When I first arrived in Nancy, I wasn’t just there for the grand squares, the Art Nouveau architecture, or the delicious quiche Lorraine. I was there for something equally irresistible: shopping. I’ve developed a kind of sixth sense for where to shop—whether it’s modern malls packed with international brands, or traditional markets bursting with local specialties and handcrafted treasures.
Nancy, often overshadowed by Paris or Strasbourg, surprised me with its retail diversity. This is a city that caters to both modern shopaholics and lovers of tradition. From sleek shopping centers with international labels to quaint artisan markets where locals still barter for cheese and flowers, Nancy offers a balanced retail experience.
I’ll take you through four modern shopping centers that I personally explored, sharing not just the shops I loved, but also the atmosphere, services, and little details like food courts and discounts. Then, I’ll introduce you to two traditional markets, where I bought souvenirs that still sit proudly in my living room. If you’re planning a trip to Nancy, this guide is your ultimate companion to indulge in some retail therapy—Nancy style.
🏙️ Modern Shopping Centers I Explored in Nancy
- Centre Commercial Saint-Sébastien
📍 Location: 20 Rue des Ponts, 54000 Nancy, France
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM; closed Sundays
💡 Nearest Transport: Tram T1, stop at “Saint-Sébastien”
This was the first shopping center I visited in Nancy, and honestly, it set the tone for the rest of my retail journey. The Saint-Sébastien mall is centrally located, which makes it perfect for travelers who don’t want to stray too far from Place Stanislas.
Walking in, I was immediately struck by how bright and welcoming it felt—airy spaces, polished glass storefronts, and that classic mall hum of families, couples, and teenagers.
• Shops I Loved:
o Galeries Lafayette – Nancy’s branch of this iconic French department store felt like a mini-Parisian shopping spree. I browsed through designer handbags, cosmetics, and luxury perfumes. Prices were high, of course (a Dior lipstick set me back about €40), but the quality and variety justified the splurge.
o Fnac – A heaven for tech and media lovers. I bought a French novel here to practice my language skills (€12) and drooled over the electronics section.
o Sephora – Yes, it’s international, but sometimes comfort comes in familiarity. I treated myself to a skincare set (€55) and enjoyed chatting with the staff, who were incredibly attentive.
• Food & Services: The food court upstairs wasn’t massive, but I enjoyed grabbing a coffee and a croissant at Paul (€6). The mall also had free Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, and clean restrooms, which for me is always a big plus.
• Pros: Great central location, diverse range of shops, modern facilities.
• Cons: Crowded during weekends, and prices leaned toward the higher side.
👉 Verdict: If you’re short on time and want a one-stop retail experience in Nancy, this is the place to go.
- Centre Commercial Les Nations
📍 Location: 149 Avenue de la Libération, 54000 Nancy
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; closed Sundays
💡 Nearest Transport: Bus line 11, stop at “Nations”
This mall had a very different vibe compared to Saint-Sébastien. Located slightly outside the historic center, Les Nations felt more local-oriented. I noticed fewer tourists and more families doing their regular shopping.
• Shops I Explored:
o Carrefour Hypermarket – I love visiting supermarkets when I travel. Here, I bought Lorraine wine (€7 a bottle), chocolates (€3–5), and even some French cheese to snack on later. It was budget-friendly and practical.
o Jules – A trendy French clothing store. I picked up a casual shirt on sale for €25.
o Micromania-Zing – For gaming fans, this shop was a treat. I didn’t buy anything, but browsing was fun.
• Atmosphere: It felt less polished than Saint-Sébastien but more authentic. Think families pushing shopping carts, seniors having coffee, and kids running around.
• Pros: Affordable, great supermarket for food souvenirs, fewer tourists.
• Cons: Not as stylish or glamorous, limited luxury options.
👉 Verdict: Come here if you’re a traveler who enjoys experiencing everyday French shopping culture.
- Auchan Laxou – La Sapinière
📍 Location: 6 Avenue de la Résistance, 54520 Laxou (just outside Nancy)
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM; Sunday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
💡 Nearest Transport: Bus line 4, stop at “Sapinière”
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a mega hypermarket French-style, Auchan is the place. I took a bus from the city center, and the ride itself gave me a chance to see more of Nancy’s suburban life.
• What I Bought:
o Local pastries from the in-house bakery (€5 for a box of madeleines).
o Wine selection was massive—rows and rows of bottles ranging from €3 to €50.
o Household items—I actually bought a French-made kitchen knife (€15) that I still use today.
• Atmosphere & Services: Practical, efficient, no-frills. This wasn’t about glamour; it was about value and variety.
