Sightseeing in Nancy - what to see. Complete travel guide

Originally the town was founded as a duke fortress and was called Nansiakum. Today this is a popular French resort, a picturesque town and the best place of rest for tourists who enjoy exciting excursions.

The National Museum of Fine Arts is one of the oldest cultural centers of Nancy. It was founded in 1793. Currently the museum undergoes a major reconstruction. The main part of the halls offers a collection of paintings referring to 17 - 19 centuries. Here you will also find several exhibitions devoted to items made of crystal. The excursion to the Museum of the School of Nancy, which was opened in 1964, will be no less interesting. The museum was opened in the building of a beautiful villa which is surrounded by a spacious park. Once you’re done with the museum’s exhibition, you can go to the park, where guests will find one more surprise - a large aquarium. You can also learn about the history of the city and see the collection of valuable artifacts in the Historical Museum of Lorraine. Besides other items, here are exhibited several collections of prints and paintings made by modern artists. This museum is also surrounded by a park, on the territory of which is located the Franciscan church.

The most well-known religious landmark of this place is Nancy's Cathedral, which is considered a national monument since 1906. The construction of the Cathedral was completed in the middle of the 18th century and lasted more than 50 years. After visiting museums and galleries it is time to move your feet to the Stanislaus Square as the Town Hall and the House of Government are located there. In the center of the square you will see a monument of Stanislas, who has been the main designer of the square. Perhaps, Jardins du Monte Botanical Garden is among the most wonderful places in Nancy. Here you will find a collection of plants and flowers, the number of which has long exceeded 12 thousands. Despite the fact the garden occupies quite a small area, its greenhouses look really huge, and the diversity of plants is truly amazing. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the immediate vicinity of Nancy, there is the beautiful Montague Castle built in the 18th century for one of the wealthy royal officials. Over the years, the castle has changed a lot of eminent owners. In the late 19th century, its last major reconstruction took place, after which it remains unchanged. In the early 20th century, the owner of the castle was the famous archaeologist Eduard Salin who kept a unique collection of ancient finds within its walls. The castle has been converted into a museum housing a rich collection of antique furniture and works of art in addition to archaeological finds.

One of the most beautiful places in the city is the charming Pepiniere Park. In the middle of the 18th century, there was a nursery used for growing seedlings on its territory. This green place was converted into a public park only by the mid-19th century. Currently, the park accommodates a puppet theater as well as many sports grounds and venues for holding concerts and other entertainment events.

An important religious site of the city is the Church of Saint-François-des-Cordeliers. It was built in the 15th century and originally belonged to the Order of the Cordeliers. After hundreds of years, the church retains its strict appearance. Many tourists are attracted by its unique interior decoration: the walls of the church keep wonderful murals as well as decorative elements of stone and wood.

The only surviving part of old fortifications is Porte de la Craffe Gate built in the 14th century. Throughout the centuries, the gate has been repeatedly rebuilt and acquired its present look by the 19th century. At one time the gate served as a prison, but today it is one of the main historical symbols of the city.

Walking along the Place Stanislas, you can see the elegant arch of Héré in its northern part. The beautiful arch was erected on the site of the ruined royal gate by order of Stanisław Leszczyński who has dedicated this remarkable architectural monument to Louis XV. The arch is decorated with exquisite sculptures and interesting memorable tablets with the dates of important historical events.