Nancy's Old Town: the must-see monuments

If you're visiting the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine and Meurthe-et-Moselle, you'll find plenty of places to explore in Nancy's historic centre, which is truly the heart of its rich heritage. Old buildings, pretty little streets, the Palace of the Dukes, the Parc de la Pépinière, and the Chapelle des Cordeliers are but a few of the unmissable sites in Nancy's historic centre. Nancy's Old Town is bursting with beauty for you to admire as you wander through the city's mysterious, winding lanes. 

Nancy's historic architecture: from the Palace of the Dukes to the private mansions

Among the many treasures and monuments built in Nancy, there are some that are not to be missed and deserve your special attention. Here are our suggestions for the Old Town:

  • The Palace of the Dukes: the former residence of the Dukes of Lorraine, this architectural gem boasting flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles is a must-see.
  • Cordeliers church: built just after the Battle of Nancy, this building neighbours the Palace of the Dukes, the tombs of whom it preserves.
  • Hôtel d'Haussonville, Nancy's oldest private mansion, which dates back to 1528. It boasts splendid Renaissance-style facades and a beautiful interior courtyard with, among other splendours, a beautiful fountain.

Parks, gardens, and the aquarium in Nancy's Old Town

Exploring Nancy's historic centre also means wandering through the magnificent parks and gardens. Take in a big breath of fresh air surrounded by luscious greenery to round off a day of sightseeing and walking. Here are some of the city's must-sees:

  • Parc de la Pépinière: situated right in the heart of the town, it covers 21 hectares of lawn, trees, flowers, and other wonders including magnificent rose garden, a kiosk, and a wide range of activities for visitors. Little ones will love the puppet shows and animal park, while older visitors can jog along the beautiful paths or enjoy a match on one of the sports fields with friends.
  • The Palace Gardens: set at the back of the Governor's Palace, very close to the Parc de la Pépinière, this peaceful spot is a magical setting with harmonious flower-lined paths and immense trees standing tall at over a hundred years old. Garden lovers will get their kicks at the nearby Jardin de la Citadelle, Jardin d'Eau, and Musée de l'Ecole de Nancy. 
  • The Aquarium Museum: an art deco zoology and aquarium museum in the heart of the historic centre, housed in a stunning art deco building. This cultural venue is located very close to Place Stanislas. The incredible collection of stuffed animals will be a real treat for nature lovers.

So, if you decide on a trip to Nancy, opt for our Appart'Hôtel in the Old Town. Staying here allows you to enjoy all the historic centre has to offer whenever you like, day or night!

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