France's best-kept secret: the capital of Art Nouveau and the fourth largest city in historical monuments.

It's hard to deny France the title of "most visited country in the world," with Paris always leading the way , of course. But there's also an interesting destination, between the French capital and Strasbourg , that's little known to travelers from Spain and yet is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Known for its Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, an architectural itinerary in Nancy will allow us to discover fascinating buildings and enjoy its revived thermal baths dating back to 1911.

Nancy, a city that can boast of squares

We begin our exploration of this city in Lorraine, France, with its main cobbled square, Place Stanislas, one of the most impressive in Europe. Surrounded by fountains, gilded gates, and 18th-century palaces , it was built in 1752 and connects the old and new towns. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but not only that, as two adjacent squares also boast this recognition: Place d'Alliance and Place de la Carrière , which is accessed through the wonderful Arch Here, a building notable for its original decoration.

By the way, for art lovers, there is a must-see right on Place Stanislas: the Museum of Fine Arts, where interesting European works are exhibited, from the late 14th century to the present day.

A visit to the medieval town

From what we've seen so far, you'll have discovered why Nancy boasts of being one of the most attractive and interesting cities in all of France. We continue our route to the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town , flanked by impressive medieval architecture, which have stood the test of time. One of the main symbols of this historic area is the Porte de la Craffe , a medieval fortification built in the 14th century in the Gothic style and with two tall towers that were once used as prisons. It is the only remaining gate of the old medieval walls.

The Basilica of Saint-Epvre

In the Old Town (Vieille Ville) is the tallest religious building in Nancy , with its 87 meters of height. The Basilica of Saint-Epvre was built in the second half of the 19th century, in the neo-Gothic style, on the site of the original 15th-century church, which was demolished in 1863. It is located in the Place de Saint-Epvre, a shopping and café area that is one of the liveliest places in the city. After a relaxing moment on one of these terraces, head to the Grande Rue , the main street in the Old Town and full of atmosphere and small shops.

The Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine

Don't miss this visit! A former aristocratic residence, it was built in the 16th century and its elegant exterior is breathtaking. Since 1848, this splendid palace has been used as the Lorraine Museum, dedicated to the history of the region. It stands out for its fascinating blend of Gothic exuberance and Renaissance elegance.

The Art Nouveau route in Nancy

Few cities can boast such a beautiful Art Nouveau heritage as Nancy, and the best way to discover it is by exploring the streets, as the finest works are scattered throughout the city center. You'll discover more than 50 buildings of this architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including magnificent villas, bank buildings, pharmacies, and even brasseries.

But there are two we recommend you don't miss: the Villa Majorelle , built in 1901, was the first complete Art Nouveau building in Nancy. The other is the Nancy Thermal Complex , an early 20th-century spa that was shut down during World War I. Today, you can enjoy its healing waters crowned by an impressive Art Deco dome.