Top Things to do in Nancy
The 10 Best Things to Do in Nancy, France
Discover the best top things to do in Nancy, France including Place Stanislas, Musee de l'Ecole de Nancy, Musee des Beaux-Arts de Nancy, Parc de la Pepiniere, Hotel de Ville, L'arc Here, Basilique Saint-Epvre, Museum-Aquarium de Nancy, La Porte de la Craffe, Hall du Livre.
Restaurants in Nancy
1. Place Stanislas
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By BillLawson - Merida, Mexico
On a rainy January afternoon, we arrived in Nancy and checked into our hotel (des Prelates - see review, lovely hotel) and as we walked the two blocks or so to this square, the sky cleared and the sun came out. The gold covered gates and the ornaments on the buildings were in sharp contrast to the stunning afternoon blue sky. Perfect light for a photo! What a place!
2. Musee de l'Ecole de Nancy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 696 reviews
Reviewed By Manuela L - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
A fascinating architecture of Art Nouveau, that is Nancy's School Museum; here we see real gems of Art (Nouveau style 1900) a very nice and romantic style, I like it very much, to recommend for a visit. Art Nouveau (Jugendstyl) is an old traditions, like Daum vase with grapes (1908) in splendid colors, or stained glass by H. Bergé in the museum, and much other objects in most finest art, glass from Emile Gallé, and other several artists in art objects.
The style can be seen also in facades, windows, pharmacy's, and are from a romantic breathtaking beauty.
3. Musee des Beaux-Arts de Nancy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 561 reviews
The Museum of Fine Arts The Museum of Fine Arts or le Musée de Beaux-Arts was created in 1793 and is housed in one of the striking 18th century buildings in Place Stanislas. The museum's walls are a witness to the architectural and urban development of Nancy. The restoration of 15th to 17th century fortifications in the basement of the museum has firmed its link between the old and new towns or indeed between the former Dukedom of Lorraine and modern Nancy. Development became necessary due to the increasing size of the collections. This led to an important extension in 1999 entailing a complete restructure of the museum in order to cater for young and adult visitors alike. The auditorium, temporary exhibition galleries, children's workshops, book shop and the Friends of the Museum Association all provide a large variety of cultural events for your benefit. Collections On display are works representing every European school of art, spanning a period from the 14th to the 21st century. The museum's impressive painting collections include a series of works by Pérugin, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, Rubens, Delacroix, Monet, Modigliani, Dufy, Picasso, etc.... You are also assured to see the creations of both contemporary French and foreign artists. Visitors must not forget to admire works by famous Lorraine painters Claude le Lorrain, Emile Friant, Victor Pouvé, Etienne Cournault, Jules Bastien Lepage ... The collection also features sculptures by Rodin, Maillol, Zadkine, César, Dietman ... The Print Room exhibits periodically works taken from its rich collection of sketches, prints and engravings by artists such as Callot and Grandville. Finally, an original scenographic presentation of the Daum crystal collection allows visitors to explore 100 years of Nancy's well-known glasswork's production.
Reviewed By Aline Elsa - London
We visited the Museum of Fine Arts in particular for its exquisite and very large collection of Daum Art Nouveau/Art Deco glasswork housed in the basement (- level 1) where the remains of the old fortifications are also exposed. On the ground floor, first floor and second floor fine art paintings are exhibited from the XIV century through to the XX century. Audio guides are available at the entrance . There are lifts in the Museum with handicap access and toilets. The Museum is closed on Tuesdays but is otherwise open all other days.
4. Parc de la Pepiniere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Coralcaybelize - Jarrow
A wonderful space only 5 minutes from the Place Stanislas, a mixture of formal spaces, walks and exercise area including a very well used running track. The residents of Nancy make very good use of this space. Children greatly enjoy the small zoological garden area. A great space to walk, admire the the trees and just watch and think
5. Hotel de Ville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
Reviewed By Manuela L - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Hôtel de Ville of Nancy, located on the most elegant place Stanislas, outstanding architecture, a famous urban district, and the majesty Hôtel de Ville, you can make a visit inside, a real splendour, and share the pleasures, of a wonderful view.
6. L'arc Here
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By Trainbleu - Brussels
We are not great admirers of triumphal arches but the ‘Porte Héré’ (Héré Gate) is architecturally beautiful and creates a wonderful transition between Place Stanislas and Place de la Carrière. The eye feels drawn to what lies beyond. Like the rest of Place Stanislas, the arch was designed by architect Emmanuel Héré. It was built between 1753 and 1755. The side facing Place Stanislas is richly decorated with statues and bas-reliefs, whereas the backside looks a bit simpler.
It is interesting to note that the original arch was not free-standing, it was integrated in the city walls and the chemin de ronde continued over the top of the arch. The walls were demolished in the 18th and 19th century, giving the arch its present-day appearance.
7. Basilique Saint-Epvre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By sushiDarmstadt - Europe
Right in the city center this most impressive church is dominating the square. However, it is closed and no one could answer, when it will be open again before Sunday. When we walked around the basilika, we were most apauled by the poor condition this building is in. Dirt all around, really sad.
8. Museum-Aquarium de Nancy
Overall Ratings
4 based on 305 reviews
Reviewed By nsubbia - Hyderabad, India
This Museum has exhibit of tropical and marine fishes. The ponds are set up in its natural habitat to suit the type of fishes. Flora and Fauna flourishes in the ponds, thanks to the natural lighting on the ponds. The sides of the ponds are bound by transparent glass walls which gives the viewer a glimpse on the lives of these beautiful beings. For an aquarium hobbyist, this place is next to heaven. The giant marine tank, which is the focal point of the museum has sofas opposite to it for the viewers to sit and enjoy.
The first floor of the museum has preservations and representations of extinct species which doesnt have much takers.
However it was a afternoon well spent
9. La Porte de la Craffe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
Reviewed By Coopper29 - Guildford, United Kingdom
Quite a gem in a corner of the city. Beautifully restored building, nothing much to for or see apart from the architecture. But worth a visit.
10. Hall du Livre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By Trainbleu - Brussels
While visiting the covered market of Nancy at Rue Saint Dizier, we found this bookstore owned by the French publishers Éditions Gallimard in the same street. As we love to leaf through new books and get high on their smell, we entered and were astounded by the sheer size of the store. It extends over several floors and the building is very deep. Part of it used to be the winter garden of a 19th century mansion, hence the stone floor.
Apart from books, which are mostly in French, Le Hall du Livre also sells newspapers, magazines, CDs, DVDs and postcards. Of course we left with a small pile of books and a nice Christmas present, a calendar from the series Les Almaniaks with a paper airplane a day for 15€. No French needed there!
The brilliant thing is that Le Hall du Livre is even open on Sunday.
