Parc de la Pépinière sits a short walk from Place Stanislas, in the centre of Nancy. It began as a royal nursery where trees for the city's streets were grown, and today it is a large public park with a rose garden, a small zoo, play areas and shaded paths. Peacocks roam the zoo, which also has deer, monkeys and ducks. Locals often call it La Pep. Plan a picnic on the lawns, a stroll under the old trees, and an ice cream at the stand.
A royal nursery turned public park
The gardens were laid out in the 18th century by Stanislas Leszczynski on the site of the former ducal gardens and the bastions of the Old Town. Their purpose was practical. The nursery grew the trees planted along Nancy's new streets, and the name Pépinière means nursery.
The park was opened to the public in 1835 and kept its original layout. Its wide grounds are now used for walking, sport, play and picnics, and locals call it La Pep.
The layout and the monuments
The grounds follow a chequerboard plan, with a grid of alleys running past flowerbeds. The rose garden is the best-known part of the design and holds hundreds of rose bushes.
Three statues stand in the park, one of them by Auguste Rodin. Paths lined with ancient and exotic trees make a shaded route for a slow walk.
Animals, play areas and events
The small zoo keeps peacocks, deer, monkeys, ducks, mouflon and rabbits, and entry is free. It is a short visit, so it works well as one stop among several in the park.
Play areas include a playground, mini-golf, merry-go-rounds and children's rides. In summer, a puppet theatre performs in the park, and a band shell hosts shows. Wooden architecture exhibitions are also shown among the trees.
Visiting the park
The park is open day and night. The entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and dogs are allowed.
Facilities include picnic tables, a barbecue grill, a public restroom, and a cafe and ice cream stand. For sport, the park has a sports field, a basketball court, a tennis court and a skateboarding area.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Entry to the small zoo is free. The input gives no charge for the rest of the park.
Is Parc de la Pépinière open 24 hours?
Yes, the park is open day and night, every day of the week.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the park.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
