Nancy Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

At the foot of the Vosges, they guard freedom

If you are traveling in eastern France, heading south from Strasbourg or Colmar will quickly bring you into a landscape of rolling hills. The foothills of the Vosges Mountains gently unfold here, and the Moselle River flows quietly through the valley. In this picturesque countryside, there is a piece of land that belongs to the United States. The Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial is located near the small village of Dinozé, just about 4 miles from downtown Epinal. Covering 48 acres, it is built on a plateau rising about 100 feet above the Moselle River, with France at its feet and the sprawling Vosges Mountains within view. Here lie 5,252 American service members who died in World War II. Most of them sacrificed their lives during the campaigns in northeastern France in the fall and winter of 1944 and early 1945, the defensive battles in the Vosges Mountains, and the advance toward the Rhine River and the German heartland. The cemetery was established in October 1944 by the 46th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company of the U.S. Seventh Army to inter those who fell during the fierce fighting at the Saverne Pass and the winter defensive battles in the Vosges region. Walking into the cemetery, you are first greeted by an open lawn and two fan-shaped burial plots. The white cross headstones are arranged in neat arcs, resembling spread wings when viewed from above. A wide, tree-lined avenue runs through the central axis, dividing the cemetery into two sections and extending north to a circular flagpole plaza, which offers the best vantage point for a panoramic view of the Moselle Valley. The memorial is a rectangular building facing the cemetery, consisting of a chapel, a colonnade, and a map room. The map room features a stained-glass map depicting troop movements and the progress of campaigns in the European theater. The walls of the Court of Honor are inscribed with 424 names—service members who went missing in action in this region. A rosette next to a name indicates that the service member's remains were later recovered and identified. There are some stories here worth knowing before you set out: On May 12, 1958, 13 coffins draped in American flags were placed side by side in front of the memorial. Each coffin contained an unknown soldier from one of the 13 American military cemeteries in the European theater. General Edward J. O'Neill walked slowly past the line and placed a wreath on one of the coffins—the soldier chosen became the Unknown Soldier representing the European theater of World War II, now resting at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. This selection took place right here in Epinal. Captain Alexander M. Patch III, son of Lieutenant General Alexander Patch, commander of the Seventh Army, is also buried here. In October 1944, while leading his company in an attack on German fortified positions near Lunéville, France, he was wounded but refused to evacuate, continuing to command the battle for two hours until the objective was achieved. He later died from blood loss. His headstone, like the other 5,251, stands quietly in the grass at the foot of the Vosges. The cemetery also holds the graves of 12 Japanese-American soldiers who belonged to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. This unit is one of the most decorated in U.S. military history. With the motto "Go For Broke," they participated in the liberation of Bruyères and Biffontaine, as well as the famous rescue of the "Lost Battalion" on the French battlefield. Their headstones are a testament to this history of a minority group proving their loyalty with their blood. Practical information: The cemetery is located on Rue de la Rondenolle in Dinozé, about a 10-minute taxi ride from the Epinal train station. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for December 25 and January 1. Admission is free, and no reservation is required. Staff are on duty to guide families to gravesites and memorial facilities. If you are driving, take the Arches-Dinozé exit from the N-57 highway and follow the signs. It takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours to travel by train from Paris to Epinal, which may require a transfer in Nancy. The atmosphere of the cemetery is quiet and solemn. Local volunteer organizations sometimes hold candlelight vigils at night, placing candles in front of every headstone, their faint glow a tribute to the lives extinguished in the war. This is not a "quick stop" tourist attraction. But if you have respect for this history, these white headstones at the foot of the Vosges will stay with you for a long time.

