St-Raphael-Valescure → Nancy

The ducal squares

Begin at Place Stanislas, laid out in the eighteenth century by Stanislas Leszczynski to connect the old town with the newer district. Its uniform façades, gilded iron gates and Arc Héré form part of a UNESCO-listed ensemble with Place de la Carrière and Place d’Alliance. Walk through the arch and along the planted axis to see how the squares organize Nancy’s historic centre.

Art Nouveau streets

From the station area toward the squares, look for the curved lines and botanical ornament associated with the École de Nancy. Architects and makers including Louis Majorelle, Émile Gallé and Jacques Gruber helped shape this local movement around 1900. The contrast between the formal ducal plazas and inventive urban façades makes Nancy’s architectural history easy to follow on foot.