One of the ancient cultural centers is the National Museum of Fine Arts, which was founded back in 1793. The museum is currently undergoing major reconstruction. The main part of the halls presents to the attention of visitors collections of paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries; there are also several exhibitions dedicated to crystal products. No less interesting will be an excursion to the Nancy School Museum, which opened in 1964. The museum is opened in the building of a beautiful villa, which is surrounded by a spacious park. After viewing the museum's exhibitions, you can go to the park, where another surprise awaits guests - a large aquarium. You can get acquainted with the history of the city and see collections of the most valuable artifacts at the Historical Museum of Lorraine. In addition, collections of engravings and paintings by contemporary masters are also stored here. This museum is also surrounded by a park, on the territory of which there is a Franciscan church.
The most famous religious landmark is the Nancy Cathedral, which has been a national monument since 1906. Construction of the Cathedral was completed in the mid-18th century and lasted more than 50 years. After visiting museums and galleries, you should go to Stanislav Square, surrounded by the Town Hall building and the Government House. In the center of the square there is a monument to Stanislas, who was its main designer. Perhaps the most wonderful of modern remarkable places is the Botanical Garden du Monte. There is a collection of plants and flowers here; the number of species has long exceeded 12 thousand. Despite the fact that the garden occupies a fairly small area, its greenhouses seem simply huge, and the variety of plants is simply amazing. Copyright www.site
In the immediate vicinity of Nancy is the beautiful Montague Castle. It was built in the 18th century for one of the wealthy royal officials. Over the years of its existence, the castle has changed many eminent owners; at the end of the 19th century, its last major reconstruction took place, after the completion of which it remains unchanged. At the beginning of the 20th century, the owner of the castle was the famous archaeologist Eduard Salin, within its walls he kept his unique collection of ancient finds. Now the castle has been converted into a museum; in addition to archaeological finds, it houses a rich collection of antique furniture and works of art.
The beautiful Pepinier Park is considered one of the most beautiful places in the city. In the mid-18th century, there was a nursery on its territory, which was used for growing seedlings, and this beautiful place was converted into a public park only in the mid-19th century. Currently, there is a puppet theater in the park, there are many areas for sports games, and there are also areas for concerts and other entertainment events.
An important religious site for the city is the Church of Saint-François de Cordeliers. It was built in the 15th century and originally belonged to the Cardellers order; after hundreds of years, the church managed to maintain its strict appearance. Numerous tourists are attracted by its unique interior design. Wonderful frescoes, as well as decorative elements made of stone and wood, have been preserved in the walls of the church.
The only surviving part of the old defensive fortifications is the Porte de la Craft, which was built in the 14th century. Over the hundreds of years of its existence, the gate was rebuilt several times; it acquired its current appearance in the 19th century. At a certain period, the gate served as a prison; today it is one of the main historical symbols of the city.
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Nancy is located in the northeast, along the banks of the Moselle River, and belongs to the Lorraine region, being the administrative center of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department. This seemingly tiny, but very cozy town has a long history, and as a result, an impressive number of unique historical attractions that have become part of the UNESCO world heritage. This is what attracts the attention of hundreds of thousands of tourists who travel throughout the French province every year.
Peculiarities
Nancy is just an hour's drive from, so you can easily get here by commuter train. Undoubtedly, such a close location under the wing of the capital of France also significantly affects well-being small town, but it is enough to visit here just once to make sure that Nancy is completely self-sufficient. Narrow winding streets with ancient houses are combined here with wide squares and modern buildings, and fresh, clean air is saturated with the aroma of numerous flowers and plants. The cultural program of a stay on the banks of the Moselle is distinguished by rare diversity, allowing curious tourists to get a lot of pleasant impressions. The abundance of cafes and restaurants suggests that cuisine also occupies an important place in the life of the city, standing out with a wide range of all kinds of dishes and sweets. In addition, Nancy has a well-developed infrastructure, good transport links, many shops, shopping centers and entertainment venues. For guests of the capital of the department, hotels are equipped to suit every taste and budget.
general information
The territory of Nancy occupies a small area and totals only 15 square meters. km, with a population of about 100 thousand people. Local time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in the summer. Telephone code (+33) 383. Official website www1.nancy.fr.
