Saint-Nicolas: The Enchanting Heart of Nancy

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• 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?
  [pahr-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, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay vooz-ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-dsahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

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

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl uhr ay-tee-uhl]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-ehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mehn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [seht]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

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

Saint-Nicolas is named after the patron saint of children and sailors, Saint Nicholas. The neighborhood's origins can be traced back to the 12th century, when it was a small settlement outside the walls of Nancy. This area was primarily agricultural, with farms and smallholdings that gradually developed into a vibrant community.

In the 18th century, the Duke of Lorraine, Stanislas Leszczyński, played a pivotal role in the development of Saint-Nicolas. His vision for urban planning transformed the area, incorporating elegant architecture and public squares. This period saw the construction of notable buildings that contributed to the neighborhood’s identity within Nancy.

The 19th century marked an era of industrialization for Saint-Nicolas, as the region experienced economic growth driven by the coal and metallurgy industries. Factories and workshops emerged, attracting workers and leading to significant demographic changes. This industrial expansion contributed to the neighborhood’s development and its integration into the broader fabric of Nancy.

During World War II, Saint-Nicolas, like much of Nancy, faced occupation and hardship. The neighborhood was affected by air raids and military presence, which disrupted everyday life. Post-war reconstruction efforts led to changes in urban planning and the revitalization of the area, with an emphasis on modern housing and community facilities.

Today, Saint-Nicolas is known for its rich cultural life, with festivals and events that celebrate its history. The neighborhood is home to several museums, parks, and cultural institutions that reflect the legacy of its past. Ongoing development projects aim to preserve the historical character while enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Saint-Nicolas is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Nancy. From the city center, you can take tram line 1 towards 'Vandoeuvre CHU' and get off at 'Saint-Nicolas'. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, bus lines 4 and 8 also connect the city center to Saint-Nicolas. If you're traveling from the Nancy train station, tram line 1 is your best option.

Saint-Nicolas is well-served by public transport, including trams and buses. The tram system is efficient, and you can purchase tickets at vending machines located at tram stops. Bicycles are also a popular option, with bike-sharing services available throughout Nancy. Walking is a great way to explore the neighborhood, especially the local parks and residential areas.

Saint-Nicolas is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, it's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas. As with any urban area, avoid poorly lit streets at night. Areas with higher crime rates are typically outside the main tourist paths, but it’s best to remain vigilant, particularly near the bus and tram stations.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Local hospitals, such as CHU Nancy, are equipped to handle medical emergencies. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers health issues. For minor ailments, pharmacies are available, and many have English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches; women should cover their shoulders. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly or disabled. Don’t eat or drink on trams or buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like quiche lorraine and don't assume that tipping is mandatory—rounding up the bill is appreciated.

To experience Saint-Nicolas like a local, visit the local markets, particularly the Marché de Saint-Nicolas, held weekly. Engage with locals at cafés and bakeries, where you can enjoy a 'pâtisserie' and soak in the neighborhood atmosphere. For a unique experience, take a stroll through Parc de la Pépinière, which is not far from the neighborhood, and enjoy its gardens and sculptures.