Church of Saint-François-des-Cordeliers

Counted among the few religious monuments in the Old Town, the Church of Saint-François-des-Cordeliers owes its existence to one man. During the 1477 siege of Nancy, Duke René II of Lorraine achieved a remarkable victory over the Duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold. To give thanks for this triumph, he decided to build this church near the new palace in 1487. Simple yet impressive, the church measures 73 meters in length and is home to the tombs of several Dukes of Lorraine, including that of its founder. The latter is easy to spot, as its vibrant colors and ornate decorations make it a true sight to behold. As you leave or enter, don’t miss the wooden model of the city of Nancy, which provides a detailed miniature view of the ducal city as it appeared in 1611. Beyond its religious significance, the church has also served a cultural role since 1937, when it became part of the Lorraine Museum, located right next door. Plus, here’s a nice bonus: visiting the Church of Saint-François-des-Cordeliers is completely free!