When I hear someone speak about Nancy, they often speak about the many and lively Christmas Markets and the beautiful Art Nouveau landmarks. So when my husband told me about a robotic event happening there that he is interested about, of course I had to tag along! This is a great opportunity to unwind and get away from the monsters at home.

Nancy, viewed from the hotel room window.

Nancy, France, is the historical capital of the Duchy of Lorraine, celebrated for its 18th-century UNESCO World Heritage architecture and its status as the European capital of Art Nouveau. It is located in northeastern France’s Grand Est region in the department of Lorraine. It is only an hour and 30 minutes via TGV from Paris.

History
Nancy’s rich architectural legacy spans from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, anchored by the magnificent Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière, and Place d’Alliance, which collectively became UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983. The city’s historic core features striking 18th-century masterpieces like the Nancy Cathedral, the Triumphal Arch, and the Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine (now the Musée Lorrain). Deep historical ties to the ducal House of Lorraine are also preserved throughout the city’s historic churches, most notably the Basilica of Saint-Epvre and the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours, which serves as the final resting place of the last duke, Stanislaus I.

At the turn of the 20th century, Nancy established itself as a premier hub of the Art Nouveau movement. Spearheaded by the École de Nancy—an influential artistic collective founded by pioneering glassmaker Émile Gallé—the city earned the nickname “Capitale de l’Est” and remains adorned with stunning Art Nouveau banks and private residences. Exquisite decorative arts from this era are conserved today at the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée de l’École de Nancy. Beyond its architectural wonders, the city offers lush green spaces, including the historic Jardin Dominique Alexandre Godron, the expansive Jardin botanique du Montet, and the central Pépinière park, blending natural beauty with vibrant urban life.

Villa Majorelle

Where to Eat & Drink
There are a lot of amazing restaurants in Nancy that produces amazing flavours thanks to the fresh ingredients sourced locally.

On our first night and after wandering about, we found a restaurant with a nice vibe and unique decor. I forgot it’s name but that Fondue was very nice. I was near St Sebastian Church.

Then there is the Excelsoir, an iconic restaurant near the train station. Since our hotel is just across the road, it became our breakfast place.

Inside Excelsior

Where to Stay
There a lot of quality and types of accommodations in Nancy. We chose to stay in a self service hotel called KOZY. It near next to the station and very affordable. Since it is a tall tower, we enjoyed nice views of the city.

Travel Information
Nancy is a French city. The official language is French and the currency is Euro. You can get there by plane by choosing Lorraine Airport. Or like us, we took the Eurostar from London to Paris, then the TGV to Nancy.

Nancy city-centre is easily navigable by foot with large pedistrianised areas. Public transports like local trains and buses are also available if you wish to go further afield.