Nancy, France - Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants

The capital of the French province of Lorraine,century, Nancy was the artistic equal of Paris.
Nancy is one of the loveliest cities in France. UnlikeThe museum is a long walk from Place Stanislas,
Alsace, which was at one time ruled by Romebut public transportation is available. It's located in
and Germany, Nancy has always been French.the former fin-de-siecle home of a wealthy
Lorraine's powerful dukes ruled from Nancy, anddepartment store magnate. You'll see glassware,
today, the city is a mecca for lovers of Artfurniture, fabrics, and jewelry designed by Galle,
Nouveau. But there's also plenty of medievalMajorelle, and other Art Nouveau luminaries.
architecture to enjoy.Majorelle's villa is also in the neighborhood.
Place Stanislas is the heart of the city. StanislasDesigned by Henri Sauvage in 1901, it has
was an exiled Polish King who became Duke ofstained-glass windows created by Jacques Gruber
Lorraine in 1737. The formal Place that bears hisin the Japonism style. The villa is another one of
name is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's aNancy's Art Nouveau treasures.
masterpiece of 19th-century urban design. ItAvenue Foch has several beautiful buildings at 41,
separates the medieval Ville Vielle from the Ville69, and 71. See the Tourist Information Office on
Neuve, which has buildings from the 16th and 17thPlace Stanislas for directions to more.
centuries.Other Nancy France attractions.
There's a Sound and Light show at Place StanislasLocated in the old ducal palace, The Musee
on summer nights,Historique Lorraine dates back to the 13th
The Place has impressive buildings on all sides --century. In addition to treasures of the Dukes,
the City Hall or Hotel de Ville, the Fine Artsincluding 16th-century tapestries, you'll see
Museum, the Grand Hotel, and the Opera House.sculpture from the medieval and Renaissance
It's surrounded by gilded, wrought-iron gates. Artperiods, paintings by Georges de la Tour, and the
lovers should visit the Musee des Beaux Arts,Dukes' ceremonial hall.
which has a solid collection of 15th toShoppers should head to rue Gambetta or rue
20th-century European paintings, including work bydes Dominicains for stylish gifts and housewares.
Caravaggio, Delacroix, Manet, and Rubens.Rue Stanislas is good for antiques. Or check out
Nancy France Art Nouveau.the carousel and small zoo at Le Pepiniere, a
The Musee des Beaux Arts on Place Stanislas is53-acre park.
also one of the best places in town to see NancyMany of Nancy's best cafes are near Place de la
glass in the Art Nouveau style. A Nancy museumCarriere. For more Art Nouveau design, have
pass will pay for itself in savings if you visit twodinner at l'Excelsior. Restaurant le Foy and Le
of Nancy's museums.Capucin Gourmand are also great choices.
The Musee de l'Ecole de Nancy (the Museum ofIf you're staying overnight, the Grand Hotel de la
the Nancy School) is also included in the museumReine is right on Place Stanislas. There's no better
pass. It's a must-do for Art Nouveau fans. Emilelocation in Nancy France. The charming Hotel de
Galle, the renowned glass artist, founded theGuise is located in an old restored townhouse and
school in 1901. Artists came from all acrossthe Hotel des Prelats is in an old clerical house
France to train here, and at the turn of thenear the main square.