The capital of the Dukes of Lorraine, the Old Town, Nancy's historic heart, is home to the Ducal Palace and its funerary chapel, the Church of St Epvre, and numerous mansions built from the 16th to the 18th century. The last Duke of Lorraine, Stanislas, King of Poland and father-in-law of King Louis XV of France, dreamed up a bold architectural ensemble that was inaugurated in 1755. Since 1983, it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When Stanislas died in 1766, the duchy became part of the kingdom of France. After the German Empire annexed Alsace-Moselle in 1871, Nancy, which remained in France, experienced a considerable boom. From this artistic, intellectual, and industrial effervescence, the École de Nancy was born. At the dawn of the 20th century, this movement would become the spearhead of Art Nouveau in France. Villa Majorelle, the École de Nancy Museum, and numerous architectural achievements bear witness to this period. With its 50,000 students, Nancy will surprise you with its vitality and creativity. Museums, literary and musical events, gastronomy, St. Nicholas festivities, contemporary art, botanical garden, Lorraine National Opera, industrial heritage, Nancy invites you to come back!
