La Maison des Deux Sirènes

At the corner of the building, how many times have you walked past these two statuettes, seemingly embracing each other, without giving them a second thought? Probably more than you’d like to admit. Yet, you’re likely unaware that these stone figures, more tritons than sirens if we go by their bearded faces, are actually one of the last remaining traces of the former “Hotel of the Two Sirens,” built here at the end of the 16th century. The door at number 5 Rue Saint-Michel, adorned with an Indian head, is another clue. In Nancy, it’s said that this old hotel once served as a hideaway for an honorable couple on the run, during a night filled with twists and turns. The couple in question? Duke Nicolas-François and Duchess Claude of Lorraine. To set the scene, it’s 1634, and the people of Lorraine are still reeling from Duke Charles IV’s abdication in favor of his brother Nicolas-François, who was then Cardinal of Lorraine and Bishop of Toul. But Nicolas-François didn’t care about public opinion. He renounced his ecclesiastical duties and married his cousin, Claude, who was the direct heir to the ducal crown. While the newlyweds were under surveillance at the palace, they managed to escape and took refuge in the “Hotel of the Two Sirens” using a series of clever tricks. Nicolas-François and Claude took turns disguising themselves as servants to slip past the guards unnoticed. Once outside the palace, they changed their disguises again to avoid being recognized in the busy streets of Nancy on this April 1st, market day. Dressed as peasants, the two fugitives made their way to the hotel. But for their safety, they didn’t stay long, choosing instead to set off toward Florence. It wasn’t until much later in the morning that anyone noticed they were missing. What a strange story!