La Maison des Deux Sirènes

The House of the Two Mermaids

The Nancy audio-guided tour invites you to look up, at the corner of Rue Saint-Michel and Rue Saint-Épvre, to spot two small intertwined statues. Despite the name of the house, they are not mermaids but two bearded tritons, which gave their name to this private mansion.

A private mansion of 1586

The House of the Two Mermaids was built in 1586 for Raymond Luyton, valet of the future Duke Henri II of Lorraine. This Renaissance private mansion testifies to the refinement of the urban residences of the Old Town at that time. Its sculpted decor, including the famous tritons, and its ornate door at number 5 deserve that you linger over them.

What there is to see

The sculpted detail of the two intertwined tritons, at the corner of the house, is the most remarkable element and the one that gave it its name. The door at number 5, finely worked, completes this testimony of the Nancy Renaissance. It is a curiosity to spot along the walk in the Old Town, for those who like architectural details.

Practical information

The House of the Two Mermaids is at the corner of Rue Saint-Michel and Rue Saint-Épvre, in the Old Town of Nancy. The façade and its sculptures can be contemplated freely from the street, at all hours and on the level. The building cannot be visited.

Why is it called the House of the Two Mermaids?

Because of the two statues sculpted at its corner, which are in fact bearded tritons, but which were taken for mermaids.

When does the House of the Two Mermaids date from?

From 1586; it was built for Raymond Luyton, valet of the future Duke Henri II of Lorraine.