Nancy Travel Guide (Grand Est/France/Europe)

Introduction to Nancy

Nancy, located in the Grand Est region of France, is a city known for its unique mix of art nouveau architecture and Baroque landmarks. It has a rich history and cultural heritage, making it a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. The city is a hub of gastronomy, wine, and art that offers a wide range of attractions, including museums, historical buildings, natural sites, and scenic views.

List of Places to Visit in Nancy

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Place Stanislas
Museum of Fine Arts of Nancy
Nancy Cathedral
Palais des Ducs de Lorraine Musée Lorrain
Église des Cordeliers
Musée de l’histoire du fer

Natural Attractions of Nancy: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Parc de la Pépinière
Parc Sainte-Marie
Cours Léopold
Porte de la Craffe
Canal de la Marne au Rhin

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nancy

Canal de la Marne au Rhin
Les Bosquets de Nancy
Plateau de Malzéville

Best Things to Do in Nancy: Activities and Tours

Wine Tasting Tour
Art Nouveau Architecture Tour
Historical Walking Tour
Shopping Tour
Tree Climbing Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Nancy

Day 1 - Explore the city center and visit Place Stanislas, Nancy Cathedral, and Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy.

Day 2 - Spend the day at Parc de la Pépinière and visit Musée de l’histoire du fer and Église des Cordeliers.

Day 3 - Take a walking tour of the city, visit Palais des Ducs de Lorraine Musée Lorrain, and enjoy shopping at Marché Central de Nancy.

Day 4 - Explore the natural attractions of Nancy and bike along Canal de la Marne au Rhin.

Day 5 - Take a wine tasting tour and visit vineyards in the nearby countryside.

Day 6 - Go on an art nouveau architecture tour and visit the Villa Majorelle and the École de Nancy museum.

Day 7 - Take a day trip to the nearby city of Metz to see its Gothic architecture and museums.

Food and Drink Scene of Nancy

Nancy is renowned for its cuisine, which features traditional dishes such as Quiche Lorraine, pâté Lorrain, and la tarte à la mirabelle. The local wine, Côtes de Toul, is a must-try. The city center has many traditional bistros and gourmet restaurants, offering a range of culinary delights to suit all palates.

Must-Try Dishes

Quiche Lorraine
Pâté Lorrain
La tarte à la mirabelle
Tourte lorraine
Coq au Vin

Local Beverages

Côtes de Toul wine
Mirabelle liqueur

Where to Stay in Nancy: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Nancy offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. The city center has many hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly. Some of the highly recommended hotels are:

Hotel de Guise
Mercure Nancy Centre Place Stanislas
Grand Hôtel de la Reine

What to Buy in Nancy: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Nancy is particularly famous for its art nouveau and Baroque-style souvenirs, including decorative objects, pottery, and glassware. The city center also boasts many local shops and markets that sell traditional food products and artisanal crafts, such as lace and embroidery.

Local Culture and Customs of Nancy

The residents of Nancy are known for their warmth and hospitality. The city is steeped in cultural history, with special emphasis on Baroque-styled architecture and art nouveau styles. The official language is French, but German and English are also widely spoken.

Best Time to Visit Nancy

The best time to visit Nancy is from April to October, when the weather is mild and sunny. The city organizes many festivals and cultural events during these months, such as the famous Nancy Jazz Pulsations and Nancyphonies. The winter months, from November to March, can be cold and wet, but it is an excellent time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and experience the city’s festive atmosphere during Christmas.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nancy

Do:

Learn some French phrases before visiting.
Respect the cultural heritage of the city.
Try the local cuisine.
Visit the parks and gardens in the city.

Don’t:

Smoke in public places.
Ignore traffic rules.
Be loud and unruly.
Disrespect local traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nancy

Nancy is generally a safe city, but tourists should be vigilant and take the usual precautions to avoid theft and petty crime, particularly in crowded tourist areas.

Health in Nancy

Nancy has a modern healthcare system and many hospitals and clinics that cater to tourists. Medical facilities and pharmacy services are readily available, and emergency service is accessible via the European emergency number 112.

Getting to Nancy: Transportation Options and Logistics

The city is well connected to other parts of France and the neighboring countries, making transportation readily available for travelers.

Airports Near Nancy

The closest major airports to Nancy are:

Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport
Strasbourg International Airport

Bus Stations Near Nancy

Gare de Nancy-Ville
Nancy Bus Station

Other Options

Nancy is also accessible by train or car.

How to Get Around in Nancy

Nancy has an excellent transport system, including buses and trams, making it easy to get around the city. Taxis and car rentals are also readily available.

Where to Go Next from Nancy: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby destinations and excursions include:

Metz
Strasbourg
Baden-Baden
Reims

Conclusion

Nancy is a city that offers something for everyone. It boasts a wide range of attractions, including museums, historical buildings, natural sites, scenic views, and outdoor adventures. The city’s gastronomy, wine, and art scene are not to be missed. Visitors to Nancy should take their time to explore and enjoy everything the city has to offer.