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I just arrived in France
Essential steps for your first hours, first week, and first month in Nancy and France.
Emergency numbers — free, 24/7
Available from any phone, even without credit.
🏥 SAMU 15
🚒 Pompiers 18
🚔 Police 17
🌍 Europe 112
🏠 Sans-abri 115
👩 Violences 3919
1
Emergency shelter
If you have nowhere to sleep, call 115 (free, 24/7). For women in danger: 3919.
📞 115 (gratuit, 24h/24)
👩 3919 (violences)
2
Emergency food
The Red Cross and Secours Catholique distribute free meals in Nancy, no documents required.
Croix-Rouge Nancy — 14 rue Gustave Simon
Secours Catholique — 4 rue Mgr Trouillet
Resto du Cœur — 53 rue de Laxou
3
Emergency medical care
Nancy's CHU emergency services are open to everyone, regardless of your legal status.
CHU Nancy — Urgences adultes : 03 83 85 85 85
Urgences enfants : même numéro
4
Getting an interpreter
France Terre d'Asile and La Cimade offer sessions with interpreters. You can also use the legal assistant in 7 languages.
📌 In Nancy, the daytime reception centre is at the Maison Départementale de Solidarité — 48 rue du sergent Blandan.
1
Apply for asylum
If you are fleeing persecution, apply at the prefecture within 90 days. France Terre d'Asile helps for free.
2
Contact the OFII
The OFII organises your official welcome: health check, French classes, republican integration contract.
OFII Nancy — 9 rue de la Visitation
📞 03 83 36 90 00
3
Enrol your children in school
School is compulsory for all children aged 3 to 16, regardless of their status.
Mairie de Nancy — Direction des Affaires Scolaires
📞 03 83 85 30 00
4
Know your rights
La Cimade and France Terre d'Asile offer free legal sessions. Our assistant answers in 7 languages.
5
Start learning French
Free French classes are available in Nancy from the moment you arrive.
Centre Jolibois — cours FLE gratuits
Centre La Clairière — ateliers sociolinguistiques
See all French classes →
6
Meet people
Events are organised regularly. Les Tisserands lists community shares.
📌 Our legal assistant answers in Arabic, Ukrainian, Dari, Spanish, English, German and French — anytime, for free.
1
Access healthcare
Depending on your situation: CSS or AME. CPAM Nancy: 36 46.
2
Social housing
UDAF 54 supports newcomers. Apply on the national portal.
UDAF 54 — intermédiation locative
Social housing portal →
3
Finding work
The Maison de l'Emploi du Grand Nancy offers specific support for newcomers.
4
Have your diplomas recognised
The ENIC-NARIC centre evaluates foreign qualifications for free.
5
Social and financial aid
ADA, RSA... The CAF in Nancy can inform you about your entitlements.
CAF Nancy — 0810 25 54 10
Ask a question →
6
Psychological support
Professionals trained in welcoming displaced people offer free support in Nancy.
📌 These steps can take time. Do not stay alone: Nancy's associations are here to support you.
Do you have a question?
Our legal assistant answers in 7 languages, free of charge, at any time.