Stanislas Square
One of the most beautiful squares in the world is in Nancy (Meurthe-et-Moselle): Place Stanislas. It owes its name to Stanislas, Duke of Lorraine from 1736 to 1766, former King of Poland. And father-in-law of Louis XV.
This place imposes by its magnificence and its size (106 m by 124 m). With a set of 18th century buildings, listed by Unesco. Including the majestic town hall, which occupies the entire south side of the square.
It is surrounded by pavilions housing the Opera de Lorraine, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Grand Hôtel de la Reine.
Place Stanislas is also adorned with a triumphal arch, called the Héré arch. From a statue of Stanislas, from two rococo fountains. Golden wrought iron gates …
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The old Town
The old town, the historic heart of Nancy, surrounds the former Ducal Palace, in Renaissance style. A picturesque area with its winding streets, terraces and shops.
At the heart of the old town sits the Saint-Epvre basilica, listed as a historical monument. Neo-Gothic in style, it enjoys great light. Due to its 2300 m2 of colored stained glass windows.
As for the Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours church, it houses the tomb of Stanislas.
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The new art
At the start of the 20th century, Nancy became the cradle of a current of Art Nouveau, called the École de Nancy. Which finds its inspiration in plants.
The face of the city is transformed. With buildings like the Villa Majorelle, where Louis Majorelle, one of the masters of the School of Nancy, lived.
Or the chamber of commerce and industry. With its sculpted facade, ironwork and turquoise blue marquise.
Or the monumental glass roof of Crédit Lyonnais, a masterpiece by the glass painter Jacques Gruber.
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Street art
A more contemporary side of art, street art, has also carved out a place of choice in Nancy. Frescoes, installations and contemporary sculptures dot the whole city.
More than 30 works, of a great diversity of techniques and styles. Connected by a thematic route.
This street art, complementary to museums and galleries, continues to grow in Nancy.
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Gardens and green spaces
Rich in an ancient botanical tradition, Nancy has many parks and green spaces.
Like the Jean-Marie Pelt garden, which is home to more than 12,000 different species. Many of which are now starting to bloom. And to embalm the aisles.
A real plant museum, witness to the richness of the plant world.
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Sweet treats
A visit to Nancy must be punctuated by sweet breaks. Fruits of a long gourmet tradition, dating back to Stanislas.
Among the local specialties (www.nancy-tourisme.fr/decouvert-nancy/nancy-passions-sucrees/specialites-nancy-passions-sucrees), we can mention craqueline, marzipan coated with a sweet varnish. Or the Duchess of Lorraine (hazelnut and chocolate praline), the Perle de Lorraine (plum alcohol in a sugar shell)… Each crunchier than the next!
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