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Nancy compactly packs a UNESCO-listed 18th-century square, a world-leading Art Nouveau museum and a buzzy student cafe scene into a walkable centre. Most sights sit within 15 minutes on foot of Place Stanislas, and several are free. Here are the stand-out things to do, with opening hours and prices in euros. Detailed numbers are in our Nancy weather by month guide
Things to Do in Nancy: The UNESCO Squares and Old Town
Place Stanislas
This 18th-century royal square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, is Nancy’s centrepiece and one of the grandest public squares in France. Stanislas Leszczynski, the exiled king of Poland and Duke of Lorraine, built it between 1752 and 1755 around gilded wrought-iron gates by Jean Lamour. The square is free and open at all hours; visit after dusk when the gates, fountains and gilding are floodlit. The City Hall (Hotel de Ville) and the Musée des Beaux-Arts front the square. For timing advice, see the best time to visit Nancy guide
Place de la Carriere and Place d’Alliance
Two smaller squares complete the UNESCO ensemble and connect Place Stanislas to the Place de la Carriere via the Arc Heré, a triumphal arch honouring Louis XV. Walking the full axis from the arch to the Government Palace takes about 15 minutes and is free. It’s quieter than Place Stanislas, so it’s the better spot for photos of the gilded gates without crowds. The Nancy events and festivals calendar lists the Saint Nicolas parade
Things to Do in Nancy: Museums
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy
At 3 place Stanislas, this museum holds a major collection of European painting alongside a celebrated Daum crystal and glass collection. It’s open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 except Tuesdays, and closed 1 January, 1 May, 14 July, 1 November and 25 December. Full admission is around €8, reduced and family rates apply, and the first Sunday of each month is free. Street address: 3 place Stanislas, 54000 Nancy. Our Nancy neighborhoods guide breaks down the districts
Musée de l’École de Nancy
This dedicated Art Nouveau museum, at 36 rue du Sergent Blandan, is built around the work of Emile Gallé, Louis Majorelle and the Daum brothers, who made Nancy a European capital of Art Nouveau around 1900. It’s a 15-minute walk southwest of the centre, open Wednesday to Sunday; adult tickets cost around €7, with a combined ticket covering the Villa Majorelle available. Book ahead in peak summer. Practical details are in the Nancy travel tips page
Villa Majorelle
Louis Majorelle’s 1901 home, at 1 rue Louis Majorelle near the train station, is a living Art Nouveau showcase with floral ironwork and stained glass. It reopened to visitors in recent years after restoration and pairs naturally with the École de Nancy museum via a combined ticket around €10. Check seasonal hours before you go, as it closes more often in winter. For where to base yourself, see our where to stay in Nancy guide.
