Park: A true green lung of 21 hectares extending from Place Stanislas, this former royal garden boasts a rose garden, a small animal area, remarkable two-hundred-year-old trees, and a magnificent bandstand. It's a must-see for families and walkers alike.

The Jean-Marie Pelt Botanical Garden: Located on the outskirts of the city, this grand 35-hectare scientific park is home to over 12,000 plant species and spectacular tropical greenhouses housing giant water lilies and carnivorous plants.

Rives de Meurthe and the Marina: Former industrial area rehabilitated, the banks of the canal and the Meurthe offer superb cycle paths, ephemeral terraces in summer (the guinguettes) and an urban marina (Port Saint-Georges) conducive to nautical relaxation.

Long before the 18th century, Nancy was a fortified medieval city. This district north of Place Stanislas has a picturesque atmosphere, with its cobbled streets and hidden courtyards. The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine: This magnificent building boasts a flamboyant Gothic façade with Renaissance influences (the gatehouse is a sculptural masterpiece). It houses the Musée Lorrain, guardian of the region's history and arts. The Cordeliers Church: Adjoining the palace, this church houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, including magnificent polychrome effigies. Its funerary chapel, inspired by the Medici Chapel in Florence, is topped with an impressive octagonal dome. The Porte de la Craffe: The oldest remaining vestige of the city's fortifications (14th century), this monumental gate, flanked by two large circular twin towers, served as a prison during the French Revolution and proudly marks the entrance to the old city. Place Saint-Epvre: Dominated by the neo-Gothic Saint-Epvre basilica with its sparkling stained-glass windows, this cobbled square surrounded by old houses is today a hub of social life in Nancy with its lively terraces.

Gastronomy and sweet treats of the ducal court

Nancy boasts an immensely rich culinary tradition, inherited from Stanislas's love of good food and the expertise of Lorraine's confectioners.

Nancy Bergamot: This small, square, translucent, golden candy is flavored with natural bergamot essence. Benefiting from a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), it's the iconic sweet treat that people take home in its decorated tin.

Nancy Macarons: Made according to a secret recipe unchanged since the 18th century by the Macaron Sisters, they are nothing like the colorful Parisian macarons. Crispy on the outside and melting on the inside, they exude a delicious aroma of sweet almond.

Rum Baba and Bouchée à la Reine: Legend has it that Duke Stanislas, finding the local kugelhopf too dry, asked for it to be soaked in Tokay wine (later replaced by rum), thus inventing the Baba au Rhum. The famous Bouchée à la Reine is also attributed to his daughter, Marie Leszczynska, wife of Louis XV.

Quiche Lorraine and Mirabelle Plums: The city's brasseries elevate these regional classics, from the truly melt-in-your-mouth quiche to light desserts showcasing the small golden plum of Lorraine.

Conclusion

Nancy is a destination of rare elegance, captivating travelers with the majesty of its vistas and the refinement of its artistic details. Far from resting on the laurels of its ducal past, this Lorraine city pulsates with constant creativity, ranging from the geometric rigor of Lamour's gilded ironwork to the organic and floral poetry of Émile Gallé's vases. Whether you choose to come to dine on Place Stanislas at nightfall during the spectacular video-mapping shows, or to discover Art Nouveau facades in a shaded neighborhood, Nancy offers a cultural, culinary, and luminous experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Destination Nancy - Metropolitan Tourist Office

Information Regarding Visuals: This website uses computer-generated images and illustrations created by artificial intelligence for atmospheric and stylistic purposes. These representations are not actual photographs and are strictly non-binding.

bottom of page