The 15 things to do in Nancy

Are you going to discover Lorraine? Here’s our selection of uncontourable things to do and see to visit Nancy!

In the department of Meurthe-et-Moselle, Nancy has the image of a bourgeois, student and dynamic city. Thanks to a rich past, the former capital of the Duchy of Lorraine, today has a sumptuous architectural heritage and can be legitimately regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This is all the more true since, for a long time, Nancy was the European capital of New Art.

Point of passage to Grand Duchy Luxembourg or Germany Nancy has benefited from this strategic geographical position, to become a regional economic and academic centre of importance. The small town of Lorraine today has a great deal! Historical monuments secular and baroque, alleys of charm, green spaces, the city of Nancy does not lack any assets. Whether it's for a weekend or for a longer holiday, you won't miss things to see and do in Nancy and its surroundings.

Is your suitcase ready? To help you organize your stay, here are the 15 things to do in Nancy.

1. Place Stanislas

What if you start visiting Nancy with one of her symbols? Connecting the old town and the new city of Nancy, Stanislas Square, built in 1752, impresses all those who cross it. With its fountains, its paved, its bow, it forms an absolutely tedious set. Along with its two neighbours, Alliance Square and the Place de la Carrière, Stanislas Square is listed in UNESCO World Heritage.

2. The nursery park

Nicknamed the Pep by the inhabitants of Nancy, the nursery park is the ideal place to relax after a day's visit. Nancy's green lung frequently hosts public events and other concerts organized by the city. Take the time to stroll around the trees and flowering avenues. Surprisingly: you can cross paons and even monkeys!

3. The old town of Nancy

With its narrow alleys, paved walls and medieval architecture, Nancy’s old town is full of history and remains a must-see in Nancy. Meet at the door of the Craffe , medieval fortification erected in the 14th century, and immerse yourself in the time of the Golden Duchy by admiring the Ducal Palace.

For the little story, know that the door of the Craffe is a fortification built before the Vauban era. This door was obviously used to protect the city, but not only! It is also that, until 1610, the Dukes of Lorraine entered the city.

4. The Museum of Fine Arts

It's impossible to visit Nancy without a tour of the Museum of Fine Arts. Located on Place Stanislas, the museum presents various European works, from the end of the 14th century to the present day. Created in 1793, the museum also regularly honours the Lorraine artists.

5. The villa Majorelle

Designed by the architect Henri Sauvage At the beginning of the 20th century, it was the first house built entirely Art Nouveau in Nancy. Opened to the public in 1997, it is currently under renovation and is expected to reopen its doors until the beginning of 2020.

6. The marina

The marina, this is a relaxing idea of a walk to Nancy. Located on the Moselle, it welcomes every year a thousand five hundred boats in a flowery, lively, but quiet and relaxing environment. Walk by the docks or enjoy the summer entertainment. And if you like pedaling, know that you can rent bikes on the port.

7. Central market

Here is the ideal place to dive into the heart of local life. Opened five days a week, the central market brings together nearly sixty merchants in a magnificent U-shaped building. You can shop there, buy flowers or books. Once your shopping is finished, enjoy your visit to discover local gastronomy in the small restaurants of the market, all in a joyful and friendly atmosphere.

8. The Musée de l’École de Nancy

Opened in 1964, this museum is actually the home of Eugene Corbin, a great lover of Art Nouveau. His visit is an indispensable one to do in Nancy, to better understand this art that marked the city. Take the time to admire the architecture of this house and stroll through the beautiful gardens around it.

9. The Palace of Dukes of Lorraine

Don't miss the discovery of the Palace of Dukes of Lorraine! This former residence of the local aristocracy was erected in the 16th century, and offers an impressive exterior. In 1848, the palace became the Lorraine Museum, dedicated to the history of the region. Unfortunately, it is currently closed due to renovation. See you in 2023 for his reopening!

10. Notre-dame-de-l’Annunciation Cathedral

This church was erected between 1703 and 1742, on Place Monseigneur-Ruch, under the reign of Leopold 1st of Lorraine. The façade, like the interior, is Corinthian style. It was only in 1777 that the church became the cathedral of Notre-dame-de-l’Annunciation.

