One of the most beautiful squares in the world
Pedestrianized in 2005, Place Stanislas, in the heart of Nancy, counts among the most beautiful squares in the world. Along with neighbouring Place de la Carrière and Place d'Alliance, it forms a harmonious ensemble, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Stanislas Leszczynski, a former king of Poland who was to become the last Duke of Lorraine, ordered the construction, in the 18th century, of this square, in honour of his son-in-law, King Louis XV of France. The square covers over a hectare and is an architectural gem, mixing neoclassical style in the buildings and Baroque style in the wrought-iron gates decorated with gold leaf, from which the city’s French nickname derive, of ‘the town with the golden gates’.
Map
Map
4 Pont-à-Mousson / Nancy
Along this La Voie Bleue stage, you reach the confluence of the Moselle and Meurthe Rivers, the latter leading you to the gates of the historic ducal town of Nancy. This city is a gem at which to stop, with its three splendid 18th-century squares listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the most famous, Place Stanislas. However, there is another option – at Custines, you can embark on a route bypassing Nancy, taking you via the Boucle de la Moselle, enabling you to discover the AOC des Côtes de Toul vineyards and the little medieval town of Liverdun.
5 Nancy / Charmes
La Voie Bleue’s route leads you out of Nancy along a lovely green corridor close to the Meurthe River and its parallel canal. You rejoin the Moselle via a connecting canal, going past the magnificent Château de Montaigu and its grounds. Back by the Moselle, the route continues to Charmes via an unspoilt, bucolic stretch. Riding merrily along the towpath beside the Canal des Vosges, a highlight along this portion is the canal bridge at Flavigny-sur-Moselle.