Nancy, France

Well, there is not that much to see in Nancy, but they do have some beautiful buildings. My favorite was the Place Stanislas which is a magnificent 18th century square. At each corner of the square there are beautiful wrought iron gates with gold trim and wonderful statues. Even the light posts are ornate with gold trim. My other favorite was the Porte de la Craffe which is the oldest surviving fortification in Nancy, with a castle-like feel.

We also had to visit a store called Maison des Soeurs Macarons which was founded in 1793. During the French Revolution two Carmelite nuns, Sister Marguerite Gaillot and Sister Marie-Elisabeth Morlot, sought asylum in Nancy. To support themselves, they began baking and selling simple almond-based cookies, which became known as “Macarons des Soeurs” or “Nancy Macarons.” This tradition has continued uninterrupted in Nancy since then.