Car Hire Nancy - Mini guide to Nancy

Nancy, located on the banks of the River Meurthe, boasts a traditional, friendly atmosphere, magnificent architecture and scenic countryside that all explain its appeal as a tourist destination.

The highlight of a visit to Nancy is the old town area. Dominated by the beautiful Cordeliers Church, the old town features a number of historic gates and elegant mansions, as well as the remains of the Duke’s Castle.

The church was built in 1487 and, although it is now more a museum than a church, is still a place of worship. The church now houses sculptures, religious paintings and funeral monuments including the Renaissance tomb of René II. The Dukes of Lorraine are buried in an adjoining circular-shaped chapel, and a passageway round the cloister, leading to the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, contains sculptures from tombs and religious paintings. Also on the grounds is a Franciscan monastery, founded in 1482. Another popular church is the Gothic revival Saint Epvre Church, dating from the second half of the 19th century. Two enormous gates mark the entrance to the old town area. The impressive Craffe Gate was built at the end of the 14th century as part of the walls encircling the town. The large twin towers flanking the gate were added on at the end of the 15th century and were used as prisons. The later Citadelle Gate, modeled on the Craffe Gate, is similarly awesome. Of the 16th century Duke’s Castle, all that remains is the wing on Grande-Rue and the Porterie (the gateway), combining Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its original mullioned windows, high sloping roofs, and gargoyles now house the Lorraine Museum.

The 18th Century District boasts the Triumphal Arch, Carriere Square, Alliance Square, and the symbolic Stanislas Square, while the New City area attracts visitors with its splendid 18th century Cathedrale and Saint Sebastian Church, and 17th century Notre Dame de Bonsecours.

An interesting, if somewhat expensive, hotel to stay at is the stunning 16th century Haussonville Mansion in the Old Town. It is built of two main parts set at an angle, and contains two charming galleries, one of open stonework in the gothic style running along the first floor, and the other in the renaissance style along the second. The town has a number of excellent restaurants, quaint cafes and atmospheric bars.

Interesting day trips can be made into the Lorraine region, the scene of some terrible fighting in both ancient and modern times. Explore the valleys of the rivers Meuse and Moselle and visit Joan of Arc’s birthplace of Domrémy-la-Pucelle. Travel on through the rolling, windswept plateau of farmland to the south and discover authentic rural villages and their friendly, open atmosphere.

Paris’ Charles de Gaulle International Airport is the nearest airport with direct links to major world cities. A variety of transportation options are available from Paris to Nancy.