The medieval town of Nancy, famous for its triumphal arch built to honor Louis XV, hosts its celebrated market in the historic Place Maginot. A wide range of local specialties are on offer, from delicious fresh bread to spicy charcuterie and, for those with a sweet tooth, Bergamotte bonbons, Macarons and Mirabelle liqueur. Enjoyable Christmas activities include carol singing, folk dancing and lively street entertainment. Several little chalets (stalls) sell hand-crafted toys and an array of other presents.

About the Market

The pretty medieval town of Nancy hosts its annual celebrated Christmas Market in the historic Place Maginot.  For nearly a whole month, from Saint Nicholas Day on the 6th of December until the 24th of December, many stalls offer a wide range of local specialities from delicious fresh bread to spicy charcuterie and, for those with a sweet tooth, Bergamotte bonbons, Macarons and Mirabelle liqueur. Folk dancing, carol singing and street entertainment will mingle with chalets offering hand crafted toys and a wealth of other presents.

Between 3 and 4 December Saint Nicholas arrives in the Place Stanislas. This popular tradition starts at 6pm on Saturday and finishes 3.30pm on Sunday. Saint Nicholas arrives in style with a parade of themed floats from the surrounding villages as well as marching bands from Lorraine and neighbouring Germany and culminates in an explosion of fireworks. The Mayor then presents him with keys to the city of Nancy. Saint Nicholas is accompanied by Pére Fouettard, or "Whipping Father". Whilst Saint Nicholas hands out delicacies such as ginger bread figures, Pére Fouettard is always ready to beat those boys and girls who have not been good enough during the year!

More About Nancy

The medieval town of Nancy is approximately 3 hours by train from Paris and is famous for its triumphal arch built to honour Louis XV. Nancy combines beautiful classical 18th century architecture, the narrow streets of the medieval city and the modern university city with a buzzing nightlife. Discover our guide to Nancy.

Accommodation

Accommodation in central Nancy gets booked fast during the Christmas market period, so search for a hotel in Nancy now. Alternatively you may want to try charming rural self catering accommodation near Nancy, as during the winter months many holiday property owners allow short stays.

Transport quick facts about the market:

Free Parking: No
Pay Parking: Yes
Coach Parking: No
Nearest Bus Route:
Nearest Railway Station: 3, Place Thiers, Tel.: 0836 353 535 (daily from 7am to 10pm)
Nearest Tram Stop: Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy to Essey-les-Nancy
Nearest Tube Station: No
Nearest Airport: Metz-Nancy Lorraine Regional Airport, 57420 (no flights to UK)
Nearest Ferry Port: Calais - 515.8km, 4 hour 40 minutes by car to Nancy (see our route planner for driving directions). Nancy also has a marina - Port de Nancy Saint-Georges

Getting there

Suggested Travel Routes

Choosing to travel by train to France is a simple option. It’s fast and cost effective and also allows you to enjoy the beautiful French countryside. With a great rail network in place, it has never been easier to get to France by train. Book Eurostar and TGV tickets

As a foot passenger from the UK to Nancy:

By Train: you can take Eurostar direct from St Pancras International in London to Paris Nord, then go to Paris East and take the TGV to Nancy, in under 4 hours. Trains run regularly departing London from 6.30 am and the last return journey 18.15 pm from Nancy, Monday to Sunday. Connections can also be picked up from Ashford or Ebbsfleet. Book Eurostar and TGV tickets

By Plane: it is worth checking online to find out which airlines are offering the best deals at the time, but as an example, you can fly direct to Paris from either Gatwick, Heathrow or London City with Airfrance the take the TGV EST to Nancy which will take 140 mins. Or get a connecting flight from Paris to Strasbourg and take the TGV to Nancy, this takes 75 minutes. Book cheap flights to France

Taking your car from the UK to Nancy:

By Train: take your car on Eurotunnel from Ashford near Folkestone, Kent direct to Calais in France. Journey time is about 35 minutes and the cost varies but is around £55 day trip return for a car and 5 passengers. Calais - 515.8km, 4 hour 40 minutes by car to Nancy. Book Eurostar and TGV tickets.

By Boat: It is usually cheaper to take a car over to France by boat, because the journey takes longer. Operators such as Seafrance and P&O offer regular ferry trips across the channel, with prices ranging from around £30 for a return day trip. Book a ferry to France.

The drive from Calais to Nancy is 515.8km, 4 hour 40 minutes.