Weekend in Nancy ; A 3-Day Itinerary in Lorraine

A weekend in Nancy lets you discover heritage, culture, gastronomy and moments of well-being in the heart of Lorraine.

The Highlights of a Weekend in Nancy

Nancy is easy to discover on foot, without multiplying journeys. The historic centre gathers many emblematic places, such as Place Stanislas and its famous golden gates. The streets of the centre also reveal shops, restaurants and several local specialities. Nancy bergamots are among the treats to taste. The Parc de la Pépinière also offers a pleasant green break. Thanks to its compact city centre, the town is easily visited in a few days. Walks, culture, heritage and gastronomy thus set the pace of a human-scale getaway.

Weekend in Nancy ; Day 1 Between Gastronomy and Heritage

The first day focuses on the historic heart of the town. Emblematic tables and 18th-century masterpieces follow one another.

A Historic Lunch at the Grand Café Foy

The stay begins with a first meal at the Grand Café Foy. Created around 1850, it bears the name of the Empire general Maximilien-Sébastien Foy. The restaurant occupies the Pavillon Jacquet, the oldest building on Place Stanislas.

Place Stanislas and the Museum of Fine Arts

After the meal, a stroll on this famous Nancy square is a must. Built in the 18th century at the request of Stanislas Leszczynski, it impresses with its golden gates. Made by Jean Lamour, they are among the square’s emblematic details. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, Place Stanislas remains the heart of Nancy. This first discovery fully immerses you in the atmosphere of the town centre.

The afternoon continues at the Museum of Fine Arts. Housed in an 18th-century pavilion, it bears the signature of Emmanuel Héré. Jean Lamour made the ironwork of the peristyle and the staircase. Enlarged over the years, the museum presents several collections and spaces devoted to graphic arts. The basement houses the remains of the old fortifications and the famous Daum glassware collection. An audio guide available on the izi.TRAVEL app also lets you discover the museum at your own pace.

Dinner at the Table du Bon Roi Stanislas and Video Mapping

The evening begins at the restaurant À la Table du Bon Roi Stanislas. The recipes draw on the era of Stanislas Leszczynski. The cuisine blends Lorraine, Polish and French influences. This meal offers a lovely way to discover 18th-century gastronomy, brought up to date.

Once night falls, Place Stanislas hosts the “La Belle Saison” video mapping, shown in summer. The many terraces let you enjoy the show over a last drink.

Weekend in Nancy ; Day 2 Between Art Nouveau and Well-Being

The second day combines relaxation, terroir and Art Nouveau heritage. Most stops are a few steps from one another.

A Relaxing Morning at Nancy Thermal

The morning begins with a moment of relaxation at Nancy Thermal. The site’s history began in the 20th century, with the discovery of a hot spring near the Parc Sainte-Marie. A first thermal establishment opened in 1913. After several changes, Nancy Thermal was reborn in 2023 as a vast complex. Heritage, contemporary architecture and wellness spaces sit side by side. Right next door, the Aquasport area offers a more playful atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor pools, water games, a slide, a multi-lane slide and a diving pool are on the programme. An aquatic climbing wall completes the facilities. This stop lets you enjoy Nancy differently, especially with family.

A Local Meal at Terroirs Table et Cave

A few steps from Nancy Thermal, Terroirs – Table & Cave hosts the lunch break. The concept is based on generous, seasonal terroir cuisine. The menu is deliberately short and changes with deliveries. Lorraine produce takes pride of place, between vegetables, hot dishes and tapas. A selection of wines and juices accompanies the meal. The address focuses on good produce and unpretentious cuisine, while limiting waste.

Musée de l’École de Nancy and Villa Majorelle

Still in the same area, the Musée de l’École de Nancy is reached simply by walking along the street. It occupies the former property of Eugène Corbin, a great collector and patron of the movement. The museum plunges you into the world of Nancy Art Nouveau. Furniture, glassware, ceramics, stained glass and art objects make up a rich and varied collection. Émile Gallé takes pride of place, with a major collection. The visit continues in the garden, where an astonishing aquarium pavilion stands.

The discovery continues at the Villa Majorelle, another major example of Art Nouveau in Nancy. Built in 1901-1902 for the cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle, it is considered the town’s first entirely Art Nouveau house. The architect Henri Sauvage designed it by bringing together the work of several artists. Stained glass by Jacques Gruber, stoneware by Alexandre Bigot and ironwork by Louis Majorelle make up its decor. From architecture to furniture, every detail illustrates the desire to unite the decorative arts.

An Art Nouveau Dinner at Les Pissenlits

The day ends on a gourmet note at the restaurant Les Pissenlits. The traditional and generous cuisine draws largely on the Lorraine terroir. The decor is also worth a look, with many details recalling the plant world of Art Nouveau. This address ideally closes a day devoted to the movement.

Weekend in Nancy ; Day 3 Between Nature and Indulgence

The last day invites you to slow the pace. Gardens, aquariums and a historic brasserie make up this final programme.

Nature at the Jardin Godron and the Muséum-Aquarium

The Jardin Dominique-Alexandre Godron offers a first green break. Created in 1758, it was Nancy’s first botanical garden. Beautiful trees, plants and botanical collections are discovered along its paths. The garden also evolves with the times, with spaces adapted to climate challenges. This pleasant stop lets you catch your breath before resuming the walk.

The visit continues at the Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy, housed in an Art Deco building. The venue combines aquariums and zoological collections in an original route. The route presents many species and sheds light on the animal world.

An Exceptional Meal at the Brasserie Excelsior

The stay ends at the Brasserie Excelsior, right opposite the station. Opened in 1911, it impresses with its incredible Art Nouveau decor. Glass roofs, woodwork, mosaics and Majorelle furniture give the room real personality. Some details bear the signature of great names of the era, such as Jacques Gruber and Daum. Listed as a historic monument in 1976, the brasserie has come through the years without losing its charm. This last address offers a meal in a place that is fully part of Nancy’s history.

Practical Information and Review of the Weekend in Nancy

Nancy is truly worth the detour for a getaway of a few days. Heritage, culture, gastronomy and the art of living make it a pleasant destination to discover. The Musée de l’École de Nancy and the Brasserie Excelsior are big favourites. Each stop nonetheless holds its share of discoveries. Lovely addresses, pleasant streets and a peaceful atmosphere above all make you want to take your time.

To make the most of the town while keeping to a budget, the Nancy CityPass is a good option. Available for several durations, it includes visits, public transport and various discounts. This practical formula lets you discover Nancy at your own pace. In the Grand Est, Alsace (in French) and Troyes (in French) offer other lovely getaways.

Place Stanislas, 54000 Nancy, France
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Nancy

Article written in collaboration with Destination Nancy