The ball finds its mark at Place Stanislas in Nancy. This full round of 18 holes follows the real streets of the city, using actual attractions as the layout for the course. A total walk of 11.1 km connects the landmarks, while 14 portals provide shortcuts across the map for the ball. Skip knows every corner of this place, from the high ledges to the best spots to find a stray crumb.
Let me show you Place Stanislas, a square in Nancy that blends Neoclassical and Rococo architectural styles. Emmanuel Héré de Corny served as the architect for this space, which is now a classified historical monument. It was built between 1752 and 1756 on the orders of Stanislaus I. You can pick out the grandeur of the design that helped the square, the Place de la Carrière, and the Place d'Alliance earn a spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. I find the open space quite refreshing for a stroll.
You will first notice the imposing presence of Porte Sainte-Catherine, a city gate that marks a point of entry into Nancy. This structure was designed by the architect Richard Mique and is officially recognized as a classified historical monument. It is a significant piece of the city's architecture for any visitor to observe, providing a sense of the city's old boundaries. I've found that the scale of these old gates always makes the street feel a bit more dramatic when you are walking beneath them, though they are even more impressive from a distance.
Look closely at the heavy stone and the weathered structure of Porte Saint-Georges. This city gate is one of the remaining entrances to the old center of Nancy. Because of its architectural and historical value, it is officially recognized as a classified historical monument. I usually find the ledge here a great spot to watch the traffic flow by while I wait for a stray crumb to fall from a tourist's sandwich. It is a sturdy piece of the city's past that still stands firm today.
Let me show you Porte Saint-Nicolas, a city gate designed in the Renaissance style. It is a significant piece of the city's architecture that has been officially recognized as a classified historical monument. As you look at the facade, you can pick out the specific stylistic details that define the era. I've always found the scale of these old entrances impressive compared to the modern streets that now surround them, though the gate remains a sturdy presence in the urban layout. It is a great spot to pause and appreciate how the city has grown around its historic boundaries.
Let me show you Le Souvenir. This sculpture is located here in Nancy and had its inception in 1899. It is a notable point of interest for anyone walking through the city, whether you are here for the art or just passing through. I often find that the area around it is a great spot for people-watching while you take in the surroundings. It is a simple pleasure to see how the piece sits within the urban environment of the city.
Let me show you Croix de Bourgogne. This location is a square within the city. It is a useful landmark for anyone exploring the area on foot or following the course of the ball.
Built by architect Henri Sauvage in 1901-1902, the Villa Majorelle is a villa that stands as an example of the Art Nouveau architectural style in France. It is located at 1 rue Louis-Majorelle in Nancy. The building served as the home and studio for the furniture designer Louis Majorelle. Today, the city of Nancy owns the property, which is a classified historical monument and part of the Maisons des Illustres. I've always found the curves of this place quite interesting to look at from the air.
Located in the heart of the city, the Musée de l'École de Nancy is an art museum. It was founded in 1964 and is a monument historique inscrit. You can pick out the Art Nouveau architecture of the building itself. The museum is devoted to the École de Nancy, which was an Art Nouveau movement founded in 1901 by Émile Gallé, Victor Prouvé, Louis Majorelle, Antonin Daum and Eugène Vallin. It is a popular spot that sees 52,000 annual visitors. I always think the curves of this style make for a great bank shot.
Let me show you the Tour de la Commanderie Saint-Jean-du-Vieil-Aître. This structure is a tower and is officially designated as a monument historique inscrit. When you visit, you can pick out the specific architectural details that earned it this protected status. It is a piece of the city's history that remains visible today, providing a glimpse into the past for anyone walking through the area. I always enjoy seeing how the stone has weathered over time while the tower continues to stand firm against the modern skyline of Nancy.
You might think you are looking at a defensive fortress, but this is actually Porte Stanislas, a city gate. It is a classified historical monument built in the Doric order style. I can show you where the work began in 1761 under the direction of the architect Richard Mique. It is a great spot to pause and look at the masonry before you keep moving. I usually find that the scale of the gate is what surprises people the most when they first walk up to it.
You will first notice the curated galleries of Musée Lorrain, an art museum that has been part of the city since it was founded in 1848. It is a significant cultural stop for anyone visiting Nancy, offering a look at the region's creative heritage through its various exhibitions. The museum remains popular with the public, seeing 57,650 annual visitors. I find the atmosphere here quite peaceful for a stroll through the exhibits, and it is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon away from the busier streets of the city center.
Porte Désilles is a triumphal arch located in Nancy. It is a memorial gate that holds a special place in national history, as it is considered to be the oldest war memorial in France. The structure was designed by the architect Didier-Joseph-François Mélin and is now a classified historical monument. When you look up at the stonework, you can feel the weight of the history it preserves. I always find it interesting how these old gates still frame the city's edges so perfectly, marking the transition between the old world and the new.
The Musée Archéologique is an archaeological museum that focuses on the region's early history. It also operates as a university museum, linking professional research with public exhibits. You can pick out various artifacts that show how the area evolved over centuries. I've noticed it is a great spot for those who prefer a quieter pace than the main tourist plazas. Whether you are a student of history or just passing through, this space offers a window into the layers of the past that lie beneath the modern streets you are currently navigating.
Let me show you Maison de Jean Prouvé, a house built in the International Style. This building was started in 1954 and was designed by the architect Jean Prouvé. It is a classified historical monument that visitors can admire today. I usually find that the clean lines of this style make it stand out from the other buildings nearby. When you look at the structure, you can see how the International Style focuses on function and simplicity. It is a great spot to stop and appreciate how residential architecture evolved during the middle of the twentieth century.
Look at the exterior lines of this theatre building before you move on. This is the Théâtre de la Manufacture, a notable spot for the arts in Nancy. It had its inception in 1985. I have always found the atmosphere around this area quite inviting for a slow stroll. Whether you are here for a show or just passing through on your way to another part of town, it is a landmark that defines the local culture. Take a moment to appreciate the scale of the place as you navigate the streets.
Let me show you Porte de la Craffe, a city gate built in the Gothic architecture style. It is a classified historical monument that stands as a remnant of the city's old defenses. You can pick out the distinct pointed arches and ornate stonework typical of the Gothic period, which give the structure its characteristic look. I always find the scale of these old gates impressive compared to the modern streets around them, as they remind us of how the city was once enclosed and protected. It is a great spot to stop and admire the craftsmanship of the stone.
Look at the wide open space before you. This is Place de la Carrière, a square that opens up the heart of the city. It is a classified historical monument, making it a key point of interest for anyone visiting Nancy. I like how the layout gives you plenty of room to stretch your wings, and it is a great spot to simply stand and take in the surrounding architecture. Whether you are here for the golf or just for a stroll, the scale of this square is something you should notice while you are in the neighborhood.
The Métropole du Grand Nancy and the University of Lorraine manage this site, which is both a public aquarium and a natural history museum. It is a heritage establishment of scientific and technical culture that attracts 95,280 annual visitors every year. You can spend your time exploring the exhibits or admiring the building itself, which is a classified historical monument. I've seen plenty of tourists stop here to take a break from the city bustle, and it is a great spot to get your bearings before heading back out into the streets.
The facade of this Catholic cathedral reaches a height of 78 meters. Built in the baroque architecture style, the inception of the building was in 1703. Located in Nancy, Lorraine, France, the site is a classified historical monument and serves as the seat of the Bishop of Nancy and Toul. In addition to its role as a cathedral, it is also a minor basilica. You can see the influence of the baroque style in the structure of the building as you approach the site.