Major city · France
Nancy
Give Nancy 1–2 nights: the UNESCO squares and Art Nouveau houses fit one full day on foot, with a second for the museums.
Nancy is the old capital of Lorraine, 1 h 30 min from Paris by TGV, and its centre is a UNESCO-listed set of 18th-century squares. Place Stanislas, the Art Nouveau quarter and the École de Nancy museums sit within a 20-minute walk of each other, so the city works as a one- or two-night stop between Paris, Strasbourg and Metz rather than a week-long base.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Nov–Feb (short, grey days); mid-August when some independent shops close
- Airports
- ETZ · CDG
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Nancy112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Nancy, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyNancy is a calm, walkable city; the usual big-city cautions apply around the station and the bar streets at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency number · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportETZ Metz-Nancy-Lorraine (About 30 km (19 mi) north; regional flights only (Lyon, Toulouse, Mediterranean coast); shuttle to the city, fare €8 (≈ US$10)).ETZ Metz-Nancy-Lorraine (About 19 mi (30 km) north; regional flights only (Lyon, Toulouse, Mediterranean coast); shuttle to the city, fare €8 (≈ US$10)).
- Getting aroundThe centre is compact and pedestrianised: Gare de Nancy-Ville to Place Stanislas is about 20 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Sit-down mealDinner, mid-range, per person€20–35 (≈ US$25–45)
- Street or quick mealSandwich or quiche at a bakery€4–7 (≈ US$5–9)
- Beerbar / supermarket€5–8 (≈ US$6–10)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi minimum fare€6.20 (≈ US$8)
- Metro or bus rideSTAN single bus ticket€1.30 (≈ US$2)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry€3–10 (≈ US$4–12)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€25 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 2-3 star, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, 2-3 star, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ETZ Metz-Nancy-Lorraine (About 30 km (19 mi) north; regional flights only (Lyon, Toulouse, Mediterranean coast); shuttle to the city, fare €8) · CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle (TGV Est direct to Gare de Nancy-Ville, about 1 h 30 min)ETZ Metz-Nancy-Lorraine (About 19 mi (30 km) north; regional flights only (Lyon, Toulouse, Mediterranean coast); shuttle to the city, fare €8) · CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle (TGV Est direct to Gare de Nancy-Ville, about 1 h 30 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
not flagged
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Avoid
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C) low), wettest Dec (12 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Nancy: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
11 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is compact and pedestrianised: Gare de Nancy-Ville to Place Stanislas is about 20 minutes on foot. STAN buses and trolleybuses cover Greater Nancy from about 06:00 to 21:00, with poor Sunday service. VélOstan'lib bike share has 25+ stations in the centre; a 1-day ticket is €1.50 with the first 30 minutes free. Driving in the old town is one-way and parking is scarce: use a park-and-ride.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Metz
goDoor to door: About 1 h
TER or TGV from Gare de Nancy-Ville, about 40 min
Centre Pompidou-Metz and a cathedral; easy half-day.
Liverdun
goDoor to door: About 40 min
TER from Gare de Nancy-Ville, about 15 min
Small town on the Moselle with a loop walk; half a day.
Verdun
cautionDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
TER via Metz, about 2 h
Battlefield sites need a car or tour; long as a return day.
Épinal
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
TER from Gare de Nancy-Ville, about 1 h 15 min
Image museum and a hilltop old town.
Saint-Dié-des-Vosges
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
TER from Gare de Nancy-Ville, about 1 h 30 min
Vosges gateway; better with a night.
Forbach
skipDoor to door: About 2 h
TER via Metz, about 1 h 45 min
No strong reason to day-trip from Nancy.
Vittel
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
TER from Gare de Nancy-Ville, about 1 h 15 min
Spa town; thin without a spa booking.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Ville Vieille (old town)
Around Place Stanislas and Place Saint-Epvre; walk to everything, quietest at night.
Gare de Nancy-Ville
Best for a one-night rail stop; 15–20 min walk to Place Stanislas.
Rue Saint-Jean / Rue des Ponts
Restaurant and bar strip; central but noisier on weekends.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 2-3 star1 × 2 nights × €120 | €240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| STAN Pass Découverte 24h2 × €3 | €7 |
| VélOstan'lib 1-day ticket2 × €2 | €3 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €72 |
| Trip total≈ €198 per person per day, bed included | €792≈ US$950 |
2026 estimate in euros; travel to Nancy excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Sandwich or quiche at a bakery | €4–7 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Lunch menu (plat du jour) | €13–20 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Dinner, mid-range, per person | €20–35 (≈ US$25–45) |
| Beer: bar / supermarket | €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Museum entry | €3–10 (≈ US$4–12) |
| STAN single bus ticket | €1.30 (≈ US$2) |
| Taxi minimum fare | €6.20 (≈ US$8) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Buy bus tickets from the driver (€1.30 (≈ US$2)) or at stop machines; only chip cards are accepted at machines.
- Taxis cannot be hailed on the street: use a rank or phone one.
- Some museums close on Mondays and reduce hours in winter: check before you go.
- The Musée Lorrain main building has been closed for renovation: the Ducal Chapel stays open and free (check).
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
Pocket card
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NancyNancy
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency number112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
No US or UK embassy in Nancy; embassies are in Paris. Consulates-general in Strasbourg (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Paris → Nancy, TGV: about 1 h 30 min
- Nancy → Metz, TER: about 40 min
- STAN single ticket: €1.30 (≈ US$2), valid 1 hour
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-zhoor)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-see)
- S'il vous plaît — Please (seel voo pleh)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-byen)
- Je peux payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (zhuh puh pay-yay par kart)
- Où est la gare ? — Where is the station? (oo ay la gar)
Service is included by law in French cafés and restaurants: round up or leave 5–10% for good service.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Nancy. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Nov–Feb (short, grey days); mid-August when some independent shops close · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ETZ and the Lorraine TGV shuttle: last departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Place Stanislas, Ville Vieille, Art Nouveau south, Pépinière and the canal.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Place Stanislas, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Musée de l'École de Nancy, Villa Majorelle) and eat pages with last orders.
- Sunday and holiday fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialNancy official city site
- officialNancy Tourism Office
- officialSTAN — Nancy public transport
- officialMetz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Nancy, revision 5249573 (CC BY-SA 4.0)