Place Stanislas in Nancy and Its Secrets
Architectural gem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Place Stanislas is much more than a majestic square. With its gilded gates, monumental fountains and classical elegance, it is one of the must-see sights during your stay at our guest house near Nancy!
Behind the iconic setting of Place Stanislas also lie some lesser-known stories…
From Le Clos Jeannon, located less than 20 minutes from Nancy, discover the 10 secrets of Place Stanislas!
Today, it is hard to imagine the square without the statue of Stanislas, yet it was originally dedicated to Louis XV.
His statue once stood at the centre of the square before being destroyed during the French Revolution. It was not until 1831 that the square took its current name and welcomed the statue we know today.
One of the fountains hides a more intimate touch. The goddess Amphitrite is said to have been sculpted with the features of the Marquise de Boufflers, Stanislas’s favourite.
A gallant tribute that gives the square a more romantic dimension.
According to a local legend, Place Stanislas was built on former marshland inhabited by dragons.
Driven away during the construction work, they are said to have returned to watch over the square from the fountains, where they can still be seen today.
Many visitors wonder about the gesture made by the statue. His index finger points towards the Arc Héré and the portrait of Louis XV, symbolically recalling Lorraine’s incorporation into France.
Look up: 161 mascarons decorate the façades surrounding the square.
Enigmatic faces, expressive figures and sculpted details offer a fascinating game of observation for attentive visitors.
In 1908, an air balloon named Le Condor crashed onto the roof of the Grand Hôtel de la Reine, before the eyes of the crowd gathered on Place Stanislas.
A spectacular scene that has remained part of Nancy’s local history!
Few visitors notice the two meridian lines installed on the square. They were once used to indicate solar noon and to set watches and clocks. A discreet yet fascinating detail.
It is hard to believe today, but the square was open to cars for many years. Fully pedestrianised during its renovation in 2005, it has since regained all of its splendour and harmony.
Beneath a paving stone marked with a small star, at the foot of the statue, lies a time capsule buried in 2005.
It contains, among other things, a lunar meteorite and mementos left by local residents.
A heritage landmark, the square is also a vast living stage. Concerts, sound and light shows, major events… it regularly hosts spectacular celebrations.
One memorable example is the Kavinsky concert, which transformed the square into a giant dance floor.
Before uncovering the secrets of Place Stanislas, recharge your batteries by enjoying the gourmet cuisine at our restaurant!
Behind the iconic setting of Place Stanislas also lie some lesser-known stories…
From Le Clos Jeannon, located less than 20 minutes from Nancy, discover the 10 secrets of Place Stanislas!
1. A royal square before becoming Place Stanislas
Today, it is hard to imagine the square without the statue of Stanislas, yet it was originally dedicated to Louis XV.
His statue once stood at the centre of the square before being destroyed during the French Revolution. It was not until 1831 that the square took its current name and welcomed the statue we know today.
2. A discreet tribute to the Marquise de Boufflers
One of the fountains hides a more intimate touch. The goddess Amphitrite is said to have been sculpted with the features of the Marquise de Boufflers, Stanislas’s favourite.
A gallant tribute that gives the square a more romantic dimension.
3. The dragons still watch over the square
According to a local legend, Place Stanislas was built on former marshland inhabited by dragons.
Driven away during the construction work, they are said to have returned to watch over the square from the fountains, where they can still be seen today.
4. What is Stanislas pointing at?
Many visitors wonder about the gesture made by the statue. His index finger points towards the Arc Héré and the portrait of Louis XV, symbolically recalling Lorraine’s incorporation into France.
5. The mysterious mascarons
Look up: 161 mascarons decorate the façades surrounding the square.
Enigmatic faces, expressive figures and sculpted details offer a fascinating game of observation for attentive visitors.
6. The incredible Le Condor balloon accident
In 1908, an air balloon named Le Condor crashed onto the roof of the Grand Hôtel de la Reine, before the eyes of the crowd gathered on Place Stanislas.
A spectacular scene that has remained part of Nancy’s local history!
7. The square’s hidden sundials
Few visitors notice the two meridian lines installed on the square. They were once used to indicate solar noon and to set watches and clocks. A discreet yet fascinating detail.
8. When Place Stanislas was… a car park
It is hard to believe today, but the square was open to cars for many years. Fully pedestrianised during its renovation in 2005, it has since regained all of its splendour and harmony.
9. A time capsule beneath the paving stones
Beneath a paving stone marked with a small star, at the foot of the statue, lies a time capsule buried in 2005.
It contains, among other things, a lunar meteorite and mementos left by local residents.
10. A square made for celebrations
A heritage landmark, the square is also a vast living stage. Concerts, sound and light shows, major events… it regularly hosts spectacular celebrations.
One memorable example is the Kavinsky concert, which transformed the square into a giant dance floor.
Before uncovering the secrets of Place Stanislas, recharge your batteries by enjoying the gourmet cuisine at our restaurant!
