One thing I’ve learned is this: no matter how many countries you’ve visited, your first time in a new city always comes with surprises. When I first arrived in Nancy, France, I thought I had it all figured out—packing, budgeting, food, even transport. But Nancy taught me new lessons in travel that I now pass on to clients, friends, and fellow adventurers.
This guide is for those of you planning your first trip to Nancy. It’s written from my personal experience—things I loved, mistakes I made, and details I wish someone had told me beforehand. I’ll walk you through packing tips, local culture, weather, food experiences, public transport, budget advice, SIM cards, street food safety, day trips, and even travel insurance. I’ll also share a 5-day itinerary I designed and tested myself, so you can dive straight into the best of the city without wasting time.
Let’s begin.
🧳 Packing Essentials for Nancy
When I first packed for Nancy, I underestimated how changeable the weather can be. Unlike southern France, Lorraine has four very distinct seasons, and the air often feels cooler thanks to the Meurthe River and surrounding forests.
My Must-Pack Items
• Layered Clothing: A warm jacket in spring or autumn is a lifesaver. In summer, mornings can still be chilly.
• Comfortable Shoes: Nancy is a walking city. Between Place Stanislas, Parc de la Pépinière, and the winding old town streets, I averaged 15,000 steps a day. My leather walking shoes made the difference.
• Umbrella & Raincoat: Lorraine weather can change in an instant. I learned this the hard way when I got caught in a sudden downpour near Parc Sainte-Marie.
• Reusable Water Bottle: There are public fountains, and locals don’t mind refilling bottles at cafés if you’re polite.
• Crossbody Bag or Small Backpack: Essential for both comfort and safety in busy markets.
Pro Tip
Don’t overpack fancy clothes. While Nancy is stylish (students from the University of Lorraine add to the energy), locals lean toward casual chic—think jeans, scarves, and comfortable jackets.
👕 What to Wear in Nancy
Spring (March–May)
Expect mild but unpredictable weather (8–18°C). A trench coat and light sweaters work best.
Summer (June–August)
Warm but rarely scorching (20–28°C). Light dresses, shorts, and breathable shirts are fine, but always pack a cardigan for evenings.
Autumn (September–November)
Chilly mornings, golden leaves, and occasional rain. Think layers: sweaters, boots, and warm jackets.
Winter (December–February)
Cold, often around 0–5°C, with the chance of snow. Pack gloves, hats, and insulated coats. The Christmas markets are magical, but trust me—you won’t enjoy mulled wine if your hands are frozen.
🌦️ Weather and How It Shapes Your Trip
Nancy’s weather surprised me in one way: light matters here. The golden stone buildings in Place Stanislas glow under the sun but feel moody in the rain. Don’t let the grey days discourage you—Nancy has a cozy café culture perfect for rainy afternoons.
🎭 Local Culture and Etiquette
Nancy is not Paris, and that’s the beauty of it. People are warm once you make an effort.
• Greetings Matter: Always say “Bonjour, Madame/Monsieur” when entering a shop.
• Dining Culture: Lunch is sacred. Many restaurants close between 2 pm and 7 pm. I once made the rookie mistake of trying to find a hot meal at 4 pm—ended up with only a croissant.
• Language: Not everyone speaks English fluently, but a few French phrases go a long way.
I noticed Nancy residents take pride in their city’s Art Nouveau heritage—the École de Nancy movement is visible everywhere, from lampposts to glasswork. Don’t just rush past; take a moment to appreciate these details.
💶 Currency Exchange and Budgeting
Nancy uses the euro (€). Unlike Paris, not every shop accepts foreign cards, especially in smaller bakeries or local markets.
My Budget Breakdown (per day, mid-range traveler):
• Accommodation: €80–120 (good 3-star hotel or Airbnb)
• Food: €30–50 (more if you splurge on Michelin-star dining)
• Transport: €5–10 (trams, buses, or occasional taxi)
• Activities: €10–20 (museum entries, occasional tours)
• Extras: €20 (souvenirs, wine, snacks)
I averaged around €150 per day, but budget travelers can get by with €80, while luxury seekers can easily spend €300+.
🚊 Getting Around: Public Transport
Here’s where I made a mistake—I assumed Nancy had a metro. In fact, it has trams, buses, and regional trains, but no subway.
Options
• Tram 1: Runs through the city’s spine. I used it to get from the train station to Parc de la Pépinière.
• Buses: Extensive network, though less English signage.
• On Foot: The best way to see Nancy.
