Cimetière de Préville
Nancy's oldest cemetery, a stunning open-air museum of Art Nouveau funerary art and a peaceful place of remembrance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Cimetière de Préville
Best Time
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nancy's oldest cemetery, a stunning open-air museum of Art Nouveau funerary art and a peaceful place of remembrance.
"A fascinating place to visit, be it a bit morbid, but I enjoyed discovering it and its amazing residences."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is large; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its vast grounds.
🗺️ Get a Cemetery Map
Obtain a map from the reception gate lodge for guidance to notable graves.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Nouveau Masterpieces
Various locations
Discover stunning Art Nouveau tombs and mausoleums, showcasing intricate glasswork and sculptures.
Émile Gallé's Tomb
Jewish Cemetery
Pay respects at the sober yet significant tomb of the renowned Art Nouveau artist Émile Gallé.
Majorelle Family Mausoleum
Main Cemetery
Marvel at the majestic mausoleum of the influential Majorelle family, a prominent name in Nancy's history.
German War Cemetery (1870)
Northwest section
Visit the poignant German cemetery commemorating soldiers from the 1870 war.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is large; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its vast grounds.
🗺️ Get a Cemetery Map
Obtain a map from the reception gate lodge for guidance to notable graves.
🤫 Be Respectful
Maintain a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. Photography of graves is restricted.
💧 Public Conveniences Available
Restrooms are located inside the Gate lodge reception building.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is large; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its vast grounds.
🗺️ Get a Cemetery Map
Obtain a map from the reception gate lodge for guidance to notable graves.
🤫 Be Respectful
Maintain a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. Photography of graves is restricted.
💧 Public Conveniences Available
Restrooms are located inside the Gate lodge reception building.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Please leave your pets at home, as dogs are not permitted within the cemetery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cimetière de Préville is lauded for its stunning Art Nouveau funerary art and historical significance, offering a unique glimpse into Nancy's past. Visitors appreciate the artistic merit of the tombs and the peaceful atmosphere for contemplation. However, the photography restrictions are a point of contention for some, and the cemetery's layout can be challenging to navigate.
"One of two cemeteries in Nancy and the oldest. It's not too far from the city centre and Nancy railway station and it's walkable. Just Google it and, like me, I followed rue Raymond Poincare and avenue de Boufflers to the Boudonville district of Nancy. It's a big area and few well known people buried here especially the art nouveau artists like Émile Majorelle and his son, Émile Gallé, Auguste Desch (painter), and the most impressive tomb I visited was that of Eugène Corbin (his former mansion was bequeathed to the School of Nancy art nouveau museum). You can get a plan from the reception gate lodge of the layout and markings of most well known graves. Unless you feel spooked by its sombre atmosphere, it's a curiosity journey into the people who were once made remarkable (or unremarkable) contributions to this city of Nancy. I really enjoyed some of the funeral monuments and its most beautiful monument in art nouveau style was moved from this cemetery and installed in the garden of the School of Nancy art nouveau museum. Most intriguing to me is a painting of La Toussaint (All Saints Day) by Émile Friant, with this cemetery as background, is at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy. Fascinating place to visit, be it a bit morbid, but I enjoyed discovering it and its amazing residences. It's divided into the Christian cemetery, Jewish cemetery and the German war cemetery of 1870. No dogs are allowed inside the cemetery. There's a public convenience inside the Gate lodge reception building."
Antoine M
"A beautiful graveyard with many interesting graves, art nouveau mausoleums and even glass works. However there is the disappointing and weird rule that taking photos is not allowed. There's even security staff who try to control that. Just ridiculous!"
Fear Of Music
"This beautiful cemetery includes tombs that are remarkable not only for their aesthetics but also because they are the final resting places of people who have left their mark on the history of Nancy and even France."
Victor Lefay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cimetière de Préville is within walking distance of Nancy's city centre and the railway station. You can follow Rue Raymond Poincaré and Avenue de Boufflers towards the Boudonville district.
While walkable from the center, specific bus routes might serve the area. It's best to check local Nancy public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The cemetery is not far from the Nancy railway station and is considered walkable, making it convenient for travelers arriving by train.
If driving, use a GPS and navigate towards the Boudonville district. Parking availability may vary, so consider arriving early.