RoamingWanderlust

The Golden Ironwork and Royal Squares: Nancy, France 🇫🇷🏛️

Everyone told me I had to camp out in the massive, bustling crowds of Place Stanislas just to snap a quick photo of the gilded iron gates, so I prepared myself for an exhausting, over-engineered tourist trap. But the moment I stepped away from the main café terraces, walked through the triumphal arches into the quieter, stately courtyards of the old ducal palace, and watched the afternoon sun catch the weathered stone facades of the old town without a single souvenir hawker shouting in my ear, the true, elegant majesty of Lorraine's historic capital hit me like a physical breath. Standing before those magnificent 18th-century squares as the evening lights began to ignite the golden scrollwork without any modern distraction around me felt less like standard urban sightseeing and more like stepping straight into a royal 18th-century painting. ✨👑 . 📅 What I experienced · Escaping the Main Square Rush: Leaving the busy central cafe terraces behind to wander the narrow, medieval cobblestone alleys of the Vieille Ville toward the quiet Porte de la Craffe. · Exploring the Musée Lorrain Neighborhood: Walking through peaceful historical squares where the legacy of the Dukes of Lorraine still lingers quietly in the stone architecture. · Strolling Through Parc de la Pépinière: Enjoying the sprawling, tree-shaded English-style park right next to Place Stanislas, watching locals relax under the canopy of ancient plane trees. . 🏨 Where I stayed · I stayed in a charming, wood-beamed boutique hotel nestled on a quiet side street just a short walk from the old town. Waking up to the distant chime of historic church bells and stepping out into the crisp morning air felt grounded and deeply authentic. 🛏️🥐 . 🍴 My culinary highlights · Lorraine regional dining honors rich, comforting pastries and sweet traditions. I sat at a historic local patisserie and savored a traditional warm *quiche lorraine* made with thick-cut smoked lardons and rich cream, followed by delicate, almond-infused *macarons de Nancy* paired with a hot espresso. 🥧☕ . 📌 My tips for visiting · Explore Place Stanislas After Dark: Visit the famous square late in the evening when the daytime tourist crowds have vanished and the magnificent wrought-iron gates glow brilliantly under nighttime illumination. · Discover the Town on Foot: Nancy is wonderfully compact; ditch public transit within the historic center and explore the intricate architectural details entirely on foot. · Wear Comfortable Cobblestone Shoes: The historic old town features centuries-old paving stones that will quickly punish stiff footwear, so keep your favorite walking trainers on. 📸🎒 . #Nancy #LorraineFrance #VisitFrance #OverratedSpot #PlaceStanislas #FrenchHistory #TravelDeep #BucketList #ExploreNancy #TravelDiaries

EddyG󱱹60

Nancy is located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, serves as the capital of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department with a population of about 100,000, and is rich in history.

Nancy is located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, serving as the capital of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department. With a population of around 100,000, it is also a vital city in the historic Lorraine region. Since the Middle Ages, Nancy has long been the political and cultural center of the Duchy of Lorraine, and it still retains a profound historical atmosphere today. Nancy's most famous attraction is Place Stanislas. In the 18th century, Stanisław Leszczyński, Duke of Lorraine, spearheaded the city's urban renewal, building this magnificent square and its surrounding neoclassical architecture. The square's gilded wrought-iron gates, elegant fountains, and exquisite architectural details are truly stunning. Together with the nearby Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance, it forms Nancy's most iconic historic district. In 1983, this remarkable architectural ensemble was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

在地图上盖章的人

@Ctrip Travel Specialist Nancy Special thanks to Nancy for her exceptional patience and meticulousness in arranging our itinerary before departure, whether it was a weekend or an evening.

