Nancy

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When people talk about the eastern part of France, territory long disputed with Germany called Alsace and Lorraine, you often hear about Strasburg which is a wonderful city. Christian's sister, however, lives in Nancy so it is here that we spent four lovely days in early June. We did some walking around and wanted to share some of the things we found. King Stanislaw (Stanislas in French) of Poland (1677 – 1766) was also the Duke of Lorraine and had an imposing castle in Nancy. It looks like he favored Versailles in the gilding of decorations here and in the style of the gardens of Luneville Castle where he died. My camera was over-exposing so the details are not as superb as in person, but you will get the idea. Another castle of the Dukes of Lorraine in Nancy is from an earlier period and festooned with fabulous gargoyles. The nearby church has a wonderful gilded angel,

Nancy is also well known for glassworks and the Art-Deco style. The bank Credit-Lyonnais has a wonderful building (circa 1920) that looks very simple on the outside but is decorated with wonderful stained glass on the inside. I especially like that it is still the original bank and functions as such today

While we were visiting the national legislative elections were taking place and there were large posters arranged near polling places. I took a picture of one that amused me. My rough translation goes like this: “Do you want to DIE SOONER? Then vote left or vote right. If not, vote for the limited (no?) growth party.” The hand written note adds: “Do you want more pollution, more noise, more cancer? Then vote for candidates promoting growth (and the list includes all of the main parties from the extreme right to the center).

Hope you enjoy this little peek into the lovely things we saw during our stop in Nancy.

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Photos

Porte Stanislas
There are formal gates in the four directions leading into what is today called La Place Stanislas. this is the one we used to get to the Place.

Gilded Angel
Atop the Porte Stanislas is this lovely angel. I wish I had taken Latin as the sign is intriguing: terror, culture, love? I must be missing something.

Place Stanislas
The large building is the castle used by King Stanislaw (Stanislas in Franch) of Poland. He was also the Duke of Lorraine.

King Stanislas
This statue is in the middle of the Place and cars used to circulate around it. The entire area is now pedestrian only.

King Stanislas Wants YOU
Sorry, but this reminded me of the Uncle Sam posters ...

Fountain in Place Stanislas
The corners of the square are decorated with ornimental fountains

Another Fountain
Very similar, but different.

Luneville Castle
There was a terrible fire here recently but they are restoring it and word is it will be better as they will now redecorate and furnish the interior for the period.

Park at Luneville
Very formal park with odd looking "art" statuary.

Art in the Park
I think this is a stringed instrument with breasts. It reminded me somehow of the mountains in Wyoming that the French explorers named for parts of the femaile body.

LaSalle
I include this statue from Luneville to illustrate how you can tell if a war hero died in battle or in bed. If the horse is rearing the rider died in battle. If the horse has all four feet on the ground the rider died in bed.

The Dukes' Castle
It was hard to get a full picture of this castle of the Dukes of Lorraine as it is nestled in tightly in the old part of town. This is a bit of detail.

Castle Detail
The Castle of the Dukes of Lorraine.

Gargoyles
There were LOTS and each one was different.

Gargoyle Detail
Isn't this a great way to drain water from your roof?

Mystery Church
Since this is NOT the cathederal and I do not remember the name... it is simply close to the castle of the Dukes of Lorraine. It looked quite lovely but I cut off the steeple cross. Do not read something deep into that!

Mystery Church Angel
Were I an expert travel blogger I would be able to tell you all kinds of detail about this lovely angel. But he/she is here because I found it lovely!

Credit Lyonnais
I include this exteriior picture as you would walk right past without noticing the treasure inside.

Stained Glass Skylight
This is as much as I could capture of this lovely glass work inside the (still functioninjg) bank.

Glass Detail
This shows the artist Jacques GRUBER and the year 1920.

Trade Mark
The Trade Mark for Credit Lyonnais is in the center of the sky light.

Political poster
Do you want to DIE SOONER? For some reason this was so over the top it made me laugh.

Radish bouquet
At every turn in France you find lovely surprises.

Bicycle Bouquet
This was in front of a flower shop. Makes a neat sign!!

Comments

[Cristina Staats]

I loved your pictures. Jack and I have been sailing the Great Lakes. Come visit sometime.