Tourism Lorraine / Grand Est region

the tourist mistake: what to see in Nancy in 2026

Looking for things to do in Nancy to make the most of your stay? That’s a great question, because Nancy isn’t just a beautiful city—it’s a place to experience. As stunning as Place Stanislas may be, it shouldn’t overshadow the vast array of things to see and do in this magnificent city.
A young, vibrant city, rich in atmosphere, museums, and places to see—especially if you love Art Nouveau, the Age of Enlightenment, and even botany.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a pleasant getaway, you’ll always find something to do in Nancy.

By Jérôme Prod'homme
Saturday, March 28, 2026

Do you love France?

In Nancy, be sure to take a stroll through Place Stanislas, wander through the old town, enjoy the Parc de la Pépinière, explore Art Nouveau architecture, visit museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts or the École de Nancy Museum, catch the light shows, sample local specialties, and soak up the atmosphere of downtown.

👉 To plan your trip to Nancy, start by checking out our comprehensive guide to visiting Nancy, then easily compare accommodations based on your dates 👉 see the best options or book your entire trip 👉 flight + hotel at the best price

Take a stroll and experience Place Stanislas

Place Stanislas in Nancy, with its golden railings bathed in the morning sun / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: Shutterstock

In addition to being its treasure, Place Stanislas is the beating heart of Nancy. It’s not enough just to see it: people spend time there, watch it, and settle in. I love it in the morning, when there aren’t many people around and it’s all mine. At the start of the day, it’s even calmer and more elegant. In the afternoon, it comes alive with visitors and outdoor cafés. In the evening, it becomes a huge open-air lounge where you can have a drink. It’s crowded, and you hear a kind of joyful buzz that you only find there. And all that gilding! Having a drink on Place Stanislas is like having a drink at Versailles.

You can enjoy a quick cup of coffee on Place Stanislas. It’s a wonderful time of day in the morning / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: depositphotos

Take the time to walk around it, to admire the golden railings, the fountains, the cobblestones, and the perfect harmony of the buildings. This square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly the most beautiful square in the world.

Take a guided tour of Nancy

A guided tour allows you to explore the city in greater depth. It provides explanations, interesting facts, and a deeper understanding of the city’s heritage.

👉 Explore Nancy with a professional guide

👉 Guided walking tour of Nancy

Watch the sound and light show at Place Stanislas (summer)

Every summer, Place Stanislas is transformed into a monumental stage. Light projections adorn the facades, creating an immersive and completely free show. The images tell a story, highlight the architecture, and give the square a whole new dimension. The atmosphere is friendly; people settle in, sitting quietly on the ground or at a terrace, waiting and enjoying the moment. It’s a highlight of the trip.

Showtimes: In June and July through August 15, 10:45 p.m., with some exceptions / Mid-August through mid-September, 10:00 p.m.

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Daum Collection

The Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see, located right on Place Stanislas. It features a rich collection spanning from the Renaissance to modern art. It is one of the oldest museums in France.

Lovers on the Bridge: Emile Friant / Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15692199

But what makes it unique are three things:

Lorraine painters such as Emile Friant and a collection that will surprise you with its beauty and intensity
Yayoi Kusama's artwork—it's like a box you step into that transports you to the heart of a luminous galaxy. It's just incredible.
And above all, the world’s largest collection of DAUM pieces, featuring glass and crystal works by Daum, Baccarat, and Saint Louis, which serve as a reminder that Lorraine is France’s crystal capital.

Celebrating Saint Nicholas Day (December)

The 2024 Saint Nicolas Show / Photo by Pierre Defontaine, ARTGE

In December, Nancy turns its heart to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children and also of Lorraine, of which it is the capital. The city is decked out in festive decorations, Saint Nicholas villages are set up, and in the evening, a sound-and-light show recounts the amazing legend of Saint Nicholas. On the weekend closest to December 6 (Saint Nicholas Day), a massive parade winds through the city (featuring over 30 groups) and takes spectators on a journey into the realm of the imagination before ending at Place Stanislas, where Saint Nicholas arrives and is presented with the keys to the city by the mayor of Nancy. Saint Nicholas then gives a speech. Throughout the parade, candy and treats are handed out to spectators, as Saint Nicholas has been rewarding well-behaved children for centuries. It’s a truly unique moment that people from Lorraine who have moved away come back to experience during this weekend—which is a bit like Lorraine’s Christmas—blending tradition, magic, and conviviality. It is one of the most memorable moments of the year and an excellent time to discover the city in a different light.

Saint Nicholas greets the crowd at the end of the parade / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: Jérôme Prod'homme

Please note that this is a very popular weekend,so be sure to book your stay well in advance. But if you can't make it on the day of the parade, don't worry: remember that Nancy is celebrating all throughout December.