Nancy's prompt feedback, whether on weekends or late at night, made our trip so wonderful! Thank you again! If I travel to Southeast Asia again, I hope to work with Nancy again and get more interesting itineraries recommended! From the moment our plane landed until departure, she took excellent care of everyone. She actively engaged with us throughout the trip, sharing a lot about Vietnamese culture, customs, and history. She responded promptly to all our requests, showing great thoughtfulness and consideration. Everyone had a great time. Thank you again! [Rose][Rose][Rose]

Emma Johnson Emma1

Nancy Place Stanislas & Mirabelle Plum Liqueur — World Cup on Rue des Dominicains / Grande Rue Terra

#footballfanculture Nancy’s Place Stanislas is a masterpiece of French neoclassicism, and it provides a stunning backdrop for a World Cup night. I settled onto a terrace on Rue des Dominicains, sipping a digestif of Mirabelle plum liqueur. The crowd was elegant and animated. The cheers were synchronized with the grandeur of the square. We ate quiche Lorraine and discussed the match with a Gallic shrug and a knowing smile. The fan culture here is proud and refined, with a touch of royal flair. The golden gates of the square seemed to frame the screen, adding a layer of majesty to the game. The Plan: Arrive before sunset to see the Place Stanislas light up. Order a Mirabelle. After the match, walk to the Pépinière Park. It’s a regal, slightly tipsy celebration of football in one of France’s most beautiful squares.

jojo880󱱹1

Nancy & Colmar Girls' Getaway.

This time, I took a trip to Nancy and Colmar with a friend I made in France! We explored Nancy on our first day, hopped on the TER train to Colmar later that day, stayed overnight at a hotel, and spent our entire second day exploring Colmar! We found so many delicious eats and fun things to do, so I’m sharing them all with you here ❤︎ 🍴La Casa Zaza 　We were starving as soon as we arrived in Nancy, so we went straight for food. We walked in around 12:00 and ordered the lasagna and braised beef tongue! My friend said the lasagna was the best she’d ever had in her life 😆 The beef tongue was so tender we didn't even need a knife. I hadn't eaten such a huge chunk of meat since I started studying abroad, so I was super hyped to finally get my hands on a massive steak ✨ Plus, the complimentary salami appetizer was insanely good! 🎡La Foire Attractive 　While wandering around after lunch, we stumbled upon an amusement park. I'm not entirely sure, but it looked like a traveling funfair with claw machines, go-karts, shooting galleries, and tons of rides for kids. I'm a huge rollercoaster fan and really wanted to go on one, but my friend hates thrill rides so I had to pass. I'd love to try it next time if I get the chance 🙋♀️ 🎨Wall Art 　On our way to the Nancy train station, we saw so many cool art pieces, including a bunch of street murals and this awesome 3D bear art popping out of the wall. 🏠The Wine Shop That Inspired Howl’s Hat Shop 　After heading to Colmar, we went to check out the shop that inspired the hat shop in *Howl's Moving Castle* around 9:00 AM! As a massive Studio Ghibli fan since I was a little kid, this was such a precious experience for me! While we were snapping pics and geeking out over Ghibli, a crowd started to form. If you want to get good shots with fewer people, definitely go early in the morning! ☕️L’Aryémise 　While strolling around Colmar, we found this adorable café and decided to grab breakfast here. I ordered their seasonal recommended tart and a caramel latte. Since we went in April, the seasonal special was a baked apple tart 🍎 The interior was super cute, and the tart was delicious and super filling—I was completely satisfied! By the time we left around 10:30 AM, there was already a line forming outside, so I highly recommend getting there early ✨ 🎄Christmas Shop 　When in Colmar, you absolutely have to visit the shop selling Christmas ornaments! Walking inside, it felt like full-blown Christmas even though it was only April. All the ornaments were seriously so adorable. They had tons of nutcrackers and the store was divided into different color-coded sections, making it so much fun to hunt for your favorites! I ended up bringing home a golden angel playing a trumpet 🪽 🍴Koïfhus 　For lunch, we went to try Colmar's famous local dish, Choucroute. We also wanted some carbs, so we ordered a dish that had pie and pasta covered in cream stew, and shared everything between the two of us! The Choucroute came with 5 different types of meat, and the thick-cut bacon was my absolute favorite. The pickled cabbage (sauerkraut) was a bit too sour for my taste so I wasn't a huge fan, but my friend loved it, so I guess it depends on the person! This time, we visited Nancy and Colmar! Before coming to France, I didn't even know Nancy existed, and I only knew Colmar as the setting for Howl's Moving Castle. But actually going there, the townscapes were adorable, the food was incredible, and they turned out to be amazing places! The Christmas markets are super famous, so if you ever visit France in the winter, you definitely have to stop by Colmar! Well then, À bientôt ✌️ Travel

