Once serving as the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine, Nancy is a riverside city in north-east France. It centres around the majestic Place Stanislas and is renowned for its opulent architecture, with several fine museums and art galleries to explore.
Things to do in Nancy
At the heart of Nancy’s Ville Neuve is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Place Stanislas, a grand square lavishly decorated with gilded gates and rococo fountains. It’s surrounded by some of the most impressive buildings in the city, including the 18th-century Hôtel de Ville stretching along its southern edge.
A short stroll away is the Palais des Ducs de Lorraine, a Flamboyant-style palace housing the Lorraine Museum. Another museum not to miss is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which features an exceptional collection of European paintings dating from the 14th to 21st centuries. Highlights include masterpieces by Rubens and Caravaggio, as well as the Daum collection of Art Deco glassworks.
To the north of Nancy’s Ville Neuve is the Ville Vieille, where narrow cobblestone streets and charming squares are lined with medieval and Renaissance buildings. Admire the Baroque facade of the Nancy Cathedral and see the 14th-century Porte de la Craffe, a fortified town gate once used as a prison up until the French Revolution. A traditional market takes place on Sundays in the Ville Vieille where you can purchase local handicrafts and artisan foods.
Getting around Nancy
Metz–Nancy–Lorraine Airport is a 45-minute drive from the centre of Nancy and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect from Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg to the Gare de Nancy-Ville. Buses and trams travel throughout Nancy while the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot.