Things to Do in Nancy France Ultimate Nancy Travel Guide 

Explore top things to do in Nancy, France: local food, Place Stanislas, hidden gems & must-see spots in this 2025 travel guide for foodies & culture lovers!

What to See in Nancy France – top attractions

• Place Stanislas: universally ranked among things to do in Nancy France, this monumental 18th-century square, a UNESCO site, dazzles with Rococo fountains and golden gates  .
• Arc Héré: the triumphal arch opening off Place Stanislas provides a striking architectural backdrop for photos and history buffs alike  .
• Place de la Carrière & Place d’Alliance: part of the UNESCO ensemble, perfect for strolling and French heritage immersion  .
• Musée des Beaux‑Arts: located on Place Stanislas, home to European art from medieval times through Monet and Picasso  .
• Musée de l’École de Nancy & Villa Majorelle: explore Art Nouveau masterpieces by Gallé, Majorelle and other key figures of the École de Nancy movement  .
• Parc de la Pépinière: a relaxing green oasis with peacocks, zoo features, Art Nouveau pavilions and seasonal flower shows  .
• Nancy Cathedral & Great organ: admire its Neo‑Classical/Baroque architecture and the restored Cavaillé‑Coll style organ  .
• Opéra national de Lorraine: grand theatre anchored on Place Stanislas, blending classical and Art Nouveau design  .
• Muséum‑Aquarium de Nancy: Art Deco museum & aquarium exhibiting marine life and natural history in a scenic setting  .

What to Eat in Nancy France – regional specialties & eateries

• Quiche Lorraine: hearty savory pie loaded with bacon and crème fraîche—a must‑try what to eat in Nancy icon  .
• Bergamotes de Nancy: translucent, perfumed candies made from natural bergamot oil, with traditional hand‑pouring shows  .
• Nancy Macarons: rustic almond macarons dating back to 1793 at Maison des Sœurs Macarons—the original artisan macaron bakery  .
• Rum Baba (Baba au Rhum de Nancy): rich rum‑soaked cake with a legendary origin tied to Stanislas and pastry chef Nicolas Stohrer  .
• Madeleines de Liverdun & Mirabelle plum specialties: delicate sponge cakes flavored with local Mirabelle or bergamot—perfect Nancy food tour bites  .
• Local chocolates like Chardons Lorrains & Pavés de Nancy—liqueur‑filled treats shaped like thistles of Lorraine  .
• Pâté Lorrain: pork‑filled savory pastry, noted by visitors as a regional favorite  .

Recommended restaurants:

• Brasserie L’Excelsior: Art Nouveau décor and classic French brasserie fare on Rue des Maréchaux (best restaurants in Nancy)  .
• Grand Café Foy & A La Marianne: local favorites offering regional dishes and stylish ambiance  .
• Lalonde Pâtisserie: sweets emporium famed for macarons, chocolates and candies by Nathalie Lalonde’s Boulangerie Pâtisserie Confiserie  .
• Restaurant des Frères Marchand & L’Arsenal: well-reviewed by Rick Steves visitors, great for refined dining near Place Stanislas  .
• Marché couvert (Covered Market): sample local produce, snacks and meals right on-site, a favorite food spot among locals and travelers (Nancy food walking tour)  .

Nancy Food Walking Tour – must‑do foodie experience

Begin at Marché Central / Marché couvert on Place Charles III where vendors offer local Mirabelle jams, quiche, macarons and more. Then wander through Rue des Maréchaux (Rue Gourmande) sampling tastings, ending at an artisanal café near Place Stanislas or Old Town (what to eat in Nancy trail)  .

Itinerary – Ultimate Nancy Travel Guide for 2–3 days

Day 1: Iconic sights & architecture

• Explore Place Stanislas, Arc Héré, and nearby facades.
• Visit Musée des Beaux‑Arts and Opéra national de Lorraine.
• Lunch at a traditional brasserie: choose L’Excelsior or Des Frères Marchand.
• Afternoon stroll through Old Town (Grande Rue), Place Saint‑Épvre, and Porte de la Craffe.
• Evening dessert tour: macarons, bergamotes, rum baba.

Day 2: Art Nouveau & green spaces

• Morning at Musée de l’École de Nancy and Villa Majorelle.
• Leisure walk in Parc de la Pépinière, botanical garden, or promenade along Meurthe riverbank.
• Visit Nancy Cathedral and learn about its restored organ.
• Dinner at upscale restaurant like Grand Café Foy or A La Marianne; enjoy wine or Mirabelle-based cocktails.

Day 3 (optional): day trips & events

• Day trip to Metz, Strasbourg, or Luxembourg City, each under 90 minutes by train—perfect if your Nancy travel guide tour extends  .
• Check seasonal events: food fairs, literary festivals, light shows at Place Stanislas, Jardin Éphémère installations in September  .

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