Nancy, the capital city of Lorraine in eastern France, does not see a lot of tourists like Strasbourg or Reims. Many tourists just use this city as a transit place and ignore its beautiful city center. The city looks a little bit run down and not attractive, however, the city square, the famous Place Stanislas is totally different with other parts of the city (my ideas is Nancy used its entire city budget to maintain this place). Standing in Place Stanislas gives the feeling like you are in Paris, the royal capital, more than Nancy. The square is full of gilded statues, fountains, gates, lovely city hall, opera house and museums.

The history behind is also very interesting. When the Polish King Stanislas (King Louis XV's father-in-law) exiled to France, his son in law gave the title Duke of Lorraine and allowed him to rule Lorraine as his kingdom. To make the backwater Nancy as royal capital, King Stanislas built new city which has Place Stanislas as a center and use for public assemblies and festivities. This is the symbol of enlightened age and his kingship for Stanislas and his son in law who abled to understand public demands by designed this place for public. (The reason for WHS inscription)

Place Stanislas is in the center of Nancy and not far from the central train station. From the main entrance of the train station, you will see the old and dirty arch gate which part of Stanislas plan is to link old with new city. Walkthrough the gate for about 1 km. passes many somber buildings and you will see Place Stanislas at the end of the street.

In May,2010 I had revisited Nancy and Place Stanislas and discovered the old and dirty arch I mentioned was under renovated and most of the buildings along the road were clean and beautiful, a nice contrast from my previous visit. Also, Nancy is now very easy to visit as a day trip from Strasbourg or Paris or even Germany with the new TGV or stop enroute on your trip but be noted there is no luggage storage service in the Nancy Gare!