320 hectares of public and private natural spaces, 10 parks, 14 gardens and 25 squares. In Lorraine, Nancy has long established its identity as a green city. The ducal city has cultivated life throughout the centuries ever since the Middle Ages. This is evident just from viewing the artistic movement of the Ecole de Nancy. At the turn of the 19th century, the alliance of artists, engineers and botanists allowed creative exuberance, technological innovation and a new urban vision celebrated throughout Europe to flourish. Since then, the momentum has not faltered. 

Biodiversity pool

Nowadays, Nancy's gardeners' are greatly guided by the aim of preserving the biodiversity pool. Everything they do is within the framework of good practice. As a team, they are ambitious and motivate each other towards their common goal. The direct involvement of residents and associations, has cultivated a new, sustainable, green governance. In new growing techniques, gardening and preserving flora and fauna, being innovative reaps dividends. This is often recognised by national and international prizes. For Nancy the future is green! The approach is delivering results.

Nature in the city

Even such a fertile seed bed, needs a helping hand. The Parks and Gardens department has 92 staff and 13 apprentices working day after day to make each natural, urban space a "living place" in every sense of the word. The diversity of plants on display, the design of annual or perennial flower beds, the various rest spots and leisure facilities all create an awareness of the beauty and benefit that these living spaces are to society. However, this is not enough. In order to cultivate knowledge and appreciation of plant life, continued innvoation is required. The extensive nature of the green events programme puts the city of Nancy among the most active stakeholders in this area. For over thirty years, an annual temporary garden has been installed in Place Stanislas, receiving more than 435,000 visitors. There are two major plant markets "Nature en fête" (Nature Festival) and "Pépinière en vert" (Green Nursery), which are popular among professionals and amateurs alike. "Embranchements" (Branches) is the name of the international tree event. "Mardis aux serres" (Greenhouse Tuesdays) and "Cuisine sous serre" (Greenhouse Cooking) are events where residents can learn to grow plants and cook with professionals. Nancy's gardeners can be seen as mediators, advocates of good ecological practices and ambassadors for biodiversity. They are essential to a 21st-century city.