もちごめ_フランス留学中の旅󱱹1

Daytime Vibes in Nancy: European Charm & Insta-Worthy Moments 📸✨

Nancy in northeastern France is seriously a hidden gem! Imagine strolling through sun-soaked squares, classic European fountains sparkling, with elegant Western-style architecture everywhere you look – it’s legit aesthetic HEAVEN for your camera roll. If you didn’t snap at least 50 shots at Place Stanislas, did you even go?! This UNESCO World Heritage plaza is absolutely iconic, featuring ornate golden gates, baroque buildings, and cute cafés all around. 📸 The address for Place Stanislas is 1 Place Stanislas, 54000 Nancy – pop it into your maps and you’re golden. While you’re here, don’t miss Parc de la Pépinière just next door! It’s perfect for a chill walk in the sun or a quick coffee break under the trees. Also, the Musée de l'École de Nancy (36-38 Rue du Sergent Blandan, 54000 Nancy) is a MUST for art lovers – their opening hours usually run 10:00–18:00 (closed Mondays), but check Trip.com for the latest info. Pro tip: Nancy is extra gorgeous on sunny days! Whether you’re hunting for dreamy outdoor shots or just soaking up Euro-city culture, this city serves Parisian vibes without the crowds. And when hunger hits, treat yourself to traditional Lorraine quiche or some local pastries – soooo good! Trust me, you’ll come home with crazy beautiful photos and memories to match. If you want to lock in your Nancy adventure, hunt for hotels and experience bundles on Trip.com for the smoothest, trendiest booking process. Park your car outside the city centre and explore the town by foot.

Jonng󱱹2

20-Day Tour of France｜Departing at Qingming Festival, Romance Overload

The 20-day divine route in France is here! With pick-up and drop-off throughout the trip, it's super worry-free—no hassle of transfers, just pure enjoyment! The guide is ready, quickly save this must-have lazy traveler’s playbook~ · ------- Check out the exciting guide below, don’t miss it ↓ · ------- ✨ Itinerary: D1-3: Fly from Shanghai Pudong to Marseille to start your South of France journey 🌊. Stroll through Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Antibes to experience the sophistication and romance of the French Riviera, overnight in Nice. D4-5: Explore the highlights around Nice ✨, including the cliffside village of Èze, Menton’s Lemon Festival vibe, then drive to Lake Sainte-Croix for boating, passing through ceramic towns and the Valensole lavender fields. D6-9: Dive deep into the heart of Provence 🌿, visiting Aix-en-Provence, the Golden Triangle towns, and Avignon’s ancient sites, then head north to Lyon for gourmet delights, finally arriving at the Alpine town of Annecy and Burgundy’s capital Dijon. D10-13: Travel through fairy-tale towns 🎨, from Colmar’s timber-framed houses to Strasbourg Cathedral, passing Nancy/Metz, then to the Champagne region’s Reims, and finally visiting Monet’s Garden in Giverny and Rouen’s old town. D14-16: Enjoy the Normandy coast 🌊, check out the Elephant Trunk Rock at Étretat, head to the pirate city Saint-Malo, then along Dinan Castle, Angers Gardens to the Le Mans racing venue, experiencing the blend of history and nature. D17-20: Conclude with romantic moments in Paris 🗼! Spend two full days visiting iconic sites like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower, then return from Paris to Shanghai, bringing home a suitcase full of French memories. · ------- Must-visit spots: Annecy Old Town ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📍Annecy, France Postal Code: 74000 🕒 Open all day Every alley by the canal is a scenic postcard, like stepping into a fairy tale! Hiking the cliff waterfalls is thrilling, and jungle adventures offer panoramic views of Lake Annecy~ Palais Garnier (Paris Opera House) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📍Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris 🕒 Feb 23 - Mar 20, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM ⏳ 1-3 hours The Golden Hall is breathtakingly beautiful, every carving tells a story of Parisian elegance ✨ Tuileries Garden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📍75001 Paris ⏳ 1-2 hours The Christmas market is magical! Wooden huts filled with handmade treats, laughter at the ice rink, the French garden instantly transforms into a festive wonderland 🎄 · ------- Tips: · A Schengen visa is required for France, prepare your documents well to increase approval chances! 🛂 · Local cosmetics and red wine make great souvenirs with good value, remember to compare prices~ 🛍️ · Take the express train from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center, just half an hour, very time-saving 🚄 · March has big temperature differences between morning and night, layer thin sweaters + trench coat to handle variable weather 🧥 · Restaurant bills include service charge, but giving extra coin tips shows extra politeness 💶 · ------- Book before departure to start your perfect trip easily 👇

