What to do in Nancy, France? Way too much!

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Latest update: 30 July 2024

What is Nancy known for? Two main things: the beautiful squares that have made it onto the World Heritage List and the Art Nouveau. But luckily, it doesn’t stop with these two things. There is much more to do in Nancy, France. Enough to keep you entertained for at least a weekend. I’m happy to share my tips and experiences with you. DELTE THIS

Start with a city walking tour

I am on a press trip in Nancy and get to explore the city with a guide. Walking tours are always a good way to get to know a city. Because I get to see all the highlights and get all the insider tips and a bit of history simultaneously. Otherwise I would never have noticed, for example, that the thistle is Nancy’s symbol and that it is incorporated as an ornament in many places. The thistle symbolizes the city’s resistance during siege and occupation. The spines of the thistles say: Don’t touch me because I sting.

You can rent an audio guide at the tourism office and independently explore the center of Nancy. They also offer city walks with a guide, which you can inquire about once you arrive or book online.

Google Maps location

Place Stanislas

The Place Stanislas square in Nancy is the largest and most beautiful square of the three World Heritage squares in the city. It is royal in size and allure. The square is almost square (106×124 meters). The stateliest buildings, gold-decorated fencing, and richly decorated gates are all around. The main gateway is Arc Héré. In the center of the square, surrounded by terraces, is a striking statue of a man pointing with his index finger at the image of King Louis XV. This man is Stanislas Leszczynski. Hence Place Stanislas – or Stan, for friends.

Stanislas Leszczynski was the former King of Poland and the last Duke of Lorraine (Lorraine). Poor Stan was chased away from Poland and ended up in France. His daughter married the king, and he became Duke of Lorraine, but after his death, Lorraine would become a regular part of France again.

Actually, politically speaking, he did not have much say; he had to leave that to a French chancellor. He was more concerned with beautiful things and doing good. Stanislas invested a lot of money in protecting art, opening his library to the public, and beautifying the city of Nancy. He had this square built in the 18th century to honor King Louis XV – his son-in-law. With all these activities he became very popular in Nancy. Now you also understand why so many hotels and shops have been given the name Stan or Stanley.

On Stanislas Square, you will find several cafes and restaurants, the opera house, the Neptune Fountain, and the art museum Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy. Because it is car-free and so large, it is a nice place to return to more often during your stay. Tip: Get an ice cream at Amorino, where they make beautiful flowers from ice cream with a macaron. From mid-June to September, there is a light show every evening on Place Stanislas. Check out the preview on the Destination Nancy site.

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Place d’Alliance and Place de la Carrière

The second square on the UNESCO list is the Place d’Alliance. This is a smaller square surrounded by lime trees. The name recalls the alliance between France and Austria – better known as the Treaty of Versailles from 1756. The fountain was a gift from Austria to France.

Google Maps location

The third square, Place de la Carrière, used to be where jousts and tournaments were held. Now, it is mainly a beautiful avenue with a row of neatly pruned trees on both sides. Behind it are again impressive buildings. If you walk from Place Stanislas onto Place de la Carrière, you might find among the gravel a map of the old town of Nancy from the Middle Ages (1611). So pay close attention!

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Parc de la Pépinière

Just behind Nancy’s beautiful squares lies the green Parc de la Pépinière, also called Parc Pep by the local residents. It is a wonderful park to stroll through, read a book, or participate in one of the activities. My city guide says there is something to do every weekend in the summer months, from salsa dancing to rock and roll performances.

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Nancy’s market hall

The Marché Central is a covered market where the French like to shop. The market is open every day, and I always enjoy looking around to see what products are sold abroad. There are lots of vegetables and fruit, but of course, also wine and cheese. There is also a cheese shop where you can take a seat and try out some things. Unfortunately, it closes just as I arrive. Next time, then!

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Tip! Do you love food? (Uh, who doesn’t?!) Then I also have great tips for restaurants and cafes in Nancy, including local delicacies and wine bars.

Saint Epvre basilica

The Saint Epvre Basilica is located in the old part of the city, near the student bars. The basilica is only open for services, so you can only admire it from the outside. Maybe with a beer on the terrace of beer café Le Ch’timi? The church you see here is the third church built on this site.

Google Maps location

Stroll along the Grande Rue

Walking along the Grande Rue is nice in this old part of the city. I spot several nice shops and cafes here. According to my city guide, it has all become a bit too ‘boho’ here. The greengrocer even polishes his apples here, she laughs. I especially see many inviting corners and streets and I really appreciate the atmosphere.

