The Old Town, the historical heart of Nancy and capital of the Dukes of Lorraine, is home to the Ducal Palace and its funerary chapel, St Epvre's Church, and numerous mansions built between the 16th and 18th centuries, among other sights. The last Duke of Lorraine, Stanislas, King of Poland and father-in-law of King Louis XV of France, conceived a bold architectural ensemble that was inaugurated in 1755. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Upon Stanislas' death in 1766, the duchy became part of the Kingdom of France. Following the annexation of Alsace-Moselle by the German Empire in 1871, Nancy, which remained in France, experienced considerable growth. The École de Nancy emerged from this artistic, intellectual, and industrial effervescence. At the dawn of the 20th century, this movement would establish itself as the spearhead of Art Nouveau in France. The Villa Majorelle, the École de Nancy Museum and numerous architectural works bear witness to this period. With its 50,000 students, Nancy will surprise you with its vitality and creativity. Museums, literary and musical events, gastronomy, St. Nicholas festivities, contemporary art, the Botanical Garden, the Opéra National de Lorraine, industrial heritage – Nancy invites you to come back!