Nancy Art and History Walk

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Itinerary

During this 5 hour Art Nouveau private tour you will walk along the streets of Nancy and discover the works of the artists of the École de Nancy.

You will learn about Emile Gallé, Louis Majorelle, and the Daum brothers, all of these are names inscribed in the History of Nancy. Artists and business people, they transformed the streets of Nancy at the end of the 19th and the former 20th century and made Nancy a well known city at that time.

The guided tour will start by the discovery of an iconic art nouveau restaurant and then head towards the Business part of the city. Banks, department stores, pharmacies and consular chambers will offer you the beauty of sophisticated floral arrangements. After a quick view on the Stanislas square, remembering that Nancy was a capital of an independent country during the 18th century.

During the guided tour of the business part of the city, we will see the buildings from the outside. Your private guide will help you discover beautiful façades and entrance doors. In most of the cases Art Nouveau interior decorations were removed from the interior (sold or demolished) during the 70’s.

You will visit the interior of a bank, with its spectacular stained-glass roof and you may visit the stained-glass windows of the Chamber of Commerce – This visit is not guaranteed as it depends on the activities taking place inside the building on the day you visit. However, your private guide will do their best to make it possible.

It will be at that time that you will have a look at Stanislas square. Despite it is not an Art Nouveau highlight of the city, it is worth seeing it because its historical relevance and beauty.

Then, your private guide will guide you to the discovery of the Museum of the École de Nancy, a great museum with a garden which includes an Art Nouveau funerary monument. Inside the building, the furniture, the glasswork, and the ceramics attest the quality of the different artists’ expertise. Some furniture were made for universal exhibitions of Paris (1889 and 1900) and are unique items representing the exceptional nature of the association École de Nancy.

The founder of the School of Nancy was Emile Gallé, such a master of glassmaking innovation that his New York counterpart, Louis Comfort Tiffany, traveled to Nancy to visit his factory. The fascinating Musée de l’École de Nancy is dedicated to his work and that of his associates.

After visiting this museum you will have a walk back to the train station with your private guide.

This is a unique chance to explore the chic French riverfront city of Nancy, which is known for its art nouveau landmarks. Depending on your interests, schedule and time availability, you may also visit the imposing art nouveau Villa Majorelle, the iconic art nouveau building designed by architect Henri Sauvage for the furniture designer Louis Majorelle. It was reopened to the public in 2020 after an important restoration project. A walking tour of art nouveau houses is also on the agenda, and if possible a private visit to the grand Maison Bergeret.

Tailored to your interests

Embark on a captivating journey through Nancy’s rich history and vibrant art scene, guided by a local expert who will tailor the experience to your unique interests. This immersive walk takes you through the heart of Nancy, where art and history come together to reveal the city’s hidden treasures and grand architectural landmarks.

Whether you’re drawn to Nancy’s renowned Art Nouveau masterpieces, the historic Place Stanislas, or the charming streets that tell the story of this culturally rich city, we’ll shape the tour around what fascinates you most. We also ensure that any special requirements, such as mobility considerations or family-friendly stops, are fully accommodated.

On the day of your walk, flexibility is key. Your private guide will adjust the route and pace to suit your preferences, ensuring a relaxed yet enriching experience. From a sudden interest in a hidden gallery to a shift in weather, we’re here to make sure your exploration of Nancy’s artistic heritage is as unique and enjoyable as you are.

Where the private tour Begins and Ends

Your private guide will meet you at the train station or where it suits you best. We start the tour around noon because we have designed this tour for groups visiting Nancy for a day from cities like Paris (TGV arrives from Paris at 11.45), but we can adapt it to your needs.

Upon arrival, we suggest that you enjoy lunch at a renowned Art Nouveau restaurant, a masterpiece designed by the École de Nancy’s leading artists in 1910. Your guide will pick you pa at the train station or meet you at the restaurant. Once you book this private tour we will give you indications to meet your guide in a centric Art Nouveau restaurant. You can either meet the guide there for lunch (12.00) or when you are ending your lunch (13.15 to 13.30). Alternatively, we can start the tour at a different time or location.

