Art Nouveau, a Roman aqueduct, and a medieval cathedral: Nancy and Metz, France

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We thoroughly enjoyed our tour through the northern border of France towards Belguim. The cities of Nancy and Metz make up a very interesting and diverse ensemble for the tourist. Nancy is home to Art Nouveau, and in the 60 km drive to Metz we found a 12th century church with WW 1 bombs suspended on its walls as a reminder of a close encounter, and drove under a Roman aqueduct. We also picnicked beside the Moselle River in true 'Miniscule' country.

Nancy, the home of Art Nouveau, is a city designed by the Polish king in exile, Stanislaw, who was father-in-law of King Louis XV. He was apparently a popular ruler and the city benefitted from his planning. Place Stanislas is impressive, with its ensemble of 18th century public buildings designed for royal parades and public celebrations.

We enjoyed the Art Nouveau museum, which is in a house designed by Eugéne Corbin, that was completely decorated in Art Nouveau style. Even the windows, doorways and stairs as well as ceilings and furnishings are Nouveau style, as is the garden layout and monuments and furniture. The museum chronicles the development of the École de Nancy, pioneers of the Art Nouveau style. There are lovely vases and ceramics, wooden furniture, stained glass and paintings on display, by Émile Gallé, Eugéne Vallin and Louis Marjorelle.

Many buildings in Nancy and neighbouring villages and the nearby city of Metz, have been influenced by the Art Nouveau style.

Metz cathedral is beautiful, mellow sandstone, surrounded by a maze of medieval streets, now a smart shopping precinct. There are Romano-Gallo, Merovingian as well as medieval buildings to explore in Metz. And it is only a short drive to Luxembourg.

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Photos

Art Nouveau tea table
Part of the 'Salle à manger Masson' by Vallin

Art Nouveau drawing room
Louis Marjorelle's piano, 'La Mortt du Cygne'

Art Nouveau garden
Le musée de l'École de Nancy garden monument in grounds of villa owned by Eugéne Corbin

Art Nouveau ceiling
This cafe was entirely in the Nouveau style. And the breakfast coffee was wonderful.

Nouveau coat rack
In the vestibule of the ladies' loo

We drove under the aqueduct.
The aqueduct dominates the town.