Travel diary :  As a couple, Culture & Heritage, In town, Knowhow

2 days in Nancy: head for the arty escape!

Historic, gastronomic or architectural, the city of Nancy is a magnet for visitors, and with good reason: the birthplace of Art Nouveau, Nancy can be visited and admired from every angle over a weekend.

Pace Stanislas - Nancy

DAY 1 - 10.00 am

Art guided tour

Place Stanislas
Place Stanislas

Nancy is best known for its architectural heritage. Considered the French capital of Art Nouveau and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, admiring its architecture is an activity in its own right. Start the day with a guided tour covering all aspects of art: Nancy Tourist Office offers 5 tours focusing on Art Deco and Art Nouveau! Accessible to all, each tour lasts an average of 1? hours, enough time to discover the secrets of this historic city, including the not-to-be-missed Place Stanislas, named France's Favourite Monument in 2021 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. So if you're impressed by its achievements, you'll be just as impressed by your visit!

We 'llbe stopping off for a good deal with the Nancy City Pass Duo: a pass that gives us free access to the city's sites and museums, as well as offers and discounts in the city's partner shops!

12h00

In search of the legendary quiche lorraine!

A traditional French dish inherited from the Middle Ages, with its melt-in-the-mouth pastry and succulent filling, quiche lorraine is a comfort food par excellence, enjoyed in winter and summer alike! There are plenty of restaurants in the city centre serving this emblematic dish! Once you've sat down at the table, you can start the debate: do you prefer it hot or cold? Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the Parc de la Pépinière, a haven of peace and greenery where you can stroll, relax in the shade of a tree or pick up your favourite confectionery!

Quiche lorraine

15h00

Tour of the Villa Majorelle

An emblem of Art Nouveau architecture in Nancy, the Villa Majorelle impresses as much as it conquers visitors! A vestige of the Majorelle family's history, it is a veritable architectural jewel, designed by Louis Majorelle, an emblematic pupil of the Ecole de Nancy, and Henri Sauvage, a famous Parisian architect. What catches our eye? The ironwork, stained glass and ceramics that adorn the façade. The wonder continues inside the house, where the original decor and personalised furnishings give you a glimpse into the artist's private life. An intimate and privileged visit.

19h00

Dinner at the Excelsior brasserie

Considered one of the city's finest brasseries, the Excelsior has been delighting the palates and hearts of Nancy's residents for over 100 years! Built in 1911 in the influence of Art Nouveau, the Brasserie is today the most moving testimony to the École de Nancy. Here you can enjoy a delicious starter, a typical Strasbourg sauerkraut and end your dinner with the Tout Nancy: a pastry with bursts of macaroon and bergamot, topped with a mirabelle plum coulis and brandy. An unforgettable experience!

21h00

Relaxing getaway at the Best Western Plus Crystal

Not far from Place Stanislas, in the heart of Nancy city centre, the 4-star Best Western Plus Crystal, Hôtel, Bar & Spa promises an evening of elegance and voluptuousness! As soon as we arrived, we hurried to the hotel's rooftop bar to watch the sun set over the city's rooftops. Then it's off to our comfortable room for a rejuvenating night's sleep, before a generous breakfast, just the way we like it. To start the day on the right foot, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa area, with its heated pool, sauna and hammam.

Souffleur de verre

DAY 2 - 11h00

Handling a blowtorch with a craftsman

In the heart of the city, on the Place des Vosges, at the back of the courtyard, you'll see a workshop where sparks are flying. With Théophile as our tutor, we start our initiation in the best possible conditions: a passionate craftsman, he gives us guidance and advice on how to make our project a reality! In the workshop, we give free rein to our creativity: the torch works its magic. Between controlling the movement and managing the heat, the glass is twisted and tapered to form the object you want. You'll need to be patient to see your object in its final form: you can come back to collect it or have it delivered to your home!

Macarons

15h00

Gourmet stop at La Maison des Soeurs Macarons

Founded in 1793, La Maison des Soeurs Macarons is one of the oldest traditional macaroon confectioners in Nancy. It is said to be the sole holder of the true secret of the mysterious recipe of the Macaroon Sisters! Handed down only to four families since its creation, the recipe for the Sisters' macaroons is one of the most sought-after by Nancy's pastry chefs, cooks and confectioners. Crunchy at first bite, then melting delicately under the tongue, the macaroon is a tasty treat to pack in your suitcase.