Running in Nancy: capital of the Dukes of Lorraine
- audreyubertino
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Situated between the Haye forest and the Meurthe river, Nancy is an astonishing city. Blending Classical, Renaissance, Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, the city is surprisingly diverse and full of remarkable sites. From the Place Stanislas, an architectural jewel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the Parc de la Pépinière, a green paradise in the heart of the city, Nancy will delight all lovers of urban escapades. Discover the city of the Dukes of Lorraine using the routes on the JOOKS app!
A fortified city founded in the early 11th century, Nancy was successively the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine and then became part of France. Today, the city owes its renown to its many historic monuments, in particular its three squares, the most famous of which, Place Stanislas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to its rich historical heritage, Nancy is also a dynamic, festive and welcoming city. The range of leisure activities and outings on offer, as well as the concentration of faculties and higher education establishments, make it one of France's leading student cities. Cultural events such as Saint-Nicolas bring families together and attract large numbers of tourists from all over the world.
Historic heart
The historic heart of Nancy is made up of the Ville-Vieille (Old Town), whose construction began in the 12th century, and the Ville-Neuve (New Town), whose quarters were built during the reign of Duke Charles III of Lorraine, from the 16th century onwards. The Ville-Vieille contains remains from the early Middle Ages, notably the fortifications that surrounded the medieval town. Don't miss the imposing Porte de la Craffe gateway, built in the 14th century as part of the town's pre-Vauban ramparts.
One of the oldest squares in the centre of the old town is the Place Saint-Epvre. Formerly a market square, it owes its name to the basilica next to it. While the current basilica only dates from the 19th century, the square was created in 1495 by Duke René II, whose statue sits atop the central fountain. If you're more curious, don't hesitate to push open the doors of the basilica to discover the sublime stained glass windows.
Nancy's historic centre is also home to a number of Renaissance and Classical-style private mansions, built by the noble families of the court of the Dukes of Lorraine. One of the most remarkable of these is undoubtedly the Hôtel d'Haussonville, now a 4-star hotel, whose elegant courtyard layout contrasts with the rich décor of the clerestory galleries. This complex has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1982.
Capital of the Duchy of Lorraine
From its foundation in the middle of the tenth century to its attachment to France in 1766, the Duchy of Lorraine has seen no fewer than forty dukes. The most famous is certainly the last, Stanislas Leszczyński, who gave his name to the famous square. A must-see in Nancy, Place Stanislas is part of a complex grouping together the major institutions of the duchy and linking the Old and New Towns. Your stroll to discover the city's essentials will take you through this site, which has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1983.
In addition to Place Stanislas, Nancy has a large number of historic monuments from its past as a ducal capital. The Palais des Ducs de Lorraine, temporarily closed for renovation, was the principal residence of the Dukes of Lorraine from the Renaissance until the 18th century. Since 1848, the building has housed the Musée Lorrain. A few steps from the Palais is the Cordeliers church, which houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, except that of Stanislas, which is in the Bonsecours church. Here you can also see the tomb of Duke René II, famous for having defeated the Duke of Burgundy Charles the Bold at the Battle of Nancy in 1477.
City of art and industry
Towards the end of the 19th century, private houses began to appear in Nancy. These Art Nouveau-style homes stand out with their multi-material facades decorated with leaves and flowers. The most remarkable example of this Ecole de Nancy movement is the Villa Majorelle, which you can admire on your walk through Nancy's industrial treasures. Built by architect Henri Sauvage, it was owned by French cabinetmaker and wrought-iron craftsman Louis Majorelle. Many other buildings in the Ecole de Nancy style are scattered around the city, particularly in the Saurupt district, where Art Nouveau villas stand alongside post-war Art Deco homes.
It's impossible to talk about Art Nouveau in Nancy without mentioning the world-famous Daum crystal works. Founded at the end of the 19th century, the factory boasts a collection of over 600 pieces, and has worked with the greatest artists and designers to create exceptional pieces. Many of the company's works can be admired at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Nancy.
Nancy and the wider Lorraine region were transformed by the Industrial Revolution. Many remnants of this period remain today. Your run or walk will take you past many of these former industrial sites, such as the Grands Moulins de Paris and the former Alstom site. The former tobacco factory, recognisable by its monumental chimney, is also well worth a visit. Since its closure in 1981, the factory has been home to a number of cultural and university facilities.
Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from Place Stanislas to Parc de la Pépinière!
Find all the routes in the Greater Nancy Metropolitan Area and over 1,500 others on the JOOKS application.
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