• Pros: Affordable, huge selection, great for stocking up on groceries or practical items.
• Cons: Outside the center, so not ideal if you’re short on time.
👉 Verdict: If you’re staying in Nancy for more than a few days and want to buy practical souvenirs or local goods in bulk, this is your stop.
- Hall du Livre – Bookstore Experience
📍 Location: 38 Rue Saint-Dizier, 54000 Nancy
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM; closed Sundays
💡 Nearest Transport: Tram T1, stop at “Division de Fer”
Now, technically, this isn’t a mall—but as a book lover, I had to include it. Hall du Livre is one of the largest independent bookstores in France, and walking in felt like entering a cathedral for readers.
• What I Bought:
o A beautifully illustrated book about Nancy’s Art Nouveau movement (€29).
o A French cookbook specializing in Lorraine recipes (€24).
• Why I Loved It: The staff were genuinely passionate. I asked for recommendations, and one gentleman led me to an entire shelf of French graphic novels I’d never have discovered otherwise.
• Pros: Unique, cultural, perfect for bookworms.
• Cons: Limited English selection, though you can find some international titles.
👉 Verdict: Books make the best souvenirs, and Hall du Livre is where you’ll find something deeply personal.
🛍️ Traditional Markets Worth Visiting in Nancy
- Marché Central de Nancy
📍 Location: Place Henri Mengin, 54000 Nancy
⏰ Opening Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sunday 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
This was by far my favorite shopping experience in Nancy. Imagine rows of stalls overflowing with cheeses, meats, pastries, fruits, and flowers. The scent of fresh bread mixed with spices and roasted chicken made me dizzy with hunger.
• What I Bought:
o A wedge of Munster cheese (€6).
o A box of macarons de Nancy (€10).
o Fresh flowers for my Airbnb (€8).
• Experience: Vendors were chatty and warm. I got tips on how to properly enjoy local cheeses (with Riesling wine!) and even sampled a slice of saucisson before buying.
• Pros: Authentic, vibrant, sensory overload in the best way.
• Cons: Crowded on weekends, cash is better than cards. - Marché de la Vieille Ville (Old Town Market)
📍 Location: Rue Mon Désert, Old Town Nancy
⏰ Opening Hours: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
This smaller, weekly market had a much more intimate vibe. Here, I saw fewer tourists and more locals buying fresh produce and crafts.
• What I Bought:
o Handmade pottery (a small bowl for €12).
o Organic honey from a local beekeeper (€9).
• Experience: It felt like stepping into another era. Stalls weren’t flashy, but every product had a story. The beekeeper even told me about his hives located outside Nancy.
• Pros: Authentic, handcrafted goods, quieter than Marché Central.
• Cons: Limited in size and selection.
🎁 Souvenirs to Bring Home from Nancy
• Macarons de Nancy – Distinct from Parisian macarons, these almond-based cookies are denser and sweeter.
• Art Nouveau Items – From posters to jewelry, Nancy’s connection to the movement makes these great keepsakes.
• Local Wines – Especially Pinot Gris and Riesling from nearby Lorraine vineyards.
• Books – From Hall du Livre, perfect for culture lovers.
• Handmade Pottery or Honey – For something more artisanal.
💡 Tips for Shopping in Nancy
• Payment: Most big malls accept cards, but smaller markets often prefer cash.
• Timing: Visit markets in the morning for the freshest selection.
• Tax-Free Shopping: Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on certain purchases over €175 in a single store.
• Transport: Nancy’s tram and bus system is reliable—buy a day pass if you’re planning multiple stops.
• Booking Platforms: For mall directions or events, I often checked Google Maps and the official websites. For artisan markets, local tourism sites were most helpful.
🌟Why Nancy is a Shopper’s Paradise
When I think of Nancy, I don’t just think of the golden gates of Place Stanislas or the Art Nouveau curves of Villa Majorelle. I think of the shops, the stalls, and the stories I carried back home with every purchase.
From splurging on luxury at Saint-Sébastien to savoring cheese samples at Marché Central, Nancy gave me retail therapy in its purest form. The balance of modern malls and traditional markets means there’s truly something for everyone—whether you’re after designer perfumes, everyday clothes, or jars of honey from a beekeeper who knows his hives by heart.
I’ve shopped in cities all over the world—but Nancy surprised me with its authenticity. The shopping here isn’t just about buying—it’s about connecting. Each purchase comes with a smile, a story, and a memory you’ll cherish.
So if you’re planning a trip, my advice is simple: leave room in your suitcase. Nancy will fill it with treasures you didn’t even know you needed.
