by Sandra Sheridan

Created on: June 20, 2010

In the northeast of France, the city of Nancy enjoys a tranquil location, where the Rivers Meurthe and Moselle intersect in a basin formed by wooded hills.  With over 100,000 residents (and a sizeable student population), Nancy manages quite well to couple natural beauty with a fascinating artistic and historic background.  The renowned city centre is appealing, dramatic and welcoming – and considered one of the most beautiful centres in France!

There’s more than a touch of irony that Nancy, France owes its celebrated Art Nouveau style to the deposed King of Poland, Stanislas Leszczynski.  The Lorraine region, of which Nancy is the old capital, was bequeathed to the king by his son-in-law, Louis XV in 1737.  The “king without a kingdom” became the Duke of Lorraine and set forth to link the old and new cities of Nancy.  The striking result is the classic architectural style found in the World Heritage Site around the lively central square, Place Stanislas.  Here the Hotel de Ville (city hall), Grand Hotel, Opera House and Musee des Beaux-Arts join forces to make a lasting visual impression – a flagrant and pleasing display of Art Nouveau style, ornate wrought iron, stained glass and innovative building designs. 

Explore Nancy

Place Stanislas – Wander around the square and surrounding area to discover gilded mansions, intricate grillwork and Art Nouveau style that spread like a leisurely feast along street after pedestrian-friendly street.  Candy shops, brasseries and chic boutiques enhance the atmosphere with stunning arched ceilings and the lovely, sensuous curves of Art Nouveau lighting.  The Place typifies the enlightened planning and sensitive execution that enfolded old and new elements of the capital.  Guarded by magnificent golden gates and home to statuary and fountains, the Place becomes an enchanting stage each summer with the city’s traditional sound and light show.  You will definitely want to find that ideal cafe on the square to sip your glass of wine and take in the sights.

Musee des Beaux-Arts   on Place Stanislas dates to 1793 and offers a diverse collection of Art Nouveau  works from the Daum glassmaking family and nearly 20,000 paintings and drawings – from Picasso and Rubens to Emile Friant and Delacroix. 

Musee de l'Ecole de Nancy – a wonderful collection of varied techniques from the School of Nancy artists

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