André Maginot Square and its Surroundings

As you reach Place Maginot, you’ll notice a striking building right in front of you. It’s called L’Est Républicain, located next to the Printemps department store, just across from the pharmacy. This architectural gem is closely connected to the former Magasins Réunis building, now home to Fnac and Printemps. Both buildings were designed by the same architect, Pierre Le Bourgeois. The one you’re looking at is named after the famous local newspaper, L’Est Républicain, which had its offices here until 2012. It’s still considered one of Nancy’s most beautiful buildings. The square itself is named after André Maginot, a French politician best known for creating the Maginot Line, a series of fortifications built in the 1930s to defend France. This line stretched across several countries, including France and Belgium. Place André Maginot sits between the train station and Rue Saint-Jean, in the Charles III district, an area that mixes old-world charm with modern architecture. This part of downtown Nancy takes its name from Charles III, Duke of Lorraine and Bar, who played a key role in shaping the city. In the 18th century, he spearheaded several major building projects, including one that made Nancy famous all over France: the creation of Place Stanislas. As you stand in Place Maginot, keep an eye out for more stunning buildings. This area was once the site of new constructions, some of which are masterpieces of Art Nouveau, one of the most distinctive styles in Nancy. So, what do you think?