Is Nancy Worth Visiting? TOP 10 Reasons To Visit!
If you’re planning a trip to France and wondering if Nancy is worth visiting, you’ve come to the right place!
The short answer is yes, Nancy is well worth visiting!
The city is situated just a short ride from Strasbourg, so I got my ticket and hopped onto a bus to see what’s there to do in Nancy. I hadn’t heard much about Nancy before visiting, but this underrated city quickly became one of my favorites.
Nancy makes for a great day trip or a getaway to explore the less-visited Lorraine region, so here’s why you should visit!
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Is Nancy Worth Visiting?
Yes, Nancy is a beautiful town and it’s certainly worth visiting!
The city is often nicknamed “little Paris,” but I find that nickname a bit misleading. It sets up expectations that can disappoint you if you’re expecting a grandiose city like Paris, which is a shame, because Nancy is beautiful in its own way.
Now, Nancy is a bit out of the way if your France itinerary only covers Paris and the South of France. Also, there are currently not that many direct flights to Nancy Airport.
However, it’s a great addition to your itinerary if you’re spending 2 to 3 days in the Strasbourg region.
Would I say it’s one of the top three things to visit in France if it’s your first visit? Not really. It’s still absolutely worth a trip if you’re spending 5 days in France and focusing on the northeast.
Nancy is also a great choice if you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxed weekend of sightseeing and hiking in the region, especially if you have a car.
Reasons Why You Should Visit Nancy
So, if you decided that you want to visit, let’s see what is there to do in Nancy, France?
1. Picturesque Old Town
One of my favorite things to do when traveling is wandering the small pedestrian streets in the Old Town, and Nancy offers just that! You can easily spend hours walking, admiring the architecture, and reading about the history of the city.
My favorite area is between Place Saint-Epvre and the Porte de la Craffe, where the streets are lined with small shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
Also, I found Porte de la Craffe so interesting, as it reminded me of the old city gates we have in Bordeaux, which is on the other side of the country!
Want to learn the history behind the beautiful buildings in Nancy? Join this Nancy Guided Walking Tour and see Nancy through a local’s eyes! 🗺️🤩
2. UNESCO Listed Sites
One of the top reasons to visit Nancy is to see why its city center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nancy’s Squares, Stanislas, Carrière, and d’Alliance, are the oldest and most representative examples of a modern capital where an enlightened monarch created space, taking into account the needs of the public.
It’s interesting to think about how it influenced modern capitals with its idea of making the royal square the center of urban and cultural life of the city.
3. Stunning Main Square
Nancy’s most impressive landmark is the majestic Place Stanislas, a massive 18th-century square surrounded by elegant buildings and lively café terraces.
Buildings lining the square are the City Hall, the Lorraine Opera, the Grand Hôtel de la Reine on the east side, and the Fine Arts Museum.
What makes the square even more special are the gold-plated iron gates at each entrance and the ornate fountains. It was designed to be one of the finest squares in the world, and it truly lives up to that vision.
4. Impressive Art Nouveau Architecture
Did you know that Nancy is considered the French capital of Art Nouveau? If you’re a fan of this flamboyant architectural style, you’ll love walking around Nancy!
Nancy’s school of Art Nouveau developed between 1890 and 1914, when most of the iconic townhouses were built. The Nancy Tourism Office map has a route that covers all the best spots. They’re dotted all over the city, and I loved seeing this style while walking around.
Don’t want to stop at admiring the exteriors? Visit Villa Majorelle and find out why this stunning house was extensively featured in contemporary design magazines.
Want to learn more about Art Nouveau in Nancy? Visit the Museum of the Nancy School and Villa Majorelle with the Nancy City Pass! ⬅️🎟️
5. Ideal For a Day Trip
A cool thing about Nancy is that it makes for a perfect day trip. I visited Nancy on a day trip from Strasbourg, and I had about 9 hours to explore the city.
I took a 2-hour bus, as traveling by bus in France is usually cheaper than taking the train, but if you’re not on a budget, the train is about 30 minutes faster and has more frequent departures.
One day in Nancy is enough to see all the main tourist attractions at a relaxed pace and still have time to sit in one of the parks, have lunch, and have a drink on one of the terraces. If you’re a more active traveler, you can rent a bike to cover more ground!