Tour will end around 18h at the train station, or we can escort you to a nearby point of interest of your choice. If you are traveling to Paris after the tour, tTe TGV to Paris is at 18.11.

If you take another train or use another transport tell us so we can organise the private tour accordingly. If you are sleeping in the city on the previous night or you arrive earlier, we can start the private tour before lunch. Times from Paris trains can vary and we recommend you to check the SNCF webpage.

Exclusions

Lunch – We will book a table for you for lunch at 12 in what is probably the most beautiful Art Nouveau restaurant in Europe. You and your group can have lunch with our without your guide. If you decide to go with our guide, he or she will join you at no extra cost, just the price of his or her meal. Food and drinks

Entrance fees to the museums or houses that may be visited during the tour – Normal rate for the Museum of École de Nancy is 7€ per person (4,5€ reduced rate). If the group is of 10 people or more, contact us so you may apply for a group price

Public transport – This is a walking private tour and it is not required the use of public transport. If during the private tour you want to use a public transport like a taxi or bus, the fare is not included

Additional Information

Languages – Most of our guests prefer private tours in English. If you require a tour in another language, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Unexpected changes – Major events, health regulations, and weather conditions may affect the final itinerary of your private experience. Changes in opening hours for specific buildings, ongoing renovations, and guest interests may allow us to include additional sites in your itinerary. We offer flexibility regarding cancellations or date changes, and we will provide detailed information with the quote sent. Please note that your tour will take place, rain or shine.

Selection of guides – Knowledgeable of the city, each of them in various subjects, they all ensure an enriching experience that matches the interests of every guest. They will offer you fascinating insights into the cultural and historical contexts. To ensure you secure the expert guide best suited to your group’s profile, we encourage early bookings.

Not only Art Nouveau – Not only Private tours: A decade ago, we began offering exclusive Art Nouveau private tours. As time went on, our guests expressed interest in a wider range of experiences, leading us to expand our offerings. Today, we provide general city tours, arts and culture tours, and specialized experiences such as workshops or short trips. To enhance your experience, we also offer chauffeur services, hotel recommendations, and airport pickups. Additionally, we’ve introduced unique services based on our clients’ requests, including organizing business lunches in restaurants and private homes, locating filming sites, and home-hunting assistance.

On our Nancy city page, you can request any experience you envision, and we’ll be delighted to assist you.

Art Nouveau and Nancy

Nancy, a city nestled in the heart of Lorraine, France, played a significant role in the Art Nouveau movement. This charming city, with its picturesque streets and historic architecture, provided a fertile ground for the flourishing of this artistic style. Nancy’s Art Nouveau legacy is evident in its stunning buildings, intricate ironwork, and decorative arts.

At the beginning of the 20th Century Nancy witnessed an exceptional and international growth under the impulse of a group of artists stemming from a diverse range of artistic disciplines such as sculptors, glass-workers, engravers, cabinetmakers and architects. Since then, Nancy has been considered one of the best places of the world to be inspired by Art Nouveau.

The city’s Art Nouveau district, particularly is a testament to the movement’s impact on urban planning and design. Visitors can admire the exquisite details of Art Nouveau facades, such as the wrought iron balconies and stained-glass windows, and immerse themselves in the elegance and sophistication of this bygone era.

If you like this art style, a visit to Nancy – the artistic and intellectual capital of Lorraine – will be a great day trip in your trip to France. Visiting Nancy in a day from Paris in one day is not only possible but a great choice.

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What our guests say

Traveling solo in Nancy was easy with a private guide. He showed me the best spots like Villa Majorelle and Stanislas square.

Michael O'Connor, Dublin, Ireland

Our kids loved the golden buildings in Nancy. The guide made the tour fun and educational.

Nancy Art and History Walk

Get a quotation in less than 24h

Itinerary

Tailored to your interests

Where the private tour Begins and Ends

Exclusions

Additional Information

Art Nouveau and Nancy

Get a quote in less than 24h

Booking information

Social media sharing

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