Nancy: The Jewel of Art Nouveau and Elegant Squares

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [see voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ex-kew-zay mwah]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, see voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [san-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, see voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh se-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zan]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhoost]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel ur ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tew-nur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ur ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uh]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh pro-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Nancy was founded in the 11th century as a small fortified town by Gérard d'Alsace, Duke of Lorraine. The strategic location of the city helped it to develop quickly as a significant military and political center in the region.

The Battle of Nancy, fought on January 5, 1477, was a pivotal moment in the history of the city. Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, was killed in this battle, ending his ambitions to create a powerful state between France and the Holy Roman Empire. This event significantly influenced the balance of power in the region.

Under the rule of Duke Charles III in the 16th century, Nancy underwent significant urban and cultural transformation. The city saw the construction of the Ville-Neuve (New Town) and many Renaissance-style buildings, which contributed to its architectural heritage.

Stanislas Leszczyński, the former King of Poland, became Duke of Lorraine in the 18th century. His reign marked a golden era for Nancy, with the creation of the iconic Place Stanislas, Place de la Carrière, and Place d'Alliance. These squares, which are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are prime examples of Enlightenment urban planning and architecture.

Following the death of Stanislas Leszczyński in 1766, the Duchy of Lorraine was annexed to France. This event marked the integration of Nancy into the French kingdom, leading to significant administrative and cultural changes in the city.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Nancy became a hub for the Art Nouveau movement, spearheaded by the École de Nancy. Artists and architects like Émile Gallé, Louis Majorelle, and Victor Prouvé contributed to the city's unique aesthetic with their innovative designs in glasswork, furniture, and architecture.

Nancy was occupied by German forces during World War II from 1940 until its liberation by the U.S. Third Army in September 1944. The city suffered significant damage during the war, but it was subsequently rebuilt and restored in the post-war period.

Today, Nancy is a vibrant city that balances its rich historical heritage with modernity. It is known for its prestigious universities, cultural institutions, and ongoing contributions to the arts and sciences. The city's historic sites continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Nancy is located in the northeastern part of France. The nearest international airport is Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport, approximately 45 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to Nancy. Alternatively, you can fly into Luxembourg or Paris and take a high-speed train (TGV) to Nancy. The journey from Paris to Nancy by train takes about 1.5 hours. Nancy is also well-connected by train to other major cities in France and neighboring countries.

Nancy has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trams operated by the STAN network. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or directly from the driver. Biking is also a popular way to get around, with several bike rental stations available throughout the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available as well. For those who prefer driving, car rentals are available, but be aware that parking in the city center can be challenging.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city. Make sure to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Nancy is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. Be cautious in the neighborhoods around the train station and Place Stanislas, as petty theft and pickpocketing can occur. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your personal items.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services, including police, fire brigade, and medical services. The main hospital in Nancy is the Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU) de Nancy, which provides comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably. Avoid overly casual clothing like flip-flops or shorts when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. Dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding a tram or bus. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Bonjour' (Good day) and a smile. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and wines. Don't rush through your meal; dining is a leisurely activity in France.

To experience Nancy like a local, take a leisurely stroll through Parc de la Pépinière, a beautiful park where locals gather for picnics and relaxation. Visit the local markets, such as the Marché Central, to buy fresh produce and regional specialties. Engage in conversation with locals who are often friendly and willing to share recommendations. Don't miss the Art Nouveau architecture, particularly the Villa Majorelle and Musée de l'École de Nancy. For a unique experience, attend a performance at the Opéra National de Lorraine.