11. Saint-Epvre Basilica

Come and admire Nancy's highest religious building, with its eighty-seven meters high. This magnificent basilica was erected in the second half of the 19th century by Proper Morey, in a neo-Gothic style, in the heart of the old city of Nancy. Pope Pius 9, but also Napoleon 3, the Emperor of Austria-Hungary François-Joseph, Louis 2 of Bavaria and Queen Victoria in person contributed financially to his construction.

12. The botanical garden Jean-Marie Pelt

The city's first botanical garden opened in 1758, rue Sainte-Catherine. Jean-Marie Pelt will be created in 1976 near the city centre. Today, this park contains nearly twelve thousand plant species. A visit to Nancy absolutely!

13. Parc Sainte-Marie

Looking for a place to relax in Nancy? Sainte-Marie Park is the ideal destination. A few steps from the Nancy School Museum, this park, more than seven hectares, offers its visitors a beautiful landscaped garden, planted with splendid trees. Belonging to the Jesuits, the park became a private property in 1808, before being bought by the city of Nancy in 1904, which made it a public garden, very appreciated by the Nanceians.

14. The Arch of Herod triumph

Located at the site of the former Royal Gate erected by Louis 14, the Arch of Héré Tribute has been listed as a historic monument since 1923 and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Inspired by ancient traditions, it is distinguished by the originality of its decor.

15. Local gastronomy

Visiting Nancy is also and especially enjoying its local cuisine! Quiches, babas in rum, godmother pasta, skipped to the queen, macarons of Nancy, products based on mirabelles, you will only have the embarrassment of choice. And if you want to bring back a sweet delight in your luggage, think of Nancy's Bergamotes, one of the great specialties of the city.

To see and do also in Nancy and its surroundings

If you have a little time left, here are some additional ideas to visit Nancy and its surroundings.

• Cruise on the Moselle
• Visit the Iron History Museum
• Discover the Abbey of Prémontrés in Pont-à-Mousson
• Visit the castle of Luneville
• Relax at Lake Madine

How to get to Nancy?

By plane

If you want to fly to Nancy, you will have to land at Metz-Nancy Airport, which is thirty-three kilometres from the city centre. You will find some direct flights from Nice, Marseille, Bastia or Lyon. To find the best prices, use the flight comparison Ulysses , and think to book your flight in advance to benefit from advantageous fares.

Once on site, you can rent a car directly to the airport to reach Nancy. Otherwise, you should know that several shuttles connect with the centre of Nancy. ♪ schedule are to be found on the official website of the city’s tourist office.

By car

The city of Nancy has a good motorway network.

• Count four hours from Paris, by taking the A4 motorway.
• From the north of France, you must reach A4 at Reims level.
• And if you come from the South of France, borrow the A6 motorway until Dijon, then take the A31 direction Nancy.

By train

The city of Nancy is very well served by the train and by the TGV.

• From Paristen daily TGV connections are provided from the Eastern Railway Station, for a journey of approximately one hour and thirty minutes.
• If you come from Lille, you will be able to borrow one of the three TGVs that provides daily liaison in just over two hours.
• Three TGVs are also planned each day from Bordeaux. Count five hours and ten minutes.

Note : TGV Lorraine station is located outside the city. A shuttle, however, allows you to quickly reach the centre of Nancy.

By boat

Nancy is not a seaside resort, yet you will be able to reach the city by boat! For this two options: the channel of the Marne to the Rhin , or Eastern canal . An original way to visit Nancy!

Where to stay in Nancy?

It is quite easy to find a hotel room or rent a small apartment on Nancy. Whatever your selection criteria you think of using a Compare hotels to benefit from the best rates. The city centre is obviously ideal to fully enjoy the city and its atmosphere. For a more rural and peaceful atmosphere, choose accommodation outside Nancy. For more information, see our article " In which quarter house in Nancy? » .

You now have the essentials in hand to visit Nancy. And you, what were your must-sees?