Day 1 in Nancy

Welcome to Nancy! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Begin your afternoon with a pleasant lunch at any of the charming terrace cafes to be found throughout the squares in Nancy. Afterward, we recommend that you get acquainted with the city by choosing an optional tour such as a ride on the Tourist Train, a great way to explore the historic 18th-century city with informative commentary on the main sights of the area.

One of the most monumental squares and a great starting point is Place Stanislas, which falls between the Old Town and the newer neighborhoods of the city. This impressive square is a great place to wander featuring the city`s main sights and palaces, including the City Hall, Opera House, Fine Arts Museum, the `Neptune Fountain` and the Triumphal Arch. The Place Stanislaus, together with other parts of the central Nancy, is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

As night falls, enjoy the nightlife scene of Nancy. There are various restaurants, wine bars, nightclubs and shows. The Old Town and Place Stanislas are both enjoyable and energetic areas in the evenings to enjoy a great meal.

Day 2 in Nancy

Wake up early today to explore more of the artistic capital of Lorraine. The artistic movement, Art Nouveau flourished in Nancy and across Europe from the late 19th century, its influence is particularly visible in Nancy. Check out the Art Nouveau scene at Le Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy (Museum of Fine Arts), one of the most important places to visit while in Nancy. Created in 1793, this museum takes you through the history of European art. On the lower floor to the rear of the building is where you can find 300 of the museum`s 725-piece Daum collection. Another highlight of this museum is the Art Deco glasswork dating back to the 1890s.

Continue exploring the Art Nouveau design at Musée de l`Ecole de Nancy housed in the Villa Majorelle. This one-of-a-kind museum is devoted to the group of artists who established the Art Nouveau movement in Lorraine around the beginning of the 20th-century. The collection features magnificent examples of the Art Nouveau glass, furniture, and jewelry, and attracts visitors from all over the world. On sunny days, spend some time wandering the museum grounds to appreciate the beautiful plants that inspired Nancy`s Art Nouveau artists.

For lunch, grab some quiche Lorraine at one of the charming outdoor terrace cafes. Then take a stroll in the lovely square of Place d`Alliance, where you`ll find beautiful views of the city`s surroundings as it`s also located in a close proximity to the symbolical Palais du Gouvernement. There is a central fountain and beautiful mansions lining the square giving this area a calm and regal atmosphere. Just a short walk from here is the Ducal Palace, which dates to the 16th-century and is the most important secular building of the Late Gothic period in Lorraine. The Ducal Palace now houses the Lorraine Museum, one of the top museums in Nancy, offering an extensive art and history collection including archeological finds, medieval sculptures, and documents about the folk traditions of Lorraine. The collection also features historic objects that show the artistic and cultural life of the region, from prehistoric through Gallo-Roman and Merovingian eras.

Wind down your day in Old Town wandering the narrow winding streets. An interesting site in Old Town is the Basilique Saint-Epvre, an impressive Gothic Revival church built in the 19th-century. Another beautiful church in the heart of Old Town is the Eglise des Cordeliers (Church of the Cordeliers). This church was built for Duke René II after the Battle of Nancy and houses the tombs of the ducal house of Lorraine.

After a busy day of sightseeing, enjoy a relaxing dinner at Rue des Maréchaux, the street of restaurants and a remarkable spectacle of art. Here you can find international cuisine, as well as restaurants with local dishes such as the Alsatian choucroute (made with sauerkrauts and pork), or oyster and seafood, grilled langoustines and foie gras pate. Finish off your evening at one of the many excellent cellars or wine bars where you can taste the finest wines of the region including those from Toul and Metz.

Day 3 in Nancy

Start your day in Place Henri Mengin, a beautiful square full of cafes and terraces. Spend some time enjoying a leisurely breakfast and a steamy cup of coffee before heading out for more sightseeing adventures.

After breakfast check out the local shops of the city. Nancy has a variety of designer fashion retailers around rue Gambetta, along with candy shops and bakeries, such as Maisondes Soers Macarons, which claims to be the birthplace of the macaroon. The city also boasts a number of shops specializing in fine crystal, many within a five-minute walk from Place Stanislaus. And if it`s antiques you`re searching for you`ll be able to find shops all throughout the city, primarily Art Nouveau pieces.

Grab lunch and head to Pepiniere Park, a perfect place for a breath of fresh air and a picnic under a tree. This 50-acre park in the heart of the city offers beautiful gardens and walking paths throughout its grounds, along with an array of family attractions, such as a merry-go-round, miniature golf course and petting zoo.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon taking a bike ride around the city, one of the most fun ways to explore. This way you can easily get to other parts of the city and the outskirts.

Finish your day with a delicious dinner at one of the many superb restaurants in town. If you`re feeling more adventurous in the culinary department, you may want to try a cooking course to learn how to cook French food and meals of the region - an experience you`ll never forget.

Additional Days in Nancy

Explore more of the Lorraine Region by taking a day trip to Metz, about 50 miles from Nancy. Metz has an ancient history dating back to Roman times. In the 6th-century, Metz was a residence of the Merovingian kings and later became a Free Imperial City. The town is picturesque with its cobblestone streets, narrow lanes, charming old houses and a magnificent Gothic cathedral. Enjoy wandering the atmospheric streets, exploring the museums and attractions, shopping at trendy boutiques, strolling through the parks and relaxing at the sidewalk cafes.

Your Last Day in Nancy

Depart your hotel for the airport for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in Nancy and the Lorraine Region of France.