Take some time for yourself at Nancy Thermal

NDAB Creativity/Shutterstock.com

Nancy is France’s newest and largest spa town. In recent years, the rediscovery of an ancient healing spring has provided the opportunity to create a brand-new spa facility. It is located not far from a beautiful English-style park. It is open not only to spa guests but also to visitors, thanks to a sumptuous wellness area centered around a stunning historic Art Nouveau pool, featuring a steam room, jacuzzi, and whirlpool baths... There is also a Nordic bath, a swimming pool, and play areas for children.

You'll find all the information here.

Stroll through the old town

The Porte de la Craffe in Nancy / photo selected by Monsieur de France: bbsferrari via depositphotos

The Old Town is the heart and soul of Nancy. It all began here, when a duke decided to build a castle in the middle of nowhere. Nancy hasn’t forgotten that it was once the capital of an independent state: the Duchy of Lorraine. It has preserved magnificent houses and mansions, the Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine, and a few very old monuments like the Porte de la Craffe. This part of the city is rather small, but that’s all the better—here you can feel the laid-back lifestyle of cities of yesteryear.

The Musée Lorrain is the Ducal Palace in Nancy’s Old Town / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.Fr: Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock

It’s a historic neighborhood where you slow down, take in the sights, and take your time. The atmosphere is calmer and more intimate, perfect for a daytime stroll. In the evening, Place Saint-Epvre comes alive with students. It’s the ideal neighborhood if you’re looking for a cozy restaurant.

Relax at La Pépinière Park

Located just behind Place Stanislas, Parc de la Pépinière is Nancy’s answer to Central Park. It spans 20 hectares of greenery and is home to some remarkable trees. People come here to walk, read, chat, or simply sit and relax. Much loved by locals, it offers a welcome break from the daily grind. It’s a simple place, but an essential part of the Nancy experience.

Pépinière Park in Nancy / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.Fr: SergiyN/Shutterstock

It’s worth noting that Nancy is a must-visit destination for plant lovers. There are some beautiful parks, such as the nursery, as well as Sainte Marie Park (which is more of an English-style, romantic garden featuring rare trees). Also worth seeing is the Jean Marie Pelt Botanical Garden in Villers-lès-Nancy, with its tropical greenhouses and a park that serves as a reminder that Nancy is a major center for botany. Many varieties of lilacs, peonies, and begonias originated here... In October, nature takes over Place Stanislas with a temporary garden set up by the parks and gardens department. It’s a huge success.

Discover Art Nouveau in Nancy

Nancy is one of the major centers of Art Nouveau in France and even in Europe. This style has had such a profound impact on the city that it is often referred to here as the School of Nancy. The Art Nouveau of the School of Nancy, inspired by nature and characterized by its curved lines and refined details, can be seen throughout the city.

The president of the Meurthe-et-Moselle Chamber of Commerce and Industry / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.Fr: HUANG Zheng/Shutterstock

All you have to do is look up to discover:

elegant metalwork
colored stained-glass windows
ornate facades

It’s a low-key but exciting activity.

Explore the École de Nancy Museum

The École de Nancy Museum is entirely dedicated to Art Nouveau. It offers insight into the significance of this movement in the city and its influence.

Bathroom at the Musée de l'Ecole de Nancy / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme (c)

It presents a coherent whole:

furniture
decorative items
works of art

This is the place to see the best of what has survived from that era, which made Nancy a European capital of art and industry. I absolutely love the bathroom. It’s absolutely spectacular.

Jacques Grüber, "Roses and Seagulls," Villa Bergeret in Nancy / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.Fr: WildSnap/Shutterstock

Visit the Villa Majorelle

The Villa Majorelle is one of the most iconic examples of Art Nouveau in Nancy. This house offers a concrete example of how this style was expressed in residential architecture. It is truly fascinating, as every detail has been crafted with style in mind and the symbols are numerous.

This is nothing like a traditional museum: you step into a house that looks as if it’s still lived in and discover how the artists of the Nancy School applied their vision to everyday life. It’s a unique and enriching experience.

The facade of the Villa Majorelle in Nancy / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Patrice Soudier from Pixabay

Eating like in the Age of Enlightenment

For a unique experience, you can dine at the table of the good King Stanislas. Located at 9 Rue Gustave Simon, just 100 meters from Place Stanislas, this restaurant offers a taste of 18th-century cuisine. Here, you can enjoy the authentic baba just as King Stanislas invented and enjoyed it.

The setting, the food, and the atmosphere come together to create a unique experience that perfectly rounds out your visit to the city.

Go shopping and enjoy downtown

An Art Nouveau facade in downtown Nancy / Photo selected by Monsieur de France; depositphotos.

