Nancy France

Nancy is located in the northeastern corner of France. It was the capital of old Lorraine. The city is built around a fortified castle on a rock in the swampland near the Meurthe River. The town was built around 1050. The canal which is a few blocks east of the historic center connects the Marne to the Rhine. During the 19th and 20th centuries it was a center for art nouveau.

The city has a historic tradition, a cuisine, and an architecture all its own. It is the center of commerce and politics in Lorraine. The third largest scientific university in France is located here. It is a center for mining, engineering, metallurgy, and finance.

In mid-October, there is a jazz festival, Jazz Pulsations. During a two-week period, there is a concert every night around sundown in the Parc de la Pepiniere.

The square in the heart of Nancy is Place Stanislaus. It is named for Stanislaus Leczinski, the last duke of Lorraine. It was designed by Emmanuel Here and built between 1752 and 1760. The most imposing building in the square is the Hotel de Ville (town hall).

There are a number of sights in the city:

Musee des Beaux-Arts: The museum was built in the 1790s and has in its collections works by Boucher, Rubens, Delacrox, Utrillo, Caravaggio, Ribera, and Tintoretto.

Musee Historique Lorrain: The museum covers the art and history of the Lorraine region from prehistoric times. In it you will find works by the engraver, Jacques Callot who was born in Nancy. There are a number of tapestries and a collection of 17th century masterpieces by Jacques Bellange, Jacques Callot, Georges de la Tour, and Claude Deruet. The museum also has a room dedicated to Jewish history in eastern France.

Le Jardin Botanique: The botanical garden is full of many different types of plants and flowers including tropical species. There are a number of other public gardens around the city.

Shopping is done along the rue Gambetta and rue les Dominicains. There are exclusive shops which carry the best names in fashion and perfume. The more affordable items of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and leather goods can be found on the rue St-Dizier. You will also find shop that sell antiques, arts, crafts, books, and other items.

You can find a selection of art nouveau pieces in the antique shops.

Where to stay in the city:

Albert-1er-Astoria: Centrally located, this hotel is comfortable. It is not plush and the prices are good. The only meal served is breakfast.

Grand Hotel de la Reine: The hotel is an 18th century mansion. It is an upscale hotel and has a restaurant.

Hotel Mercure Nancy Centre Thiers: This hotel is centrally located across from the railway station. It is a seven-story hotel which caters to both business travelers and tourists. There are two restaurants on the premises.

Hotel Mercure Nancy Centre Stanislaus: The hotel is located in the heart of the city near the historic monuments and a short distance from the railway station.

Places to eat:

The leading restaurant in Nancy is Le Capucin Gourmand. It is known for its fine food which includes foie gras and scallops. The desserts are a gourmet delight.

Les Pissenlits is a relatively inexpensive brasserie. It features traditional French dishes. The decor is Art Nouveau. Many of the antiques were crafted in Nancy. The dishes include freshwater zander, dandelion salad, sweetbreads and aiguillettes of duckling.

Located on the second floor of a building that borders place Stanislaus, the Restaurant Le Foy features dishes such as roasted rabbit, crispy duck, fried crayfish, and local freshwater fish.

You should make reservations for dinner.

What to do after dinner:

There are a number of clubs, pubs, and bars in Nancy. You can find dance clubs and piano bars. Most of these are located in the old town.