I’ve always believed that the best way to get to know a city is on two wheels. Walking gives you intimacy, sure, but cycling gives you both intimacy and momentum—you can cover ground, chase views, and still pause whenever curiosity strikes. On my recent trip to Nancy, France, I decided to devote a significant chunk of time to cycling, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the highlights of my entire Lorraine adventure.
Nancy might not be as internationally renowned for cycling as, say, Amsterdam, but let me tell you: this city has an impressive network of bike paths, scenic routes, and countryside escapes. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just want a leisurely cruise, Nancy has something to offer.
I’ll share three cycling experiences I personally did—routes that made me fall in love with Nancy even more. Then, I’ll highlight four other recommended routes that are waiting on my list (and should definitely be on yours too). Along the way, I’ll detail my own thoughts, little triumphs, minor frustrations, practical information like locations, pricing, services, and booking platforms, and of course, some personal anecdotes that still make me smile.
Preparing for Cycling in Nancy
Before diving into the rides themselves, let me quickly cover some essentials:
• Bike rentals: I rented my bike from StanbyMe, Nancy’s public bike-sharing system. They have stations all over the city. You can pick up a standard bike or even an e-bike if you want extra assistance. A single ride starts at €1, while a day pass is around €5. Super budget-friendly.
• Gear I packed: A reusable water bottle, a light rain jacket (the weather in Lorraine can surprise you), sunscreen, and a portable phone charger.
• Navigation: I used the Komoot app to map my routes. Most cycling routes around Nancy are well-marked, but I like having GPS guidance.
• Level of difficulty: Nancy’s core is mostly flat, but the outskirts can be hilly. Beginners will enjoy the riverside routes, while seasoned cyclists can test themselves in the countryside.
My Three Personal Cycling Experiences
- Along the Meurthe River: Nancy’s Green Corridor
Route details: Starting at Parc de la Pépinière, following the Meurthe River south towards Jarville-la-Malgrange. About 15 km round trip.
Cycling along the Meurthe River felt like an exhale. As soon as I hit the riverside path, the city noise faded, and all I could hear was the hum of my wheels and the gentle splash of water. The riverbanks are wide, green, and surprisingly wild in places—think tall grasses, herons fishing, and joggers waving hello.
My favorite part was the section near Port de Plaisance, where small boats were moored. I stopped, sat on the dock, and watched families having picnics. It reminded me that cycling isn’t just about speed; it’s about savoring pauses.
• Services: Plenty of benches, picnic tables, and even water fountains along the path.
• Pros: Flat, easy, beginner-friendly, and scenic.
• Cons: Some parts near construction zones lacked shade.
• Personal rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) — perfect for anyone.
- Art Nouveau Ride: Mansions and Architecture Tour
Route details: Starting at Place Stanislas, weaving through neighborhoods like Saurupt and Parc Sainte-Marie. About 10 km loop.
Nancy is an Art Nouveau paradise, and I wanted to design a cycling route around that. I mapped out some iconic houses: Villa Majorelle, Musée de l’École de Nancy, and the incredible Avenue Foch. On a bike, I could admire the intricate balconies, curved glass windows, and floral ironwork at my own rhythm.
I’ll never forget turning into Rue Félix Faure and seeing an entire row of pastel-colored villas glowing in the late afternoon sun—it was like stepping into a painting.
• Services: You’ll need to lock your bike if you want to enter Villa Majorelle (€6 ticket). Bring a sturdy lock.
• Pros: Combines culture and exercise. Short but rewarding.
• Cons: Urban traffic can be intimidating if you’re not used to it.
• Personal rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) — best for those who love architecture and history.
- Countryside Escape: Nancy to Toul Vineyards
Route details: Nancy to Toul (about 30 km one way). Following cycle tracks and minor roads through the countryside.
This ride was my challenge route. I set off early with a packed baguette sandwich and enough water to last. Leaving Nancy, I followed the signs for Boucle de la Moselle, one of the region’s major cycling circuits.
About halfway, I passed endless fields of sunflowers swaying in the breeze—it felt cinematic, like something out of a French countryside postcard. Reaching Toul, a small town famous for its vineyards, was worth every drop of sweat. I rewarded myself with a glass of local white wine (after locking up my bike, of course!).
• Services: Few water stops, so pack extra. Toul has plenty of cafés once you arrive.
• Pros: Immersive countryside, vineyards, and villages.
• Cons: Longer ride, requires stamina. Not great for beginners.
• Personal rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) — unforgettable if you’re up for it.
Four Recommended Cycling Routes in Nancy
While I couldn’t do them all, these came highly recommended by locals and fellow travelers I met along the way:
- Parc de la Pépinière Family Loop
• Distance: 5 km around the park.
