Art Nouveau-to-Go

The world's greatest museum of Art Nouveau isn't the Musee des Beaux Arts in Nancy, France. It's the city of Nancy itself.

Here is where the originators of the Art Nouveau Movement decided that functional design - furniture, lamps, houses - should incorporate the sensual qualities of Nature. Each street, each fountain and lampost is a work of art.

Located an hour and a half east of Paris via the TGV high speed train, Nancy is a great escape from the crowds, back to a more romantic time. Daum crystal is made here. Baccarat and Limoge are nearby. Oh, come on. What's more romantic than shopping???