Nancy is home to L'École de Nancy, the city's renowned art movement, founded in the early 1900s. Following the example of Émille Gallé, artists throughout the city began work on blending nature, science and industry into the unique Art Nouveau style, which can now be seen in public works throughout Nancy. The art movement is commemorated in the Musée de l'École de Nancy, which houses glassware, ceramics and furniture of the movement.
Many of the city's Art Nouveau masterpieces can be seen on foot. From the Musée de l'École de Nancy, you can walk to the Jardin de Bérénice, taking in the Parc St-Marie neighbourhood. Alternatively, explore the city's Art Nouveau commercial area, starting from place Maginot. Walk towards place Stanislas, to encounter the curving façade of the Chamber of Commerce, and duck into Brasserie Flo for a drink, to experience its lovely, ornate decor.
In the place Stanislas, you can get a feel for the Nancy of the 18th century. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place was built by the exiled King Stanislas of Poland in honour of his son-in-law Louis XV. The imposing statue in the centre of the square is that of Stanislas himself, though it replaces the one he had erected of Louis XV, which was removed during the French Revolution. Also part of the UNESCO site are the city's Triumphal Arch, the Place d'Alliance and the place de la Carriere.
The city also has a historic, medieval section of town, where you can see many, extensively restored examples of 15th and 16th-century architecture. Be sure to see the conical towers of the Craffe Gate, and the Duke's Palace.
Apart from art and architecture, Nancy also offers excellent restaurants and local specialties. Many of the local recipes are influenced by the city's Polish connection, including rum babas and Bouchées à la reine Marie Leczinscka.
For interesting perspectives on the city, be sure to take a tour by horse-drawn carriage, a boat trip on the Marne-Rhine canal, or hire a cycle from the Location de Vélostan.
