The Génin-Louis Building

In case you’re not familiar with Art Nouveau, a style known for its flowing curves and nature-inspired motifs, keep your eyes peeled for the stunning blue building on your left. Built in the 20th century by Henri Gutton, an architect from Nancy, this building was once a seed shop for many years. Its extraordinary function was matched by its extraordinary design – it’s the only building in Nancy to feature an exposed metal structure made of steel in the Art Nouveau style. The intricate plant decorations, including poppies and wisteria, along with four stained-glass windows by Jacques Gruber, a renowned local master glassmaker, add a natural touch to the building. After a devastating fire in February 1902, the building lost some of its charm, and by 1973, there were even talks of demolishing it. Thankfully, this fate was averted when the Génin-Louis building underwent an intensive restoration in 1975, followed by its classification as a historical monument the next year. Originally a seed shop for 70 years, then serving as a brewery and later a bank, the building is now a residential complex.