How to spend one day in Nancy France

We love road tripping through France and one place that truly surprised us was Nancy France, which is a hidden gem in the Grand-Est region in France.

Nancy France is known for its late baroque and art nouveau landmarks and was once the former capital of the Duchy of Lorraine.

This underrated city in France is so regal-looking with its ornately decorated squares and beautifully landscaped green space, which reminded me of Versailles!

We spent one day in Nancy and totally fell in love with this wonderful city in France.

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How to get to Nancy France

The best way to get to Nancy France is on a road trip, since there are so many gorgeous towns to visit on the way.

You can also get to Nancy by train from Paris and stop at the Gare de Nancy. From there, it’s a short walk to get to the city center.

Top things to do in Nancy France

You’re probably wondering, what is there to do in Nancy France? or is Nancy France worth visiting?

I’m here to tell you that this city is so worth the visit, and I will highlight the top things to do in Nancy France.

You can easily see most of the attractions on a day trip to Nancy France, but I suggest staying for a weekend to explore more of the city!

People watch at Place Stanislas in Nancy France

One of the best things to do in Nancy France is to people-watch at Place Stanislas.

This square is known as the city’s “most beautiful square in Europe”, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with place de la Carrière and place d’Alliance, all within walking distance of each other.

This grand square is ornately decorated with gilded wrought-iron gates and rococo fountains and is quite magnificent.

There are also lots of cafes and restaurants lining the square and is a great place to people-watch while sipping some champagne.

Famous buildings surrounding the square include the City Hall, the Theatre-Opera House, and the Fine Arts Museum.

This is definitely one of the best places to visit to add to your trip to Nancy France.

Stroll through Place de la Carriere

Another place to add to your day trip to Nancy France is Place de la Carrière which is adjacent to Place Stanislas.

The two squares are only separated by the triumphal arch, which was built in the mid-18th century to honor King Louis XV.

The square’s name comes from its use for jousting, tournaments, and other equestrian games that were once held here back in the day.

Beautiful hedged trees line this square, and its just absolutely beautiful. This is definitely a must-see on your sightseeing tour of Nancy France.

Spend the day at Parc de la Pepiniere

One of the best things to do in Nancy France when visiting with kids is Parc de la Pépinière.

Just a short walk away from Place Stanislas and Place de la Carrière is this wonderful oasis in the heart of the city.

This Park was once used as a garden and is a great place to take a break from sightseeing in Nancy France.

There is a small zoo, a playground for the kiddos, as well as some carnival rides during the summer.

The open-air Auditorium even hosts free concerts during summer evenings. A visit to Parc de la Pépinière was definitely the highlight of our visit to Nancy France with kids.

Stroll through Nancy France medieval Old Town

One of the most beautiful places to see in Nancy, France is the medieval old town.

Learn more about the history of Nancy France on your sightseeing tour of this picturesque town.

There are so many beautiful and ornate palaces and churches to explore within the city’s medieval old town, some of which date from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.

We loved strolling through the streets and taking in all the beautiful architecture! Every street corner here is so picturesque and even rivals Paris with its art and architecture.

Nancy France points of interest

Saint-Epvre’s Basilica

Another must-see place in Nancy France is the 19th-century Saint-Epvre’s Basilica. This Basilica is so beautiful and we loved just sitting on the pew and admiring the architecture.

The Basilica towers over Place Saint Epvres, a busy square located in the old town, with its majestic fountain topped by a statue of Duke Rene II.

Sit in one of the cafes, and enjoy a meal while admiring the beautiful architecture around you.

Nancy Cathedral

Another one of the churches worth visiting in Nancy France is the 18th century Nancy Cathedral.

This Baroque-style Roman Catholic church is a national monument, and the seat of the Bishop of Nancy and Toul.

Saint Sebastian’s Church

Overlooking an open-air market is the 18th century Saint Sebastian’s Church.

Its interior is absolutely beautiful and if you look up at the dome, the paintings depict the life of Saint Sebastien. 

Visit the Porte de la Craffe

Strolling through the old town of Nancy, France, you will come across the Porte de la Craffe. This 14th-century gate is all that remains of Nancy’s medieval fortifications.

With its twin turrets at one end of the Grande-Rue, the arch once served as a prison through the Revolution.

This area by the Porte de la Craffe was one of the most picturesque places in Nancy France. There are a few cafes and restaurants lining the streets here, the perfect place to sip some coffee and just people watch.

Sample the regional specialties of Nancy, France

On your visit to Nancy France, make sure to sample some of the region’s gourmet specialties.

One, in particular, is Bergamotes, which are hard candies that are made with the essential oil of locally-harvested bergamot oranges.

They sell them in every souvenir shop in the city and are the perfect souvenirs to take home.

One other regional specialty in Nancy France is the Macarons de Nancy, which are almond macarons. Be sure to purchase some of these regional delights before you leave this wonderful city. 

*Another easy day trip from Nancy France is the charming, fairytale towns in the Alsace region! Read our blog on some of the most beautiful villages in France here.

Where to stay in Nancy France

We spent one day in Nancy France and stayed just a short walk away from Place Stanislas at the Hotel Mercure Nancy Centre. It was close to all the main sights in the city, and there was free parking! This was one of the best hotels in Nancy France, especially if you’re just visiting for one day.

More Nancy France Hotel Recommendations here:

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