Nancy in the snow © French Moments
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Last Updated: 22 January 2021

Last week the first snowflakes fell in the northeast in mid-January. In Strasbourg, Colmar, Metz or Belfort, a beautiful white coat of snow covered the urban landscape. And for once, the historic city of Nancy was no exception. Here are some pictures of Nancy in the snow to immortalise the moment … with a touch of winter enchantment!

 

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Unique moments of Nancy in the snow!

Due to its location in a basin, Nancy does not particularly enjoy a significant accumulation of snow.

While in the surrounding countryside (the Plateau de Haye, the Xaintois or the country of Vic), the falling snow hangs on the ground, it is not the same in the capital of the Dukes of Lorraine.

Moreover, the intense human activity is not foreign to this phenomenon. As in Paris and in the big cities, the snow quickly turns to slush when the first cars pass by …

Much to the chagrin of the kids who thought they could put together a snowman!

But this year, the snowfall was heavy enough to cover the soil of Nancy with a beautiful white coat. With the return of the sun, the city of golden doors turned into a ‘Winter Wonderland‘.

Thanks to my uncle Michel who is there (for my part, I am “stuck” in England during the pandemic), I will take you along for a short photographic walk in the streets and squares of Nancy in the snow. With a few bonus photos, taken during previous snowy episodes.

These photos will reveal to you some beautiful sites to discover in Nancy … with a touch of enchantment!


Nancy in the snow: a little guided tour

Are the first snowflakes falling? Hurry, we must hurry to the Place Stanislas before the snow melts!

Place Stanislas under the snow

The royal square is indeed the focal point for local. Place Stanislas was created in the 1750s at a time when Lorraine was not yet French. This masterpiece of neoclassical architecture is famous for its fountains and wrought iron gates. These are sublimated by the whiteness of the snow.

Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Nancy in the snow: the entrance to Place Stanislas © French Moments
Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Nancy, Place Stanislas © French moments
Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Place Stanislas © French moments
Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Entrance to Place Stanislas © French Moments
Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Nancy, the Amphitrite Fountain © French moments
Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Detail of the Amphitrite Fountain © French moments
Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Amphitrite Fountain © French moments
Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Entrance to Place Stanislas © French moments

The Porte Héré (Nancy’s triumphal arch) links Place Stanislas and Place de la Carrière.

Triumphal arch of Nancy © French Moments
Triumphal arch of Nancy © French Moments

Place de la Carrière in the snow

The Place de la Carrière is a long square whose perspective runs to the Government Palace.

It is bordered at each end by wrought iron gates similar to that of Place Stanislas.

Place de la Carrière, Nancy © French Moments
Place de la Carrière in the snow © French Moments
Place de la Carrière, Nancy © French Moments
The long square of Place de la Carrière in the snow © French Moments
Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Entrance to Place de la Carrière © French Moments
Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Place de la Carrière in the snow © French Moments

The Place and Saint-Epvre Church in the snow

The arches on the left of the Government Palace lead to the Place Saint-Epvre, a square dominated by the neo-Gothic bell tower of the church of Saint-Epvre.

The bell tower of the Saint-Epvre basilica © French Moments
The bell tower of the Saint-Epvre basilica © French Moments
Place Saint-Epvre, Nancy © French Moments
Place Saint-Epvre, Nancy © French Moments
The chevet of the Saint-Epvre basilica © French Moments
The chevet of the Saint-Epvre basilica © French Moments

The old town of Nancy in the snow

The Old Town of Nancy (Ville-Vieille) dates back to the Middle Ages and extends north of the 16th century Ville-Neuve (or new town).

The Grand-Rue acts as the backbone, connecting the small Place de Vaudémont not far from the Place Stanislas to the fortified Craffe Gate, passing through the Saint-Epvre Basilica and the Ducal Palace.

Ducal Palace of Nancy in the snow © French Moments
Ducal Palace of Nancy © French Moments
Marshall Lyautey in the snow and... masked! © French Moments
Marshall Lyautey in the snow and… masked! © French Moments
The Craffe Gate © French Moments
The Craffe Gate © French Moments

The historic district is home to several mansions, built by the local nobility and bourgeoisie between the 16th and 18th centuries.

The Wolves Mansion, old town of Nancy © French Moments
The Wolves Mansion (Hôtel des Loups) in the old town of Nancy © French Moments

The Pépinière Park in the snow

The urban park of La Pépinière, created in the 18th century, is home to one of the prettiest music bandstand in France.

Parc de la Pépinière © French Moments
Winter in Parc de la Pépinière © French Moments
Parc de la Pépinière © French Moments
Parc de la Pépinière in Winter © French Moments
Parc de la Pépinière © French Moments
Parc de la Pépinière in Winter © French Moments
Parc de la Pépinière © French Moments
Snow in the Parc de la Pépinière © French Moments
Parc de la Pépinière © French Moments
The bandstand, Parc de la Pépinière in Winter © French Moments

A wave of the magic wand and the bandstand lights up (thanks Photoshop!)

Parc de la Pépinière © French Moments
Kiosque Mozart, Parc de la Pépinière © French Moments

Place d’Alliance in the snow

The discreet and charming Place d’Alliance dates from the 18th century and is one of the three squares listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

Place d'Alliance, Nancy © French Moments
Place d’Alliance © French Moments
Place d'Alliance, Nancy © French Moments
The discreet Place d’Alliance © French Moments

To find out more about Nancy

The Nancy Tourist Office website:

And on the blog , other articles on Nancy:


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Nancy in the snow © French Moments Nancy in the snow © French Moments


 

Gems of Paris by French Moments
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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