A brief excursion into history
The first mentions of the city in historical chronicles date back to the 8th century, although according to researchers, settlements in these places appeared much earlier. Starting from the 12th century, Nancy was the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine, and then the region of the same name. In 1477, an epoch-making battle took place here between the Swiss-Lorraine troops and the army of the Duke of Burgundy, who died during the Battle of Nancy, as world history textbooks call it. The city became part of France in 1766, and during the war with Prussia it was captured by the Germans, but after the conclusion of the Frankfurt Treaty it returned to French Lorraine. During the re-occupation of Germany already during the Second World War, Nancy played the role of an important center of resistance, and in 1944 it was liberated. Today, the city is considered an important railway junction in the region, and also has a reputation as a well-maintained tourist center.
Climate
The weather conditions in the capital of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department are quite comfortable. Winters here are usually mild and not frosty, with an average air temperature of +2..+5 degrees. Summer is sunny and warm, and the thermometer regularly exceeds +20. Precipitation falls evenly, but its total amount is not large. You can come here at any time of the year.
How to get there
The central railway station of Nancy regularly receives trains from Metz, the Duchy, as well as from other nearby cities. In addition, there is a commuter bus service on the expressways.
Transport
Within the city limits, it is most convenient to use buses and trams. They run strictly according to schedule, and any failures occur extremely rarely. If desired, those interested can rent a car or bicycle at local rental centers.
Attractions and entertainment
It is best to start excursion routes around the city from its central part, where Stanislav and La Carriere squares are located. This place is preceded by the elegant Arc de Triomphe, erected in memory of Louis XV. The charming Neptune fountains are also located here, with gilded cast iron designs and pleasant turquoise water. Those who wish can plunge into the atmosphere of bygone years and ride on horse-drawn carriages. After passing through Place Stanislas, you can find yourself at Place de la Carrière, where the first thing that attracts attention is the luxurious golden gate. Once upon a time, spectacular knightly fights took place here, so the square seems to be saturated with the atmosphere of that time. In the historical district of Nancy, the magnificent Palais du Juvememin, the Museums of the History of Lorraine, located in the building of the Palais Ducal, the romantic park of La Pepmnier, combined with a zoo, the botanical garden du Monte, with its neatly trimmed lawns and flower beds, and also the governor's palace. Fans of museum exhibitions are definitely recommended to visit the Cordelier Museum, the Metallurgy Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. An excellent option for a family vacation is a visit to the local aquarium.
Kitchen
For many years, mirabelle plums, considered the symbol of Lorraine, have been greatly loved by residents and guests of Nancy. They are actively used in the production of liqueurs, jams, compotes and all sorts of delicacies, so gastronomic products and drinks, including traditional French wines, have always been held in high esteem here. Another extreme of local culinary establishments is cheese. Munster, Caré de l'Est, Bruer, this is only a small part of the cheese splendor that the local cafes and restaurants are rich in. Special attention should be paid to pates, the original dandelion salad – “Salade de pissenlit”, as well as meat dishes and fruits.
Shopping
The city's shops, retail shops and department stores offer a wide selection of goods of all types, although true shopaholics will probably be unlikely to overcome the temptation to go shopping in Paris, especially since the journey to it is short.
Nancy is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities, capable of surpassing any metropolis in the country in its color and flamboyance. It embodies high historical and cultural significance and is also extremely attractive from an aesthetic point of view, which is confirmed by the choice of numerous tourists who come here every year.
) is the capital of Lorraine - it looks “lighter” and “more southerly” in comparison with neighboring Metz, with its relatively well-preserved center of the 18th century, which owes its appearance to the last independent ruler of Lorraine Stanislav Leszczynski, overthrown by the Polish king and father-in-law of Louis XV. The twenty years of his reign in the mid-18th century became a period of successful urban construction.
