PLACE STANISLAS

Recently elected as the French people's favorite monument (2021), Place Stanislas is ranked among the most beautiful squares in the world. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and vibrates throughout the seasons with numerous cultural events, such as concerts, ecological events with the ephemeral and thematic garden each year, or its huge 150-meter high Christmas tree, illuminating the square year after year during the end-of-year celebrations. Built between 1751 and 1755 under the direction of the architect Emmanuel Héré, at the request of Stanislas Leszczynski, former King of Poland, then Duke of Lorraine, it was intended to glorify and honor the King of France, Louis XV, father-in-law of Stanislas since he married his daughter, Marie Leszczynski. The square is surrounded by beautiful golden gates designed by Jean Lamour and fountains with cherubs. At the time of its construction, one could admire the statue of Louis XV placed in the center of the square. This was replaced in 1831 by the statue of Stanislas, considered the benefactor of the city of Nancy. He resolutely built a square worthy of the Age of Enlightenment and furiously reminiscent of the layout of the Palace of Versailles with its many fountains surrounding the square, but also inspired by the layout of the Palace of Lunéville, Stanislas' residence. On one side, one can admire the old castle, which today houses the town hall, mirroring the Governor's Palace, which can be seen through the Héré arch bordering the Place de la Carrière, which hosts the annual Livre sur la Place.

All around the Place Stanislas, magnificent buildings with typical 18th century architecture now house the Museum of Fine Arts, the Lorraine Opera House and the well-known Hôtel de la Reine. By building the square, Stanislas not only reunited the old city with the new one, but he also succeeded in bringing his people together, thanks also to the Pépinière park adjacent to the square. The park has remained the cradle of many cultural, dance and family events, and is also a meeting place for walkers in search of greenery. The Place Stanislas, familiarly called "Place Stan" by the locals, remains to this day an essential world heritage site to visit and is the pride of the city with its golden gates.

Numerous restaurants and cafes grace the square. The ever-increasing number of visitors can also visit the tourist office on the square.