The Parc de la Pépinière, or Park Nursery, is the city’s main green area, home to many ornate features, such as a Baroque bandstand and a waffle stand amid rows of trees and open lawns. Its rides and shows create a children’s paradise. Read a book in the shade of a tree and watch people passing by.
This large park, covering about 57 acres (23 hectares) of Nancy’s center, is known as the lungs of the city for its fresh air. The lovely green space is popular among students, joggers and children. See events and shows, such as music concerts, that occur frequently in the park. Admire the bright reds of the rose gardens.
Capture photos of the ducks beside the ponds and look for peacocks displaying their colorful tails. See the animals at the mini-zoo, which holds rabbits, monkeys and more. The park also hosts sculptures by famous French artist Auguste Rodin.
Take the kids on the children’s rides, where they can sit in a car that goes in circles. In addition to the several rides for kids, enjoy the puppet show area. Stop at one of the stalls to purchase refreshments and snacks. Relax with your food in the scenic surroundings or start a picnic on the lawn.
The park’s name is French for nursery. Locals affectionately know it as “La Pap.” Former King Stanislas of Poland reigned over this region in the 1700s and created the park to link the new town to the old town. Enjoy free access to the park daily from morning until late evening year-round.
Parc de la Pépinière is near Place Stanislas in the center of Nancy. Meander through the golden arches of the Amphitrite Fountain to get to the park. From the Gare de Nancy Railway Station, walk 1.2 miles (1.8 kilometers) northeast. The Musée Lorrain, the St. Epvre Basilica and the Muséum Aquarium de Nancy are among the attractions that surround the park.
