You will undoubtedly be captivated by the magnificent architecture of Nancy.

Place Stanislas serves as the focal point of a UNESCO World Heritage site—a splendid square commissioned by the last Duke of Lorraine in the 18th century, reshaping the city’s center.

Nancy’s aesthetic underwent another transformation in the late-19th century, when it led the way in the Art Nouveau movement.

A well-curated museum devoted to the École de Nancy movement stands ready for exploration, along with numerous charming houses exemplifying this style on a leisurely walking tour.

The Renaissance Ducal Palace offers insights into the Dukes of Lorraine, showcasing their power and affluence.

Let us examine the most noteworthy attractions in Nancy:

1. Place Stanislas

A monumental urban planning endeavor from the 18th century, this remarkable square is the vision of Stanislas Leszczyński—the last Duke of Lorraine.

Place Stanislas, along with its adjoining squares, is designated as a World Heritage Site, characterized by a sense of scale and grandeur that continues to leave visitors speechless.

Many of the city’s principal attractions and institutions are located within the pavilions and palaces established as part of this grand project, including the City Hall, Opera House, Fine Arts Museum, and Triumphal Arch.

Prominently situated in the center of the square is an imposing four-meter statue of Stanislas, which weighs 5.4 tons and stands upon a pedestal of white marble.

2. Villa Majorelle

The late-19th century witnessed the rise of Art Nouveau in Nancy, largely influenced by the socio-political climate of the time.

As a result of the neighboring Alsace and Lorraine regions being annexed by Prussia in the 1870s, Nancy became a haven for thinkers and artists who fled the new German territory, leading to the emergence of the École de Nancy.

While there are numerous examples of Art Nouveau design to appreciate, Villa Majorelle epitomizes the style.

Conceived in 1899 by architect Henri Sauvage, the villa features characteristic sinuous lines and organic ironwork.

Apart from Sauvage, stained glass artist Jacques Gruber and ceramist Alexandre Bigot contributed significantly to the exquisite interior design at Villa Majorelle.

3. Musée de l’École de Nancy

The École de Nancy was at the forefront of the Art Nouveau movement in France, and the museum dedicated to this artistic movement offers an exquisite experience for enthusiasts of decorative art from this era.

Housed in the former residence of Eugène Corbin, a prominent patron of the École de Nancy, the museum excellently showcases furniture, ceramics, and glassware designed by leading figures in the movement.

Among the highlights are Victor Prouvé’s elegant grand piano and the remarkable “Salle à Manger Masson,” realized by Eugène Vallin.

Additionally, the stained glass windows designed by Jacques Gruber and Georges Biet enhance the aesthetic appeal, along with an extensive collection of ceramics and glassware from the esteemed Daum studio.

4. Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine

Constructed in the early 16th century, this palace served as the principal residence of the Dukes of Lorraine for two centuries until the court relocated to the Château de Lunéville in the 1700s.

If you appreciate historical architecture, you will be struck by the fusion of Renaissance and Gothic styles present in the palace: at street level, the façade features Renaissance window frames, while the first floor showcases ornate gothic balconies.

The palace maintains a relatively understated appearance, except for the extravagant gatehouse (porterie), adorned with delicate sculptures that stretch to the roofing, including a frieze depicting the ducal coat of arms.

5. Musée Lorrain

Enter the Palace to deepen your understanding of the Dukes of Lorraine and the comprehensive history of the region, spanning from prehistory to the First World War.

An extensive collection of exhibits is organized chronologically, but those particularly interested in the power of the dukes can explore magnificent paintings, faience, and tapestries, primarily from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The museum showcases works by the French Baroque master Georges de la Tour, who spent most of his career in the vicinity of Nancy, alongside pieces by Clodion, an 18th-century Rococo sculptor.

6. Église et Couvent des Cordeliers

The Musée Lorrain continues just around the corner at this former Franciscan convent.

The convent’s rooms exhibit an ethnographic theme, aimed at familiarizing visitors with the traditional crafts of Lorraine, particularly woodworking trades such as carpentry and cabinetmaking.

A reconstruction of a carpenter’s workshop from the 1800s is available for exploration, while upstairs houses an impressive collection of Lorraine furniture and everyday utensils ranging from the 1600s to the early 1900s.

Within the 15th-century church, you can view the tomb of René II, Duke of Lorraine from 1473 to 1508, as well as that of his wife Philippa de Gueldre, exquisitely carved from fine limestone.

7. Parc de la Pépinière

The name “Pépinière” translates to “nursery,” reflecting its original purpose when established by Stanislas in the 18th century: this is where the trees for Nancy’s grand new streets were cultivated.

The classic chequerboard layout remains intact, with pathways passing flowerbeds, a rose garden, and three statues—one of which is crafted by Auguste Rodin.

For families, there are amenities such as mini-golf, playgrounds, a summer puppet theater, and a small zoo where you can encounter monkeys, deer, and ducks.

