What to do in Lorraine: Top 15 must-sees to visit2026 ranking

In Nancy, Place Stanislas serves as the bridge between the historic old town and the newer districts. Commissioned by Duke Stanislas Leszczynski, father-in-law to Louis XV, this grand pedestrian square redefined the city layout. Every surrounding structure was designed by architect Emmanuel Héré. It is a vital stop for any traveler in France.

The Museum of the School of Nancy, housed in the former estate of patron Eugène Corbin, celebrates the Art Nouveau movement of Nancy. Explore authentic interiors filled with furniture, glassware, and ceramics by Gallé, Majorelle, Daum, and Gruber. The visit concludes in a historic garden featuring rare Art Nouveau structures, including a unique aquarium pavilion.

Spanning 21 hectares right next to Place Stanislas, Parc de la Pépinière serves as the green heart of Nancy. Founded by Stanislas as a royal plant nursery, this leafy retreat features shaded paths, a rose garden, an animal enclosure, and sports facilities. It blends history, culture, and nature, complete with notable statues including a work by Rodin.

The Museum of the Cour d'Or in Metz offers a deep dive into local history. Explore impressive Gallo-Roman ruins, including ancient thermal baths and mosaics, alongside a medieval collection of religious sculptures and capitals. The art galleries showcase works from the Middle Ages through the 19th century in a unique, modernized setting.

Known for its bold architecture by Shigeru Ban, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is a premier contemporary art destination in Metz. It hosts temporary exhibits from the Paris collections, featuring painting, sculpture, and immersive installations. With workshops, lectures, and a restaurant with a view, it is a perfect spot for modern art near the Metz train station.

Place de la Comédie in Metz sits along the Moselle river, offering a mix of history and local charm. It features an 18th-century municipal theater, one of the oldest still operating in France. Perfect for walking along the quays or the Petit-Saulcy island, the square hosts frequent cultural events. It balances heritage, nature, and entertainment.

As the largest natural body of water in the Vosges mountains, Lake Gérardmer is a hub of activity. You can swim, rent electric boats, or hike the accessible 6 km trail around the shoreline. It is a top choice for families looking to recharge, offering a peaceful setting throughout the changing seasons in France.

For a refreshing escape in Hattigny, France, visit the Aqua Mundo at Domaine Les Trois Forêts. This massive indoor water park features pools, lazy rivers, water jets, a water tree, hot tubs, and slides. Under a soaring glass roof, lush vegetation creates an immersive environment that feels like a tropical rainforest.

Known as the Good Lady in Yellow for its golden Jaumont stone, Metz Cathedral stuns with 42-meter-high vaulted ceilings. It holds one of the largest glass surface areas globally, blending medieval masterpieces with luminous creations by Marc Chagall. It is a rare architectural dialogue between Gothic history and modern art.

The home of FC Metz offers a raw look at local sports passion. Located along the Moselle River, the Saint-Symphorien Municipal Stadium prioritizes proximity to the pitch over luxury. With a capacity of 26,700 seats, the venue delivers a compact, loud atmosphere perfect for experiencing soccer without the frills.

Housed right on the famous Place Stanislas, this museum showcases seven centuries of European painting in a remarkable setting. Don't miss the underground levels, where modern architecture highlights a unique collection of Daum glassware. Between classic masterpieces and Art nouveau creations, this path offers a striking immersion into local art history.

Overlooking the famous Place Stanislas, this classical masterpiece by architect Emmanuel Héré captivates with its blonde stone that glows in the sunlight. While you can admire the facade anytime, the entrance hall reveals the spectacular wrought iron staircase by Jean Lamour. It is a vital stop to experience the 18th-century refinement of Nancy City Hall.

This expansive light stone square creates a grand stage between the City Hall and the cathedral in Metz. Its 18th-century classical architecture, highlighted by Jaumont stone, provides a sharp contrast to the nearby Gothic spires. It is a perfect spot for watching the golden evening light from a sidewalk cafe terrace.

Located in the heart of Nancy, the Nancy Aquarium Museum blends science and biodiversity inside a classic Art Deco building. Its tanks house a variety of freshwater and saltwater species, paired with accessible educational displays. Beyond the tanks, the museum features natural history exhibits, including fossils, rare specimens, and interactive stations for curious visitors.

Place de la Carrière in Nancy is a UNESCO-listed 18th-century masterpiece of classical architecture. Commissioned by Stanislas Leszczynski, it connects the old and new towns with elegant views of the Arc Héré and the Palais du Gouvernement (Government Palace). Once a site for jousting, this lime-tree-lined square now hosts cultural events.