Nancy's downtown is a pleasant place to explore. It's full of shops and monuments; along Rue Saint-Jean, you'll find plenty of stores. A little further up, on Place Maginot, Printemps and Fnac are housed in a stunning Art Deco building. The Saint-Sébastien shopping center offers shelter from the rain or cold in winter and the heat in summer. Personally, I have a soft spot for the central market. There you’ll find the best of one of France’s most gourmet regions: Lorraine.

Established in 1852, Nancy's central market is well worth a visit for food lovers, or if you're staying in the area and enjoy cooking / Photo: depositphotos

Try the local specialties

Bergamots Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.fr: Foodpictures/shutterstock.com

Nancy is a true foodie destination. Taking the time to sample the local specialties is an essential part of the trip:

The authentic Nancy bergamot, : a delicious, tangy golden candy sold in collectible tins.
The Nancy macaron: Forget the overly sweet version from Paris and opt for the more authentic—and far superior—Nancy macaron, made with almond flour.
Of course, the quiche Lorraine: the world's most famous French dish originated in Lorraine. You can find delicious quiches in Nancy at bakeries or in restaurants.
Rum baba: It originated not far from here, in Lunéville, and Nancy loves it. You'll find it in many restaurants.
Le petit pâté lorrain: a pastry pie made with puff pastry and filled with pork and veal marinated in white wine.

👉 Once you've planned your itinerary, be sure to check availability:
👉 View available accommodations in Nancy

Nancy Macarons Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.fr: Foodpictures/Shutterstock.com

What can you do in Nancy when it rains?

Even in the rain, Nancy is still a pleasant place to visit. With its museums, cafés, and indoor attractions, you can easily continue to enjoy the city.

What can couples do in Nancy?

Nancy is perfect for a romantic getaway: strolls, a cozy atmosphere, restaurants, and quality time together. Dining out is always a highlight for couples, but the absolute best spot is Place Stanislas. It’s THE place to tell each other “I love you.” Treat yourselves to a guided tour themed around love with the experts on Nancy, “La Madeleine Nancy.”

What can families do in Nancy?

The city is accessible, pleasant, and family-friendly. Its green spaces and wide range of activities make it easy to enjoy. Kids will love the Nancy Museum and Aquarium and its natural history collections. In short, there are plenty of creatures to admire. Take them—you won’t be disappointed.

I love the clownfish at the M.A.N. / Photo by depositphotos: alex.stemmer via depositphotos

Where should you stay in Nancy to make the most of your visit?

The city center remains the best choice for fully enjoying Nancy and minimizing travel

👉 Find out where to stay in Nancy

Conclusion

Nancy is a city that’s just as much a place to live as it is to visit. With its rich heritage, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and exciting events, it offers a well-rounded, accessible, and enjoyable experience.

👉 To easily plan your trip:
👉 See the best accommodation options in Nancy

FAQ: What to do in Nancy?

What can you do in Nancy in one day?

Start at Place Stanislas, stroll through the old town, enjoy the Parc de la Pépinière, and visit the Museum of Fine Arts. This itinerary lets you see the highlights quickly.

What can you do for free in Nancy?

Place Stanislas, the Old Town, and Parc de la Pépinière are free to visit. In the summer, the light show is also free of charge.

What can you do in Nancy when it rains?

Museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts or the École de Nancy Museum are the best options, as are cafés and indoor venues.

What can couples do in Nancy?

Strolls through the old town, dinner, and a relaxed atmosphere make Nancy an ideal destination for couples.

What is there to do in Nancy in the evening?

Restaurants, bars, and live entertainment bring the downtown area to life. In the summer, the show at Place Stanislas is a must-see.

How long should I plan to spend in Nancy?

One day is enough to see the highlights, but two days will let you really enjoy it.

Jérôme Prod'homme Specialist in French heritage, gastronomy, and tourism. Find all my discoveries on monsieur-de-france.com.

Find out more about Nancy:

Cover photo selected by Monsieur de France kateafter via Depositphotos

Jérôme Prod'homme

Jérôme Prod'homme is Monsieur de France.
He is a French author, historian by passion, and recognized specialist in French culture, heritage, and tourism. For many years, he has written for French media, cultural magazines, radio, and editorial projects focused on the history of France, historical figures, cultural traditions, religious heritage, and regional gastronomy.

As the creator of Monsieur de France, he shares expert insights and documented knowledge about France: from medieval kings and cathedrals to royal palaces, UNESCO sites, charming villages, and authentic local cuisine. His articles are based on historical research, verified sources, and a real love of transmitting knowledge.

Jérôme lives in France, travels extensively through its regions, and personally explores the places he recommends — ensuring first-hand experience. Through his writing, he aims to make French history accessible, highlight real stories and local heritage, and guide visitors to the most meaningful and authentic French destinations.

Monsieur de France is more than a travel guide: it is a cultural bridge for readers around the world who want to truly understand France — its history, its identity, its symbols, and its living heritage.

Jérôme Prod'homme