> FAVORITE SPOTS IN NANCY

Most of you probably know Nancy in France. Maybe you went there, or maybe you just passed it on your way to the south of France. It is Youness’ hometown, so you can imagine we go there often. I didn’t only fell in love with Youness, but also a little bit with the city! So next time it’s on your way, it will be definitely worth a visit. Therefore I’ll show you a few of my favorite spots in Nancy.

I visited Nancy in all the seasons, and I can’t tell you which is my favorite one. This time we visited Nancy in fall, where we could see the colored trees and the cold that’s settling in.

Centre Ville

The city is situated in the Lorraine region and is surrounded by hills that are about 150 meter higher than the city centre. It’s a beautiful, romantic city with a lot of history. The oldest part of Nancy is the quarter Vieille Ville, which contains the Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine from the 14th century. However, my favourite part is the quarter Charles III, Centre Ville where the famous Place Stanislas and the Nancy Cathedral are.

Place Stanislas

Place Stanislas is a large square that’s 125 meters long and 106 meters wide. It’s surrounded by architectural, neo-classical buildings dating from the 18th century, and finely decorated with lanterns, railings and majestic fountains enhanced with golden leaves.

In the middle of the square stands the statue of Stanislas, King of Poland and Duke of Lorraine and Bar from 1737 until 1766. He is dressed in flowing robes, holding a sword in his left hand and pointing towards the north with his right hand.

The Golden Gates

You can enter the square through the iron gates on the four corners and on the north and west side you see two beautiful ornate fountains. The entrees are created by Jean Lamour (1698-1771). Because of these gates, Nancy is nicknamed the City with the Golden Gates (Ville aux Portes d’Or). Lamour was also responsible for the iron balustrade on the main staircase in Hôtel de Ville, and the balcony across the centre of its main façade.

Light Festival

Every season there is something to do at the square. My favourite festivity is the light festival that’s every year in de summer from June to September. Then Stanislas is the central stage for a beautiful, technical display. Over 200 meters of façades, five buildings within the square (City-Hall, Opera, Fine Arts Museum, Hôtel de la Reine and Jacquet Pavillon) display an animated light show entitled ‘Rendez-vous Place Stanislas’.