France’s Grand Est Region Charms in the Low Season: Reims, Nancy and Strasbourg

Nancy is also the birthplace of the Art Nouveau movement, which drew inspiration from nature and flourished between 1894 and 1909. There were other places in Europe that embraced Art Nouveau, like Ålesund, Norway, but its elaborate craftsmanship was seen as frivolous and was replaced by Art Deco with its simple, clean lines. In Nancy, artist Emile Gallaé (1846-1904) played an important and pioneering role in this movement, alongside Louis Majorelle (1859-1926), the co-founder of the École de Nancy. The Musée de l’Ecole de Nancy (The School of Nancy) exhibits a collection of glass art, ceramics, furniture, ironwork, bookbinding, stained glass, sculpture and architecture. If you recognize the name Majorelle from Marrakesh, Morocco, this is the same family. The son of Louis Majorelle, Jacques Majorelle (1886–1962) was a French painter from Nancy, who gifted the gardens to Yves St. Laurent.

Majorelle was a bronze sculptor and master glassmaker, most well-known for creating prestigious pieces of furniture produced in series, much of which is on display in his home, Villa Majorelle. Designed by Henri Sauvage, influenced by Hector Guimard and Lucien Weissenburger, this beautiful three-storey house features several semi-circle windows and floral patterns covering the exterior. Managed by the city, it is open to individual visitors on Wednesday to Sunday afternoons from 14:00 to 18:00; reservations are required.

With its cathedrals, canals and champagne, the Grand Est region of France is a jewel – with so much to be discovered. And if you want to escape the crowds, visit during the off season when there are no crowds, less lineups and more authentic experiences.