Running in Nancy: capital of the Dukes of Lorraine

Nestled between the Haye Forest and the River Meurthe, Nancy is a truly remarkable city. Blending Classical, Renaissance, Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, the city surprises visitors with its diversity and is brimming with remarkable sights. From Place Stanislas, an architectural gem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the Parc de la Pépinière, a green oasis in the heart of the city, Nancy will delight all lovers of city breaks. Set off to explore the city of the Dukes of Lorraine with the routes on the JOOKS app!

View of the cathedral from Place Stanislas

A fortified city founded in the early 11th century, Nancy was successively the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine before becoming part of France. Today, it owes its fame to its numerous historic monuments, notably its three squares listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most famous of which is Place Stanislas.

As well as its rich historical heritage, Nancy is also a vibrant, lively and welcoming city. Its wide range of leisure and entertainment options, combined with its concentration of universities and higher education institutions, make it one of France’s leading student cities. Cultural events such as Saint Nicholas’ Day bring families together and attract large numbers of tourists from all over the world.

Historic centre

The historic heart of Nancy comprises the Old Town, the construction of which began in the 12th century, and the New Town, whose districts were built during the reign of Duke Charles III of Lorraine, from the 16th century onwards. The Old Town contains remains from the early Middle Ages, notably the fortifications that surrounded the medieval town. Don’t miss the imposing Porte de la Craffe, built in the 14th century, a reminder of the city’s ramparts dating from before Vauban’s time.

In the heart of the Old Town lies one of its oldest squares: Place Saint-Epvre. Formerly a market square, it now takes its name from the basilica that stands beside it. Whilst the current basilica dates only from the 19th century, the square itself was created in 1495 by Duke René II, whose statue stands atop the central fountain. For the more curious, do pop into the basilica to admire the stunning stained-glass windows.

Place Saint-Epvre and its fountain

The historic centre of Nancy is also home to numerous Renaissance and Classical-style mansions, built by the noble families of the court of the Dukes of Lorraine. One of the most remarkable is undoubtedly the Hôtel d'Haussonville, now converted into a 4-star hotel, whose courtly layout elegantly contrasts with the rich décor of the open-work galleries. The complex has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1982.

Capital of the Duchy of Lorraine

Place Stanislas at night

From its foundation in the mid-10th century to its annexation by France in 1766, the Duchy of Lorraine was ruled by nearly forty dukes. The most famous was undoubtedly the last, Stanislas Leszczyński, after whom the famous square is named. A must-see in the city of Nancy, Place Stanislas forms part of a complex housing the duchy’s major institutions and linking the Old Town with the New Town. Your stroll to discover the city’s highlights will take you through this site, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

In addition to Place Stanislas, Nancy retains a significant number of historic monuments from its past as a ducal capital. The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine, temporarily closed for renovation, served as the main residence of the Dukes of Lorraine from the Renaissance until the 18th century. Since 1848, the building has housed the Musée Lorrain. A short walk from the Palace is the Church of the Cordeliers, which houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine, with the exception of that of Stanislas, which is in the Church of Bonsecours. Here you can see, in particular, the tomb of Duke René II, famous for defeating Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, at the Battle of Nancy in 1477.

City of Art and Industry

Towards the end of the 19th century, private residences began to appear in Nancy. These Art Nouveau-style homes stood out with their facades featuring a variety of materials and decorated with leaves and flowers. The most striking example of this École de Nancy movement is the Villa Majorelle, which you can admire during your stroll in search of the treasures of Nancy’s industrial heritage. Built by the architect Henri Sauvage, it was owned by the French cabinetmaker and metalwork artist Louis Majorelle. Many other buildings in the École de Nancy style are scattered throughout the city, particularly in the Saurupt district, where Art Nouveau villas stand alongside post-war Art Deco residences.

Art Nouveau architecture on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry building

It is impossible to discuss Art Nouveau in Nancy without mentioning the crystal glassworks, and in particular the world-renowned Daum factory. Founded in the late 19th century, the factory boasts a collection of over 600 pieces and has collaborated with leading artists and designers to create exceptional works. Many of the crystal 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 can still be seen today. Your run or walk will take you past many of these former industrial sites, such as the Grands Moulins de Paris or the former Alstom site. Among those well worth a visit is the former tobacco factory, recognisable by its monumental chimney. Since its closure in 1981, the factory has been home to various cultural and academic venues.

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 1,700 others on the JOOKS app.

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