Non inultus premor (Latin for "I shall not return unavenged") is the motto for the city of Nancy ("Non-see") which is a reference to the thistle (Lorraine's symbol).
Like most French cities, Nancy has a very rich culture, which is evident from its massive collection in its Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy) as well as the fact that multiple buildings at Place Stanislas (Nancy's central square) have "World Heritage" status. While it is clearly obvious that the sun was blazing strong, there was a slight breeze that kept the city cool.
A number of iconic buildings were under construction, one of which was the Nancy Central Station, which was a real pity, because it is in itself a key attraction. I reckon just a full day of walking around the city would be perfect!
(Written on 2nd July 2014)
Place Stanislas, the main square of Nancy is among one of the few squares in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list (as a single entry with Place de la Carriere and Place d'Alliance). It's surrounded by City Hall (South), the Fine Arts Museum (West) and the Opera Theatre (East). The North side of the square has buildings which are slightly "shorter" than the other sides to allow for "crossfire between Vaudemont and Haussonville bastions".
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Annonciation de Nancy (Nancy Cathedral) houses what has been known as the Great Organ of the Cathedral of Nancy. It is located away from the main square and is in what is considered the New Town instead.
Back at Place Stanislas facing the North side with the Saint-Epvre Basilica in the background. The fact that the square had so much gold/yellow colour meant I just had to take this photo with the effects and all.
Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) in the morning sun. This massive building makes up the entire South side of Place Stanislas and houses the Tourism office in the corner.
Place de la Carrière (2nd of the single entry in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list). The gold and yellow give off a very hot and warm feel but as you can see, it clearly was cold... The huge row of trees lined up along the square seems to lead you towards Palais du Gouvernement, as seen in the background.
Pretty in Pink at the Parc de la Pépinière. Located in the city centre just beside the Palais du Gouvernement, this park is half the size of Pooh bear's home and also houses a small little zoo and a puppet theatre.
Admiring beautiful peacocks in the Parc de la Pépinière zoo...
La Porte de la Craffe, Grand Rue. It's actually a gate built in the 14th century at Vieille Ville. Looks a lot like some part of a Disney or fairy castle though :)
The majestic Neo-Gothic Saint-Epvre Basilica. It's massive size probably gives you the impression that it's one of the oldest churches in Nancy, but it's actually one of the newer ones.
At the back courtyard of the Saint-Epvre Basilica. It was funded by donations from Austria and Poland back during its construction.
Are those hounds or wolves? Whatever they are, they're guardians of this little mansion.
Back at Hôtel de Ville in the late afternoon sun to head to the Musée des Beaux Arts (Fine Arts Museum)
The Musée des Beaux Arts was so good and while it was all in French, the beautiful art works were amazing! Just back out to get some of the sun again.
There's something about Nancy's Hôtel de Ville that makes me so intrigued by it... Maybe it's the gold!
The Baroque-styled Église Saint-Sébastien as the sun sets... I've realized one thing about Nancy... She loves telling the time! There are clocks on almost every single main building...
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