Église des Cordeliers
Historic Franciscan church and royal necropolis for the Dukes of Lorraine, blending art, history, and a solemn legacy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Église des Cordeliers
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Franciscan church and royal necropolis for the Dukes of Lorraine, blending art, history, and a solemn legacy.
"A mighty place, a tour-de-force of architectural design and historical significance."
Free Admission!
Entry is free as part of the Musée Lorraine. A great budget-friendly historical gem! :moneywithwings:
Wheelchair Accessible
The church is accessible for wheelchairs, making it a comfortable visit for everyone. :wheelchair:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Royal Tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine
Chapels along the nave
Marvel at the elaborate funeral urns and cenotaphs of the influential Dukes of Lorraine, a key part of the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty.
Notre Dame de Lorette Chapel
Funeral chapel of the Dukes of Lorraine
This is the dedicated funeral chapel for the Dukes of Lorraine, offering a poignant glimpse into their legacy and final resting place.
Stunning Stained Glass Windows
Main nave
Admire the beautiful stained glass, casting vibrant orange, red, and blue hues across the interior, illuminating the historic space.
Ornate Ceiling Frescoes
Ceiling of the nave
Look up to appreciate the intricate ceiling frescoes that adorn the nave, adding to the church's artistic and historical richness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Royal Necropolis and Museum
Free Entry to History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission!
Entry is free as part of the Musée Lorraine. A great budget-friendly historical gem! :moneywithwings:
Wheelchair Accessible
The church is accessible for wheelchairs, making it a comfortable visit for everyone. :wheelchair:
Combine with Palace Visit
It's located next to the Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine, so plan to visit both. :palace:
Quiet & Reflective
Experience a quiet and reflective atmosphere, perfect for appreciating the history. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission!
Entry is free as part of the Musée Lorraine. A great budget-friendly historical gem! :moneywithwings:
Wheelchair Accessible
The church is accessible for wheelchairs, making it a comfortable visit for everyone. :wheelchair:
Combine with Palace Visit
It's located next to the Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine, so plan to visit both. :palace:
Quiet & Reflective
Experience a quiet and reflective atmosphere, perfect for appreciating the history. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Église des Cordeliers as a historically significant site, particularly for its role as the royal necropolis of the Dukes of Lorraine. The free admission and wheelchair accessibility are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some find the church's dual function as a museum and burial site unusual but fascinating.
"This is one mighty place to visit as it's a tour-de-force of both architectural design, historical significance and a royal tomb and cenotaphs of all the dukes of Lorraine, ancestors of the Habsburg-Lorraine family except for François Etienne de Lorraine (was Emperor of the Holy Empire) who is buried in the Habsburg necropolis in Vienna, Austria. Right next door to the palace of the Dukes of Lorraine, with its chapel of the former convent contains the royal tombs. The exterior is sober in design of Gothic and Renaissance style and inside is made up of one long nave with collateral chapels housing several funeral urns of certain dukes of Lorraine. There's so much to explore here, from the ceiling frescoes to the altarpiece, and most impressive of all for me is the Notre Dame de Lorette chapel which is the funeral chapel of the Dukes of Lorraine. It's free to enter, as part of the Musée Lorraine inside Palais des Ducs de Lorraine. This is a must visit museum inside a historic church that forever ties with the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty. On a trivial note, it was temporarily used as a parish church when the Basilica of Saint Epvre was almost in ruin. Also, Otto of Habsburg-Lorraine married Regina of Saxe-Meiningen in the Chapel of the Cordeliers in 1951 and returned in 2001 to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in the same chapel. Suitable for all ages. It's wheelchair friendly and kids should most certainly be encouraged to visit (accompanied of course). I don't think there's a public convenience inside."
Antoine M
"It was an unusual church for me because it was a museum/necropolis. There was a lot of cool old nobility’s tombs from the region, The Dukes of Lorraine.
I also loved the main stain glass which shines beautiful orange/red/blue colors.
The cupola is absolutely beautiful."
virginie gimenez
"Interesting church-made-into-museum space"
Elizaveta K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Église des Cordeliers is conveniently located next to the Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine in Nancy. You can easily reach it by walking from the city center or using local public transport. Parking might be limited in the immediate vicinity, so public transport or walking is recommended.
Yes, it's situated within the historic heart of Nancy, adjacent to the prominent Palais des Ducs de Lorraine, making it straightforward to locate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Église des Cordeliers is free. It's integrated with the Musée Lorraine, so you can explore the church and its royal tombs without a ticket.
As it's part of the Musée Lorraine, its opening hours generally align with the museum's. It's best to check the official Musée Lorraine website for the most current hours of operation.
No, advance booking is not required as entry is free. You can visit at your leisure during the museum's operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the royal tombs and cenotaphs of the Dukes of Lorraine, beautiful ceiling frescoes, impressive stained glass windows, and the Notre Dame de Lorette chapel. It's a unique museum-like church experience.
Yes, it's suitable for all ages and children are encouraged to visit, especially when accompanied. It offers a great opportunity to learn about local history.
The church is wheelchair friendly, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can comfortably explore the site.
Typically, gift shops are associated with museums. While the church itself may not have one, the adjacent Musée Lorraine might offer souvenirs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside historical churches and museums for personal use, but it's always wise to check for any specific signage or ask staff if flash photography is allowed.
The stained glass windows, the ornate ceiling frescoes, and the detailed royal tombs offer excellent photographic opportunities. The Notre Dame de Lorette chapel is also a key visual point.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While it's a place of remembrance, the visual elements like the frescoes and stained glass can capture a child's imagination. It's a good idea to frame the visit as a historical exploration rather than just a church visit. Consider pairing it with a visit to the adjacent Palace of the Dukes of Lorraine for a more comprehensive historical experience.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay close attention to the architectural details, noting the blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, and appreciate the artistic elements like the ceiling frescoes and stained glass. The Notre Dame de Lorette chapel is a focal point for understanding the ducal legacy. This site provides a profound glimpse into the historical power and influence of the Lorraine dukes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Legacy of the Dukes of Lorraine
This historical church was a former Franciscan monastery, and its transformation into a royal burial site underscores its importance. The architectural style, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements, provides a fittingly grand yet somber backdrop for the funerary monuments. The interior, characterized by a long nave with collateral chapels, is designed to showcase the lineage and achievements of the dukes. It's a place where history is not just read about, but experienced through the physical presence of these historical figures' final resting places.
Architectural and Artistic Marvels
Artistically, the church is a treasure trove. Visitors are often struck by the ceiling frescoes, which add a layer of spiritual and artistic depth to the space. The stained glass windows are another highlight, particularly noted for their vibrant orange, red, and blue hues that bathe the interior in a warm, ethereal light. The altarpiece is also a significant feature, contributing to the overall aesthetic and historical narrative of the church. The Notre Dame de Lorette chapel stands out as a particularly impressive funerary chapel, dedicated to the Dukes of Lorraine.
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