The central Stanislav Square, a remarkably elegant and partially enclosed area at the far end of Stanislav Street, on the south side of which is the Town Hall with a roof topped with flower vases and slanting lanterns that hang from gilded teardrops. On the west side of the square is the excellent Museum of Fine Arts (Monday and Wednesday-Sunday 10.00-18.00), which boasts works by Caravaggio, Dufy, Modigliani and Matisse.
A little further north at 64 Grand Rue there is the Lorraine Museum (Monday and Wednesday-Sunday 10.00-12.30 and 14.00-18.00), dedicated to the history of this region. The museum has a very interesting hall of engravings and etchings by the artist Jacques Callot (17th century), whose work is characterized by social themes, which in many ways anticipated the art trends of the 18th-19th centuries. From here it is a 20-minute walk to the Nancy School Museum, or Ecole de Nancy, at rue Sergent Blandan, 36-38 (Wednesday-Sunday 10.30-18.00) with a collection of furniture and furnishings in the Art Nouveau style (as was customary in private homes ).
Arrival, accommodation and meals in Nancy
The train station in Nancy is located at the end of Rue Stanislas, a 5-minute walk from the square of the same name, where there is also a travel agency (Monday-Saturday 9.00-18.00/19.00, Sunday 10.00-13.00/17.00). Among the inexpensive hotels is Poincare, at 81 rue Raymond Poincare, west of the station. Hostel at Center d'Accueil, Chateau de Remicourt, Villers-les-Nancy (bus 126 to St-Fiacre).
So, you are in France. Of course, the first days you rush through the streets of Paris, taking hundreds of photographs: the Eiffel Tower in my palm, I blow the Eiffel Tower off my palm, I take the Eiffel Tower with two fingers. You rush through the 42-kilometer corridors of the Louvre, cry with delight and the dazzlingly bright sun on the Alexander Bridge. But a week has passed, and rumors begin to reach you that Paris is only part of a huge, colorful country full of surprises. And small. Literally an hour's ride from Paris by comfortable train is a town that can rival any metropolis in terms of the number of historical shocks. We are talking about Nancy.
How to get there
To come to Nancy from Paris, take the train at the Gare de l'Est (travel time - 1.5 hours), the journey from Strasbourg is the same 1.5 hours, from Metz - only 35 minutes, from Lyon - 4 hours, from Luxembourg - 1.5-2 hours.
The central railway station of Nancy is located in the Gare Quarter, south of the Old Town and west of the New Town, approximately 800 m southwest of Place Stanislas.
You can also get there by car - along the A31 Bon - Dijon - Nancy - Metz highway, passing near Nancy.
Search for flights to Paris (closest airport to Nancy)
Weather in Nancy
A little history
Fans of world football, of course, nod their heads importantly: they say, we know, we know a football club with the same name - “Nancy”, champions of the French Cup and the French League! But they are unlikely to know the fact that the city had been changing its territorial affiliation for a long time, and only when the governments of France and Germany finally agreed to consider Nancy French, the residents breathed a sigh of relief, raising the flag of the Duchy of Lorraine over the city walls. True, under the leadership of the former Polish monarch, who dreamed of becoming related to the French kings. It must be said that Mr. Stanislav took the responsibilities entrusted to him responsibly and spent a lot of effort on the development of the city. Therefore, now many of the attractions of Nancy have international status and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Fund.
Transport
In Nancy itself you can always travel by city buses or trams, buying a ticket for 1 trip for 1.30 EUR or a ticket for 10 trips for 9.70 EUR. They can be purchased from vending machines at bus stops or from the driver. The most convenient option for tourists is a ticket for a day without limiting the number of trips costing 3.30 EUR.
Prices on the page are as of November 2019.
Cuisine and restaurants
A tour of Lorraine cuisine is a special adventure. The gastronomic traditions of this region contain many unique products and recipes. Since 1947, a festival in honor of the Mirabelle plum has been held in Metz, which takes place annually at the end of August. There you will find laser shows, street concerts and parades, a market with fresh harvest plums and the Miss Mirabelle competition.
Every restaurant in Nancy has a cheese page on the menu. Feel free to point your finger at the lines where you will see the names of the most delicious and popular cheeses of Lorraine: “Munster” (Munster-Géromé) - a soft cheese made from cow’s milk, “Carré de l’est” and “Bruer” ( Brouere). U last story most exciting: On December 8, 2010, Brewer became the first cheese to go into space. The Dragon spacecraft carrying a wheel of cheese circled the Earth twice and then landed in the Pacific Ocean.