• Why go: Perfect for families with kids—safe, shaded, and full of attractions like a mini-zoo.
• Extra tip: Stop for ice cream at one of the kiosks. - Boucle de la Moselle
• Distance: 85 km loop (can be broken into smaller sections).
• Why go: The ultimate regional cycling route, passing villages, rivers, and vineyards.
• Booking: Maps available online at the official Lorraine tourism site. - Nancy to Pont-à-Mousson
• Distance: 25 km along the Moselle River.
• Why go: Picturesque riverbanks, abbeys, and charming bridges.
• Tip: Great mid-level ride with train connections back to Nancy if you’re tired. - Forest Ride in Haye Plateau
• Distance: 15–20 km depending on trails.
• Why go: Shady woodland escape, especially refreshing in summer.
• Tip: Wear insect repellent—trust me on this one.
Practical Tips for Cycling in Nancy
- Rentals:
o StanbyMe public bikes (stations all around the city).
o Private rental shops like Cyclo Nancy (around €15 per day for a standard bike). - Best booking platforms:
o Komoot for mapping.
o Véloroute Moselle-Saône website for long-distance routes.
o Local tourist office websites often provide free PDF maps. - Budgeting:
o Day rental: €5–15.
o E-bike rental: €25–30 per day.
o Extra cost: helmet rental (€3–5). - Safety & services:
o Wear a helmet (not mandatory in France for adults, but highly recommended).
o Most routes have signage, but bring GPS for countryside rides.
o Many cafés and bakeries along routes happily refill water bottles if you ask politely in French.
My Honest Reflections
Cycling in Nancy gave me something I didn’t expect: a feeling of belonging. By pedaling through neighborhoods, chatting with locals when asking for directions, or even waving at other cyclists along the Moselle, I felt less like a tourist and more like a participant in everyday life.
Yes, there were tough climbs, a flat tire scare near Toul, and one day when rain left me drenched—but those are the stories I’ll remember most fondly. The smell of wet soil, the taste of fresh baguette eaten on a park bench, the sound of church bells as I rolled into a village—these are travel memories only cycling can give you.
Why Nancy Belongs on Every Cyclist’s Map
If I had to summarize my cycling days in Nancy in one word, it would be liberating. The city gave me space to slow down when I wanted—gliding lazily along the Meurthe—and to challenge myself when I needed a push—pedaling furiously toward the vineyards of Toul. Cycling here wasn’t just a way of moving; it was a way of feeling Nancy’s heartbeat in real time.
I remember one moment in particular: I had stopped in a small village bakery just outside of Nancy. My French is far from perfect, but when I asked for a “baguette tradition,” the baker handed it to me with a smile and threw in a madeleine “for the road.” I tucked it into my handlebar bag and later ate it under a tree, overlooking fields of gold and green. That tiny act of kindness made the ride unforgettable—it reminded me that cycling isn’t just about landscapes, it’s about the people you meet along the way.
Another memory that lingers is returning to Nancy in the evening after my ride to Toul. The sun was setting, the air smelled faintly of woodsmoke and cut grass, and Place Stanislas lit up like a jewel box. I felt tired, my legs heavy, but my heart was completely full. Cycling had given me not just exercise, but a sense of belonging.
For anyone considering cycling in Nancy, here are my parting thoughts:
• Don’t overplan. Leave room for detours. Some of my best discoveries came when I followed a side path just because it looked pretty.
• Talk to locals. They’ll often suggest routes you won’t find on tourist maps.
• Pack snacks. French boulangeries are a cyclist’s best friend—fueling up on fresh pastries is basically part of the adventure.
• Embrace the weather. A bit of rain or wind can feel like a nuisance, but it also makes the memory sharper. My rain-soaked ride near Haye Plateau is one I’ll laugh about for years.
• Reward yourself. Whether it’s a glass of Lorraine wine, a hearty meal, or simply a long sit in Parc de la Pépinière, give yourself time to savor the accomplishment.
Nancy may not shout its cycling credentials the way some cities do, but that’s precisely its charm—it feels like a secret waiting to be shared, a gift you stumble upon and then want to tell everyone about. If you’re an experienced cyclist, the countryside routes will thrill you. If you’re just starting out, the riverside and city loops are perfect training grounds.
Every time I think of Nancy now, I don’t just picture Place Stanislas—I picture myself coasting along the Moselle, wind in my face, baguette in my bag, and an open road ahead. Cycling turned Nancy into more than just a stop on my trip; it turned it into a personal story, one I’ll keep retelling with a smile.
So if you’re heading to Lorraine and wondering whether to rent that bike or stick to walking—trust me: rent the bike. Ride into the unknown. Let Nancy surprise you.
Because on two wheels, Nancy isn’t just a city—it’s an adventure. 🚴♂️✨
