NANCY - A Remarkable City - Part 1
Few cities in the world are quite like Nancy. It is a city of art, culture and tradition; it is a meeting place where great talents can do research, discuss, create, innovate and invent. It is also a city in which people can gather, dance, stroll… The “Livre sur la Place” festival is a week - long literary celebration. Nancy Jazz Pulsations, a major event on the international jazz circuit, is organized at venues throughout the town adding a touch of colour and rhythm to autumn evenings. The Choir Festival thrills the town with a thousand international fantastic voices. Nancy has no shortage of events throughout the year to ensure visitors get the most out of their stay.
Place Stanislas is the ideal starting point for a walking tour of Nancy. The rectangular square, which was formerly known as Place Royal, is regularly the theater for traditional, cultural and folklore events. Restored to its original state in 2005 became-pedestrians only - to everyone’s satisfaction. Situated between the old town, built in the 10th century and 16th century new town, the square houses - the City Hall ( hotel de ville) the municipal opera house and theater as well as the Fine Arts Museum (musee des beaux arts). This museum prestigious collections take in almost every major period in the European art, from the 14th century to the present day. Works by, Caravvaggio, rubens, Delacroix, Mondigliani, Picasso, Rodin and Maillol.
To reach the old town, strolll trough Place de la Carriere, with its elegant urban architecture culminating with the double hemicycle of the Governor’s Palace, designed by the architect Emmanuel Here.
The medieval town with its narrow streets and numerous townhouses, former residences of local notables, offers the ideal setting for leisurely walk.
The last stop, Porte de la Crafee, is the last vestige of the city’s 14th century fortifications. A former prison, it was also the monumental arch
through which the Dukes of Lorraine passed before ascending the throne. A stone’s throw away, the Parc de la Pepiniere leads on to the new town, which was built under Charles III. Boasting a fine rose garden and an elegant bandstand, the gardens which were originally commissioned by Stanislas are popular among local residents.
The new town, also once fortified, is now a bustling city centre and boasts its fair share of fine buildings of architectural interest. Among them are the city’s Cathedral built by Boffrand and Mansart, the baroque church Saint Sebastien and Notre Dame de Bonsecours which was built by Here.
Source: Nancy Tourism
Thanks to pakner for introducing photobucket… I should have upload the photos on my gallery but for some reasons it’s not working. Wheeww…