Tickets & Passes
You can buy tickets at machines or via the Stan app (the city’s transport system). A single ride is €1.30, but I highly recommend the 24-hour pass for €3.50.
🎫 How to Get a Transport Card
Nancy offers a rechargeable card called Carte SimpliCité. I bought mine at the main bus station for €2 (one-time fee) and loaded it with 10 rides for €11. Cheaper and more eco-friendly than paper tickets.
🚇 Comparing Transport in France
When I compare Nancy’s transport to other French cities:
• Paris Metro: More complex but faster.
• Lyon: Better-designed tram network.
• Nancy: Smaller, easier, but slower.
Still, for a mid-sized city, Nancy’s public transport is affordable and efficient.
🌭 Street Food in Nancy
This was a delightful surprise—Nancy may not be famous for street food like Lyon, but it has gems.
My Top Picks
- Quiche Lorraine – Found at La Tarte Lorraine (Rue Saint-Georges). €4 a slice. Creamy, hearty, unforgettable.
- Macarons de Nancy – From Maison des Sœurs Macarons. €8 for a small box. A sweet souvenir with a story dating back to the 17th century.
- Boudin Blanc Sausage Sandwiches – Grabbed mine at Marché Central. Rich and filling, perfect after a long walk.
⚠️ Street Food Safety Tips
I learned this while traveling with clients:
• Always check if the stall is busy—high turnover means fresh food.
• Avoid dairy-based street food in summer unless refrigerated.
• Carry hand sanitizer. Simple, but it makes all the difference.
📱 Getting a Local SIM Card
Nancy isn’t overly reliant on Wi-Fi. Cafés often don’t offer free connections, so having data is a must.
Options I Tried
• Orange Holiday SIM: €19.99 for 10GB, available at Relay stores.
• Bouygues Telecom: €15 for 5GB, slightly better coverage in rural Lorraine.
• Free Mobile: €20 plan with 210GB (if you stay longer).
I bought mine at the Orange boutique near Place Charles III. The staff spoke some English and helped set it up.
🗓️ My 5-Day Mini Itinerary for Nancy
Here’s the exact plan I followed:
Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation
• Walk Place Stanislas
• Dinner at Le Foy (duck confit €22)
Day 2 – Art Nouveau & Culture
• École de Nancy Museum (€6)
• Villa Majorelle
• Evening stroll along Parc de la Pépinière
Day 3 – Local Life
• Marché Central (cheese and charcuterie)
• Try quiche and local beer
• Night at L’Excelsior Brasserie
Day 4 – History & Gardens
• Musée des Beaux-Arts (€10)
• Parc Sainte-Marie
• Visit Porte de la Craffe
Day 5 – Day Trip
• Train to Metz (45 minutes, €10 one-way)
• Explore Metz Cathedral and Pompidou Centre
💰 Budget Adjustments
I made the mistake of splurging too much on wine in the first two days. To balance:
• Switched lunch to sandwiches (€5–7) instead of sit-down meals.
• Bought museum combo passes (€12 for two museums).
• Used the 24-hour transport pass for flexibility.
🚗 Recommended Day Trips from Nancy
• Metz: Gothic architecture, modern art.
• Verdun: WWI history.
• Liverdun: Quaint village, famous for madeleines.
• Vosges Mountains: Hiking and nature.
Each is less than 90 minutes by train or car.
🛡️ Travel Insurance
I never travel without insurance anymore. For this trip, I used Allianz Travel Insurance “TravelSmart” Plan.
Coverage Highlights
• Medical emergencies: up to €500,000
• Trip interruption: reimbursed me once when a train strike disrupted plans
• Lost luggage: covered €1,000 (thankfully didn’t need it this time)
Cost: around €45 for a one-week trip. For peace of mind, it’s worth it.
🌟 My Honest Feelings
Nancy turned out to be one of the most underrated cities in France. It doesn’t have Paris’s crowds or Lyon’s reputation, but it has its own quiet magic—golden squares, Art Nouveau treasures, hearty food, and genuinely kind people.
Looking back, I wish I’d known how affordable and manageable Nancy is. With a bit of planning—whether it’s budgeting, buying a transport card, or choosing the right SIM—you can enjoy the city without stress.
The biggest lesson? Don’t just rush through Nancy on your way to Alsace or Luxembourg. Stay at least five days. Let the rhythm of the trams, the warmth of a quiche Lorraine, and the golden glow of Place Stanislas at night sink into your memory.
For me, Nancy wasn’t just another stop—it was a reminder that smaller French cities can deliver experiences as rich, layered, and fulfilling as any capital.
