Experience
France

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : NANCY

Art Nouveau and walks amongst the greenery

A city in the Grand Est region on the banks of the Meurthe river, Nancy is known for its majestic Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to many other treasures, like its Villa Majorelle, an icon of Art Nouveau in Nancy, and its enormous Parc de la Pépinière.

MACARONS MADE IN NANCY

Maybe you love the macarons sold in Parisian bakeries. First appearing in the 19^th century, this almond-based treat is characterised by a ganache centre sandwiched between two chewy, crisp shells. Did you know that the French capital doesn’t have a monopoly on French macarons? Other areas, like Nancy, have their own version!

Nancy claims to be the home of the macaron. Nuns Marguerite Gaillot (Sister Suzanne) and Marie Morlot (Sister Marie-Elisabeth) created the recipe for this sweet treat in the 18^th century. When the French Revolution broke out, they were forced to leave their convent and took refuge at a doctor’s house at 10 Rue de la Hache. They thanked their host by baking their sweet speciality and soon sold them to locals.

The reputation of the Sœurs Macarons (macaron sisters) grew over the years. The tradition carried on over the next two centuries, and the brand is now a registered trademark.

Nancy macarons don’t look like Parisian ones. They are crunchy, un-filled biscuits with a soft centre made from almonds from Provence, egg white and sugar. To discover the secrets of this delicacy, visit 21 Rue Gambetta. The Maison des Sœurs Macarons shop has been here since 1850. It’s where Nicolas Génot, the current custodian of the recipe, will tell you everything about the delightful history of the macaron.

Must-sees in Nancy

LA PLACE STANISLAS

A favourite monument of the french people, Place Stanislas was built in the 18^th century on the orders of the Duke of Lorraine, Stanisław Leszczyński, in honour of his son-in-law, Louis XV. Surrounded by neoclassical buildings, this impressive square is the central meeting point for people in Nancy. It has a statue of Leszczyński at its the centre.

THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Located within a building on Place Stanislas, this museum exhibits works from well-known painters such as Caravaggio, Rubens and Delacroix. Its collections from the 20^th century are particularly remarkable, such as the glasswork from the Daum collection and the room dedicated to the internationally renowned architect Jean Prouvé.

VILLA MAJORELLE

This house was built close to the train station between 1901 and 1902 and is typical of the Art Nouveau style. It was owned by manufacturer and artist Louis Majorelle, who entrusted the young Parisian architect, Henri Sauvage to design it. Sauvage later became a renowned architect.

LE PARC DE LA PÉPINIÈRE

Parc de la Pépinière, nicknamed “the Pep” by Nancy residents, is a 21-hectare oasis of nature right in the city’s heart. This former royal nursery founded by Stanisław in 1765 has become a haven for walkers with tree-lined paths and a romantic rose garden.

JEAN-MARIE PELT BOTANICAL GARDEN

With its 35-hectare park and tropical greenhouses, the Jean-Marie Pelt Botanical Garden is one of the largest in France. It’s located in Villers-lès-Nancy, on the outskirts of Nancy, home to 12,000 plant species, including some facing extinction, as well as medicinal and unusual plants.