At the end of the Grande Rue, you automatically walk towards the 14th-century city gate Porte de la Craffe. A massive gate that was part of Nancy’s defensive wall. It looks massive, so it probably served its purpose well. It also gives me a bit of fairytale vibes. On the gate, you will see a cross with two horizontal bars. This is the Lorraine cross, and you can spot it in many places in the city.

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The valley of graffiti

Are you ready for something more raw? A place where only a few tourists come? Then head to the Vallée du Graff – the valley of graffiti. That sounds very idyllic, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is a deserted part of Nancy, along an old railway. The barbed wire wall and the abandoned buildings here are covered with graffiti. Defaced, yes, because, unfortunately, there are few gems among them when I’m there. But because everyone is allowed to do their thing here, that can of course change.

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Tip! Want to take a little trip? Go to Liverdun – the village of the madeleine cakes.

Visit the small botanical garden

There is a small botanical garden in the center of Nancy. This is the Dominique Alexandre Godron Garden. When you walk into the garden from the main road, you first come across a mural of the now well-known Stan. The garden has some trees, different types of flowers (including the thistle), insect hotels, a fountain and various seating areas. There are also public toilets.

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Relax in Nancy Thermal

You will find Nancy Thermal a little outside the center, but believe me, it’s worth the trip. Nancy Thermal is a beautiful complex with everything you expect from a spa: a hammam, sauna, music cave, jacuzzi, and indoor and outdoor pools. Quick reminder: men must wear speedo-like swimming trunks to public pools in France. It’s the law.

You pay entrance for two or three hours, and within that time, you also have to change and shower. Otherwise, the gate will not open, and you will have to pay extra. Pay close attention to how the lockers work, because they are only in French. Before you know it, you have entered the wrong code, and the lifeguard must help you regain your belongings. No, it wasn’t me! It was my friend, really.

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Cycling tour along the Moselle

Nancy is located on the Moselle, tempting you to ride a bike. We go out with bicycles from Dynamo Location LCA. Unfortunately, the chain on one of the bicycles soon breaks, but owner Erik comes to rescue us on his own e-bike. We get his e-bike, and he walks the whole way back with a broken bike. We are happy with the solution and even received a bottle of champagne from him upon return to compensate for the inconvenience.

You can find cycling routes here.

Google Maps location

Discovering Art Nouveau

But wait a minute. I started this blog by writing that Nancy is known for its beautiful squares and art nouveau. Where is that art nouveau? Well, I dedicated an entire article to that. And now you may be thinking, “Yes, but I have no interest in architectural styles and art movements at all.” Then I still think you should take a chance on Nancy. Art Nouveau is also really impressive for the untrained eye—I know from experience.

So quickly read more about art nouveau in Nancy.

Nancy City Pass

If you plan to use public transportation in Nancy a lot or visit a lot of museums, then buying a Nancy City Pass is worth considering. It gives you free admission to certain museums, the audio guide is also free and you get discounts on other things. So be sure to check if it’s a good deal for you.

Hotel tip in Nancy: Hôtel Stanley by HappyCulture

Tired but satisfied after a day in Nancy full of sights? I understand. I settle down at the small-scale Hôtel Stanley. That is one of the few boutique hotels in Nancy. The welcome is friendly, and I can also grab a coffee or fill a water bottle in the small reception room.

Due to the high ceilings, the hotel room has a classic look. It is decorated with cheerful wallpaper and stylish accessories. It’s also nice that I can make a cup of tea in the room. The shower water is also excellent (strong enough and hot enough), so I can definitely recommend this hotel for your stay!

Breakfast is downstairs in the basement. There is limited space there, but the colored wallpaper, a dried flower here, and a painting there make it cozy.

View the prices and the rooms.

Parking in Nancy

Near Hôtel Stanley is a parking garage(this one). The reviews on this are not so positive, but I found it to be basically just a parking garage. Nothing wrong with it. Except the price. It costs €18 per day (in 2024). Online you can possibly book cheaper in advance, unfortunately we couldn’t do that on our mobile. Because we went by car to Nancy Thermal, I parked the car here later. There it costs € 15 per day (pay at the Mercure hotel).

I was invited to Nancy by Destination Nancy. They have given me complete editorial freedom.