JEMMA VASQUEZ

🇫🇷Nancy is a charming city in northeastern France, famous for its elegant 18th-century architecture and rich cultural heritage. The magnificent Place Stanislas is a must-see, with its golden gates and ornate fountains, perfect for photography and leisurely walks. Visitors can also explore the Parc de la Pépinière, historic museums, and the beautiful Église des Cordeliers. Nancy is also a delight for food lovers. You can savor traditional Quiche Lorraine, buttery croissants, and sweet treats like Baba au Rhum in cozy cafés and local boulangeries. The city’s markets and patisseries offer a perfect taste of French culinary tradition, making Nancy a wonderful destination for both sightseeing and gastronomy. ☕ Cafés & places to relax · Café Rousse – Cozy and highly rated café great for breakfast, coffee, and pastries. · Sepia Café – Stylish coffee shop ideal for specialty coffee and relaxed vibes. · French Coffee Shop – Popular coffee spot with excellent drinks and friendly atmosphere. · Madame Bergamote – Charming café perfect for a sweet treat or light snack. · Honey Coffee and Food – Brunch and café place with good coffee and food options. 🍽️ Restaurants & places to eat · Restaurant Le Majeur – Excellent French restaurant with highly rated traditional dishes. · A la Table du Bon Roi Stanislas – Classic French cuisine in a warm, local setting. · La Gentilhommière - Nancy – Elegant French restaurant with refined dishes. · Brasserie L’Excelsior – Iconic brasserie in an Art Nouveau building near the centre.  · Les Fils à Maman Nancy – Casual French restaurant with classic comfort food. · Brasserie Saint‑Georges – Friendly brasserie with good local dishes. · Le Palais Gourmand, La Souris Verte, and LA COUR DES ARTS – Other great restaurants worth exploring for different styles of French cuisine. #travel2026 #france #nancyfrance #travel #naturalwonders #familytravel #museums #localfood #staycation

Iman bsh󱱹3

Feeling like I've entered the world of Toy Story - a small French town

📍Nancy, France 🎭 Saint-Nicholas Festival These past two days in Nancy have truly felt unreal. Walking the streets, it feels like I've stumbled into a parallel universe of Toy Story. Theaters from around the world perform on the streets of Nancy. Besides giant puppets, there are also street performances. Photo 5 shows the musicians in the wardrobe; open the closet and they will perform for you. Photo 6 is a mini circus where you can watch magic shows inside. Every few steps brings a new surprise 🎊 🎄The entire city participates in this festival. Squares, streets, building facades, all transformed into festive stages. Nancy’s Place Stanislas itself is a World Heritage site, praised by Hugo as the most beautiful square. 🗓 Parades and floats take place every year on December 6th for the Saint-Nicholas Festival, but the Christmas projections and Christmas market shown in the last photo run from November 21st until January 4th. 🗺️ Nancy is located east of Paris, about 1.5 to 2 hours by direct train.

Luna Foster Lily󱱹1