Nancy

Place Stanislas is the natural heart of the city and one of France’s most complete monumental urban spaces.

The square was created in the 18th century to connect the medieval ducal city with the newer urban centre.

The classical façades, fountains and Jean Lamour’s gilded wrought-iron gates create a space that serves both as a monument and a lively meeting place.

Continue through Arc Héré to Place de la Carrière and Place d’Alliance to experience the full UNESCO ensemble.

Musée des Beaux-Arts, the opera house, tourist office and Parc de la Pépinière are on or immediately beside the square.

Villa Majorelle shows how architecture, furniture, glass and decoration were conceived as a single work of art in Nancy.

The house was created for furniture designer Louis Majorelle and is one of the clearest symbols of the École de Nancy.

Inside are organic lines, fine woodwork, stained glass, ironwork and furniture that recreate the atmosphere of an Art Nouveau home.

Visitor capacity is often limited and advance booking may be required. Always check current opening hours.

Combine the villa with Musée de l’École de Nancy and a walk through Saurupt or the streets around Avenue Foch.

Porte de la Craffe is the oldest surviving monument in Nancy’s historic centre and marks the northern entrance to the old town.

The gate was built in the Middle Ages and is the clearest surviving trace of the city’s former fortifications.

The massive towers later served as a prison, while the passage still leads into Grande-Rue.

From the gate, follow a compact historical route past Place Saint-Epvre and the ducal palace towards Place Stanislas.

The monument is normally best appreciated from outside, although occasional guided visits may be offered.

The museum stands directly on Place Stanislas and offers a broad journey through European art and Nancy’s design heritage.

The collections include Old Masters, artists from Lorraine, modern art and a gallery devoted to Jean Prouvé.

On the lower level, the Daum collection is displayed in a distinctive setting that links glass art with the city’s former fortifications.

The museum is an excellent place to understand the connection between the royal city, the École de Nancy and later design traditions.

Allow at least ninety minutes and check opening hours before visiting.

The old town north of Place Stanislas brings together a medieval gate, ducal history, church architecture and intimate urban spaces along an easy route.

Grande-Rue is the historic backbone of the district, linking Porte de la Craffe with Place Stanislas.

Around Place Saint-Epvre are cafés, shops and views towards the basilica’s Neo-Gothic tower.

Palais des Ducs de Lorraine and the Cordeliers church recall the period when Nancy was the centre of the Duchy of Lorraine.

The district is well suited to a leisurely afternoon followed by dinner in more local surroundings.

Nancy Thermal continues the city’s spa tradition in a large complex for wellbeing, sport and treatment beside Parc Sainte-Marie.

The city’s thermal story began in the early 20th century after warm mineral-rich water was discovered beneath Nancy.

The modern complex combines restored historic architecture with pools, spa facilities, saunas, steam rooms and family areas.

Its location in the Art Nouveau quarter makes it easy to combine with Musée de l’École de Nancy and Parc Sainte-Marie.

Book treatments or spa access in advance during busy periods, and check which areas are available to day visitors.

Excelsior is both a restaurant and one of Nancy’s most important Art Nouveau interiors, directly beside the railway station.

Glass, woodwork, lighting and decoration associated with the École de Nancy turn a meal here into an architectural experience.

The kitchen follows French brasserie tradition, with seafood, regional dishes and classic preparations.

The location is particularly convenient on arrival, before departure or after an Art Nouveau route west of the centre.

Booking is recommended for dinner and at weekends.

La Maison dans le Parc offers refined dining in calm, leafy surroundings a few steps from the city’s royal square.

The kitchen works creatively with seasonal produce, combining French technique with a distinctive personal approach.

The restaurant offers several formats, from lunch to a longer tasting menu, with a clear focus on polished service.

The secluded garden and proximity to Place Stanislas make it well suited to a celebration or a leisurely evening.

Check the menu, prices and availability before booking.

Le Capu serves modern French food on a central street between Place Stanislas and the station.

The restaurant works with seasonal produce and a contemporary style while retaining a connection to classic French cooking.

Its location makes it easy to combine with shopping, Musée des Beaux-Arts or an evening on Place Stanislas.

Parking is available nearby, although the centre is easiest to explore on foot.

Check the current menu and book on the official website.

Transparence offers carefully composed menus and contemporary presentation on Rue Stanislas.

The kitchen is led by Patrick Fréchin and focuses on clear flavours, technique and seasonal produce.

The restaurant is highly central and works well as a gastronomic finale to a day in the old town and around the UNESCO squares.

Menu formats, prices and opening times may vary, so consult the official website before visiting.

Booking is recommended.

Cadet is a small culinary workshop where the menus unfold as surprise sequences shaped by the season and available produce.

The concept is expressed through a shorter lunch menu and a longer evening menu.

The restaurant is in the Sergent Blandan area, close to Musée de l’École de Nancy and Nancy Thermal.

The intimate format makes advance booking especially important.

Mention allergies and dietary requirements when booking.

Vins et Tartines combines a wine shop, restaurant and historic vaulted cellar in an informal dining experience.

The concept centres on tartines and other dishes paired with wines selected by the sommelier.

The vaulted cellar gives the venue a distinctive setting in the heart of the city.

It is well suited to an informal dinner, wine tasting or an evening focused on food-and-wine pairings.

Check the menu and opening hours before visiting.

Château de Lunéville is the great ducal residence east of Nancy and a natural choice for a day trip.

The château was shaped as a monumental residence for the Dukes of Lorraine and is closely associated with the Stanislas period.

A visit includes restored rooms, changing exhibitions, the courtyard and the extensive Parc des Bosquets.

The train makes Lunéville accessible without a car, while driving offers greater freedom to combine it with other places in the area.

Check which rooms are open and the day’s programme before setting out.

Toul is a compact town of art and history west of Nancy, with a cathedral, fortifications and vineyards.

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne is the town’s main sight, known for its Gothic architecture and large cloister.

Vauban’s fortifications and the historic streets create an easy walking route around the centre.

The countryside around the town produces Côtes de Toul wine, and the day trip can include a winery when transport is planned in advance.

Toul can be reached by train, while a car is more convenient for the vineyards.

The Baccarat museum tells the story of one of France’s best-known names in crystal and decorative arts.

The exhibition follows more than two centuries of creativity, technique and commissions for royalty, designers and international clients.

The collection presents both historic showpieces and contemporary collaborations in design, fashion and art.

The museum stands beside the Meurthe and can be combined with a walk through the small town.

Check opening hours before setting out, particularly outside the summer season.