8. La Porte de la Craffe

Located at the top of Grand Rue, a short distance from the Ducal Palace, La Porte de la Craffe represents a thrilling remnant of Nancy’s ancient city defenses.

This gate, dating from the 14th century, boasts twin conical towers and slate roofs, resembling a fairytale structure; however, it served as a formidable defense against attackers.

Boasting three-meter-thick walls and openings designed for pouring boiling pitch and oil on enemies, it successfully withstood a siege by Duke Charles the Bold of Burgundy in 1477, who did not escape alive.

On the south side of the tower, visitors can observe a carving of René II, who emerged victorious in that battle, positioned to the right of the Cross of Lorraine.

9. Museum of Fine Arts

Adjacent to Place Stanislas, within one of the square’s four stately pavilions, lies the Museum of Fine Arts.

Inaugurated in 1793, this museum ranks among the oldest in France.

Visitors can explore the history of European art through a collection that includes works from Italian Gothic primitives and masters such as Caravaggio, Jacob Jordaens, Charles Le Brun, Breughel the Younger, and Delacroix.

In terms of Impressionism and modern art, the museum features pieces by Manet, Matisse, Signac, Roget de la Fresnaye, Modigliani, and others.

On the lower floor, 300 pieces from the museum’s extensive Daum collection of 725 artifacts, showcasing delicate Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware from the 1890s to 1920s, are on display.

10. Arc Héré

As you enter Place Stanislas through this impressive triumphal arch, dating from 1755, you may feel akin to a Duke. The structure is named after Emmanuel Héré, the architect who brought Stanislas’s vision to fruition.

The arch’s facade facing the square is magnificent, adorned with allegorical imagery, including laurel and olive branches, as well as statues representing Ceres, Minerva, Hercules, and Mars, symbolizing the themes of war and peace.

The design draws inspiration from Rome’s Arch of Septimus Severus.

An integral part of the square’s ensemble, the arch is also recognized by UNESCO and is particularly enchanting when illuminated at night.

11. Place d’Alliance

Emmanuel Héré was also the mastermind behind this square, which is smaller and more understated than Place Stanislas.

Historically, Place d’Alliance was once the kitchen garden of the Ducal Palace, previously serving as a site for one of the city’s defensive bastions.

A row of twin lime trees encircles the square, providing dense foliage that enhances the feeling of privacy.

At the center stands a fountain sculpted by Paul-Louis Cyfflé, commemorating the significant “Diplomatic Revolution” of 1756, when Austria allied with France, marking a pivotal moment in 18th-century history.

12. Place de la Carrière

Also part of the UNESCO ensemble, this elongated square features a regal tree-lined promenade located on the other side of Arc Héré.

You will traverse Place de la Carrière as you travel between Parc de la Pépinière and Place Stanislas.

The meticulously trimmed lime trees lining the path are shaped into right angles, resembling parterre topiaries.

Behind the trees, the majestic façades of 18th-century mansions stand in orderly rows, while the small stairways on either side are adorned with classical statues and stone vases.

It creates an atmosphere of grandeur, which is exactly what one would expect from Nancy!

13. Nancy Cathedral

The 18th-century Cathedral of Nancy exhibits clear influences from Italy.

Designed by the Italian Giovanni Betto, its architecture is inspired by Rome’s Sant’Andrea della Valle.

The interior is notably austere, featuring minimal carvings primarily on the columns. The most striking element is the dome in the transept, adorned with a mural by local painter Claude Jacquart from the 1720s, depicting “Gloire Céleste” (heavenly glory).

Additionally, there is a statue of the Virgin and Child from the 1600s, along with a treasury containing precious liturgical artifacts, such as the chalice and ring belonging to the 10th-century Saint Gauzelin.

14. Église Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours

Originally, Stanislas Leszczynski was interred at this Rococo church designed by Emmanuel Héré. However, his remains were later relocated to Poland following the Revolution.

The church was intentionally designed as a mausoleum for Stanislas and his wife, Katarina Oplinska, and was completed in 1741. The Duke’s cenotaph remains here, having survived the Revolution due to its artistic merit, as has the tomb of his daughter Maria Leszczynska, laid to rest in 1768. Access is available only on Saturday afternoons, yet this church is a significant site bursting with local history that signifies your historical journey through Nancy alongside Stanislas.

15. Local Delicacies

Many of Nancy’s specialties come in charming little packages, making them ideal gifts.

Bergamote de Nancy is a confection flavored with essential oil from bergamot oranges, offering a delightful sweet and slightly sour taste.

They are elegantly presented in beautiful rectangular tins that are worth the price alone.

The classic macaroons, meringue sandwiches filled with ganache or jam, have been a staple in Nancy since the 1600s.

On the savory side, one cannot overlook quiche lorraine—a pastry made with eggs, bacon, and crème fraîche, a beloved dish throughout Europe.