Using a GPS or a mapping app on your phone is highly recommended. Following major roads like Rue Raymond Poincaré and Avenue de Boufflers will lead you towards the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for Cimetière de Préville, suggesting it is generally free to enter.
Specific opening hours are not detailed, but cemeteries are typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to visit during the day for safety and visibility.
No advance booking is typically required for cemetery visits. It's a public space for remembrance and historical exploration.
The main restriction mentioned is that dogs are not allowed inside the cemetery. Visitors are also expected to be respectful.
A cemetery plan showing the layout and markings of well-known graves can be obtained from the reception gate lodge.
📸 📸 Photography & Etiquette
Photography is restricted, especially of graves and names, out of respect for families. Security staff may enforce this rule.
While general ambiance shots might be tolerated, direct photography of graves and personal inscriptions is not permitted.
The restrictions are in place out of respect for the deceased and their grieving families, ensuring a somber and contemplative atmosphere.
Focusing on the architectural elements rather than specific graves might be acceptable, but it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid close-ups of any inscribed markers.
Visitors should maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor, avoid loud conversations, and refrain from disturbing the peace of the site.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include Art Nouveau tombs, mausoleums of notable figures like Émile Gallé and the Majorelle family, and the German war cemetery from 1870.
To fully appreciate the historical and artistic aspects, plan for at least 1-2 hours. Some visitors may wish to spend longer exploring.
Yes, there are public conveniences located inside the Gate lodge reception building.
The cemetery is generally described as beautiful with interesting graves and mausoleums, suggesting a good level of upkeep.
The atmosphere is described as sombre, contemplative, and calm, offering a unique journey into the lives of those who contributed to Nancy's history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to emphasize the importance of respectful behavior to children before entering. Explain that it's a quiet place where people come to remember loved ones. The photography restrictions should also be clearly communicated to avoid any issues. Consider focusing on the artistic elements and historical figures rather than the morbid aspects to keep it engaging for younger visitors.
🏛️ Art & History Buffs
History enthusiasts will appreciate the historical depth of the cemetery, as it's the oldest in Nancy and contains burials from the 18th century onwards. Exploring the different sections, including the German war cemetery, provides a multifaceted view of the city's past. The opportunity to discover the resting places of individuals who contributed to Nancy's development makes for a fascinating historical exploration.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Contemplatives
For solo travelers interested in photography, be mindful of the restrictions. However, the overall aesthetic and the historical narratives embedded within the cemetery can still provide a rich and rewarding experience. The availability of a cemetery map can aid in a more focused exploration, allowing you to discover specific points of interest.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Art Nouveau's Final Resting Place
Key figures like Émile Gallé, a pioneer of Art Nouveau glass and furniture design, have their final resting places within the cemetery. His tomb, though sober, is a point of interest for those familiar with his artistic legacy. Similarly, the Majorelle family, whose name is synonymous with decorative arts and furniture, is commemorated with a majestic mausoleum that stands as a testament to their influence.
Beyond these prominent figures, the cemetery offers a broader glimpse into the artistic trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Exploring these artistic residences of the departed provides a unique perspective on the cultural and aesthetic values of Nancy during that era. It's a place where art and remembrance intertwine beautifully.
Historical Significance and Notable Figures
Many individuals who made notable contributions to Nancy and even France are interred here. Beyond the Art Nouveau artists, you can find the tombs of figures like Auguste Desch, a painter, and Eugène Corbin, whose former mansion is now the School of Nancy art nouveau museum. The cemetery offers a tangible connection to the people who shaped the city's identity and history.
Visiting Cimetière de Préville is akin to taking a curiosity journey into the lives of remarkable individuals, both famous and less so. It's a place to reflect on the contributions of those who have left their mark, offering a unique historical perspective on Nancy and its inhabitants.
Navigating and Experiencing the Cemetery
The cemetery is described as a place of discretion, contemplation, and calm. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor. The shade provided by the large plane trees lining the avenues offers a pleasant respite, especially during warmer afternoons.
It's important to be aware of the photography restrictions. While the beauty of the funerary monuments is undeniable, taking photos of graves and names is not permitted out of respect for the families. This rule is sometimes enforced by security staff, so it's best to be mindful of this policy.
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