Having ordered cheese, feel free to indulge in quiche Laurent pies, vagotins (cakes in the form of small carts), savory pates, rich confitures, veal's heads prepared according to a special recipe from Rambertvillers, and dandelion salad (salade de pissenlit). And of course, pote lauren - stewed pork with vegetables - will become a real decoration of this hearty table. To enjoy exquisite fondue in its most unexpected flavor combinations, you can book a table at the popular place Le Bouche a Oreill at 42 rue des Carmes. Another place filled with French romance and charm, decorated in the spirit of the Nancy school, is the A la Table restaurant du Bon Roi Stanislas at rue Gustave Simone, 7. Here you can end your date with Nancy with a glass of sparkling wine. The rendezvous was a success!
Popular hotels in Nancy
Entertainment and attractions of Nancy
The town, comfortably lying on the banks of the Rhine, is divided into two parts: the Old, dotted with winding streets and buildings breathing antiquity, and the bright, spacious New. But it’s best to start your walk from the center - as if Stanislav Square, La Carriere Square and the town hall building modestly nestled next to them are held together in a hot embrace. You can enter Stanislaus Square from the Old Town through the slender, elegant Arc de Triomphe, which was erected in honor of King Louis XV. The theme of the bas-reliefs is, naturally, military. Having passed under the arch and made a wish according to ancient tradition, you find yourself in a circle of golden light from forged lanterns of unique beauty. The ensemble is complemented by the Neptune fountains, where turquoise water splashes through cast-iron gilded designs, into which you just want to dip your hands on a hot afternoon.
Place Stanislaus flows smoothly into the Place de la Carrière, a long narrow square hidden behind luxurious gates richly decorated with gold. This is where you begin to gain respect for Stanislav and those who managed to preserve this wonderful beauty to this day.
The old part is about time travel. The alleys copy the outlines of ancient fortress walls, and in the houses you can feel wisdom and power, timeless. We recommend visiting, where the governor of Lorraine once lived, and the Palais Ducal, which now houses the Museum of the History of Lorraine, combined with the Cordelier Museum. Museum exhibitions are located in the palace chapel and are open all days of the week except Tuesday, from 10:00 to 18:00. You can look at treasures, everyday items and luxury items, from which you can learn a lot about their owners, for 6 EUR. Representatives of creative professions have long chosen the Museum of Fine Arts, which is open every day except Thursday, from 10:00 to 18:00. And for lovers of the sea and its inhabitants, there is a direct route to the Nancy Aquarium Museum. Write down the address: rue Sainte-Catherine, 54. Ticket price - 5 EUR.
Behind the governor's palace, the outlet for all romantics is La Pepmnier Park, a kind of synthesis of a classic French garden and a British zoo. Moreover, the animals are not limited in their movements and happily wander into green front gardens and bright flower beds. It is here that the flowers in the flower beds are changed every 10 hours at a certain time. Go to the northern part of the city, and there any passerby will show you the way, although the tart aromas of jasmine, roses and hydrangeas are the best guides.
The botanical garden of Monte is not to be missed, with 67 acres of shady paths and lawns. Deep in the park is the Telephone Museum, whose exhibits will tell you about the 200-year history of telephony, from primitive to modern. Admission is free, with the exception of the tropical greenhouses, which cost 5 EUR to visit. At the same time, visit the Nancy School Museum, which is located at rue du Sergent-Blandan, 36. The exhibition can be seen from 10:00 to 18:00, from Wednesday to Sunday, a ticket costs 6 EUR.
And at the same time, you can look into the Museum of Metallurgy, the exhibition of which tells about the history of this area of industry. Entrance costs 3 EUR.
And if you are lucky enough to be in Nancy in October, you will see for yourself that the suburb of Jarville-la-Malgrange becomes a real center of musical pilgrimage at this time. The Jazz Festival is held here annually and brings together world-class stars on its stages.
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