Nancy and Lorraine

The city of Nancy is located in the heart of the Lorraine region, 200 miles from Paris, Frankfurt and Brussels, 80 miles from Strasbourg and 45 miles from Luxembourg.

With its 350,000 inhabitants, Nancy is the second largest city in the north east of the France.

Rich natural resources attracted Iron Age man to the area. From the middle Ages until 1766, Nancy was an independent duchy. The last Duc of Lorraine, Stanislas Leszczynski, gave his name to the famous Stanislas Square, a fine example of the architectural style of the French Enlightenment. When part of the Lorraine was annexed to Prussia in 1871, Nancy became a military outpost and a showcase for French art with the development of a unique style known as "Art Nouveau".

Today, Nancy is an administrative, academic, commercial and cultural centre. Industrial activities include automation, mechanics, paper, textile, printing etc. All these industries are environmentally friendly and Nancy is a healthy place to live in. Forests cover 35% of the surrounding area and the Vosges Mountains are a paradise for hikers and skiers.

The city of Nancy

Nancy is a major academic and research centre. Its three Universities (Institut National Polytechnique de Lorraine, Université Henri Poincaré and Université Nancy 2 ) employ 4,000 teachers and researchers and attract 45,000 students.

Nancy is at a crossroads of Europe and has always attracted numerous immigrants from Italy, Poland, North Africa, etc. The new high speed train link puts it within easy reach of Paris, Strasbourg and Germany. Cheap real estate prices encourage international companies to settle in the Nancy area.

Location of Nancy in Europe

How to get to Nancy

From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport

From Charles de Gaulle Airport, located in Roissy (north of Paris), take the RER southwards directly to Gare du Nord. Since Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est stations are only three blocks from each other, exit the RER and walk to Gare de l'Est or change to the Metro system toward Gare de l'Est (Estimated time: one hour; Estimated cost: € 10).
At Gare de l'Est, take a high speed 'TGV' train to Nancy. (Estimated time: 90 minutes).

From Paris-Orly Airport, located south of Paris,
take the ORLYVAL shuttle and connect to RER north to the Gare du Nord. Since the Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est stations are close to each other, exit the RER and walk to Gare de l'Est or change to the Metro system toward Gare de l'Est. (Estimated time: one hour; Estimated cost: € 10).
At Gare de l'Est, take a TGV train to Nancy. (Estimated time: 90 minutes).

From Luxembourg airport
A shuttle from the airport leads to the railway station in downtown Luxembourg. Trains will bring you to Nancy (Estimated time: one hour. Do not forget to change in Metz if you don’t take a direct train to Nancy)

From Strasbourg airport
A shuttle from the airport leads to the railway station. Direct Trains will bring you to Nancy (estimated time: 90 mins)

Train schedules may be found online on http://www.sncf.fr
For Paris Metro/RER map: http://www.ratp.fr/

Climate

The climate in Nancy is midlly continental. Spring and fall are generally mild with temperatures ranging from 14° to 20°C and with rain showers. The winter can be cold with temperatures ranging from - 5°C to 5°C with occasional snowfall. The summer is hot and often humid. Temperatures range from 25° to 30°C.

When packing clothing, prepare for all types of weather. It is also possible to purchase all types and qualities of clothing in Nancy once you arrive.

Entertainment

Links to NANCY sites
Office de Tourisme de Nancy
Spectacles à Nancy: http://www.spectacles-publications.com/spectacles-nancy.php