6. Great Slow Travel Destination
While you could visit Nancy in a day, it is also a great slow travel destination for those who want to relax and explore the region, especially for a French fall getaway like I did.
France is more than just Paris, and living in France showed me how spending more time in one place allows you to truly experience the country.
Spend a few days in Nancy just strolling around, trying pastry from different bakeries, and looking for the best coffee in one of many quirky coffee shops. You can also rent a bike and cycle one of many cycling paths in the city, discover castles outside the city center, or relax in Nancy’s thermal baths.
7. Charming Parks
Parc de la Pépinière is situated right next to the Place Stanislas, and it should definitely be on your Nancy itinerary, especially if you visit during the warmer months when the roses in the rose garden are in full bloom.
While Parc de la Pépinière is the most popular park in Nancy, it is not the only one! Jardin du Palais des ducs de Lorraine is worth a visit when it’s open to the public, as is the Jardin Botanique Jean-Marie Pelt.
8. Lovely Christmas Market
Most people flock to the Alsace for the best Christmas markets in France, but the one in Nancy makes for a fantastic local alternative.
The main Christmas Market, known as the Grand village de Saint-Nicolas, takes place on the Place Charles III, and there’s also a Ferris Wheel and an ice skating rink on the iconic Place de la Carrière.
The entire city gets decorated for the holidays, so you can enjoy strolling around and looking for wooden chalets with mulled wine.
9. Interesting Local Events
Nancy hosts exciting cultural events year-round. If you visit Nancy in the summer, La Belle Saison transforms Place Stanislas with free open-air video-mapping shows, and classical music fans will love the annual Nancyphonies music festival.
Autumn is also a very lively period in the city! September brings the Nancy International Film Festival, celebrating short films and documentaries with a focus on diversity and creativity.
And every October, the Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival fills the city with music, offering unforgettable concerts and lively family-friendly events.
10. Great Getaway to Explore the Region
Finally, the nature around Nancy is beautiful, with the region dotted with charming towns and important historical sites.
Hiking enthusiasts can go on one of many hikes, including the popular 7 Castles hike just outside the city center of Nancy.
If you have a car, you can also visit Vittel and its famous thermal station or Verdun, an important First World War site.
Reasons You Might Skip Nancy
While Nancy was an absolutely fantastic trip for me, it might not be right for you.
If it’s your first time in France and you have limited time to travel, Nancy wouldn’t be my first choice. It’s stunning, but not as iconic as places like Bordeaux, Lyon, or Marseille.
Also, if you’re deciding whether to visit Strasbourg or Nancy, Strasbourg is a more popular choice for a reason.
If you’re looking for a big, bustling city, Nancy might feel a little too calm. While it is a student town, it also has a strong family-oriented atmosphere.
Where To Stay In Nancy?
Nancy is quite a small town with great public transport, so you should be able to stay in most places within the Old and New Town and easily get around. Ideally, I’d stay around Place Stanislas to be close to all tourist attractions.
Here are my favorite spots in the city for every budget:
- TOP Pick: Hotel D’Haussonville (this hotel is literally a tourist attraction!)
- Best Mid-Range Option: Maison d’Hôte de Myon
- Best Budget Pick: Student Factory Nancy Centre
How Many Days Do You Need In Nancy?
I visited Nancy on a day trip, which is enough time to explore the city for most people.
Stop by the Nancy Tourism Office and pick up the paper map with 3 walking routes you can follow to ensure you see everything. You don’t need to do all 3, of course. I only did 2 historical routes and only a few stops of the third route, which was Art Nouveau
At the same time, I think Nancy also makes for a great weekend getaway destination, especially if you have a car and can go hiking in the nearby forest.
Summary: Should You Visit Nancy, France?
And there you have it! Everything you need to decide if you should add Nancy to your France itinerary.
Nancy is a beautiful city offering so much culture and history for those looking to get off the beaten path and explore the less-visited regions of France.
From the majestic Place Stanislas to beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, Nancy makes for a fantastic day trip or a weekend getaway destination.
As it is not too crowded, it’s also one of the best places to visit in France for couples to enjoy romantic strolls, fine dining, and unique stays.
