Nantes

Copyright: Belvédère de l'Hermitage, T. Kawamata © M. Argyroglo

Nantes

Playful and creative, vibrant and young, Nantes has been literally turned upside down by art! Located in the south of Brittany, the city is just 45 minutes away from the Atlantic Ocean. Visit its magnificent castle of the dukes of Brittany, follow the footsteps of Jules Verne (born in Nantes) and ride on the Grand Elephant at Les Machines de l’île. Stroll in the medieval quarter, enjoy a collection of contemporary artworks displayed in the city and along the estuary of the Loire river !

The City

France’s sixth-largest city, lies on the Loire estuary in the west of France, some 50 km from the coast. A former commercial and maritime centre of Brittany, the city boats a strong historical and cultural heritage. Nantes was the capital of the independent Duchy of Brittany back in the Middle Ages and came to be a key trading port in the 18th century, thanks to its strategic position at the Loire, Erdre and Sevre rivers. Today, the city remains a prosperous and popular part of Western France. Its impressive Castle of the dukes of Brittany, the cobbled streets and the charming half-timbered houses in the medieval Bouffay quarter still remind visitors of Nantes’ glamorous past, but the city has more to offer than just history. It boasts a lively art scene, a strong culinary background as well as a thriving nightlife. Live performances, exhibitions, concerts and tourist attractions interact with an original and coherent offer. The figureheads of these numerous suggestions are: the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and the Machines de l’île.

Events

A port-town, a student-town, a cultural and friendly place to be, Nantes rarely goes to sleep at the end of the day. Night-time activities light up the town. Theatre or opera, cinema, concerts, dance shows or circus, night-time exhibitions, festivals and all sorts of events in and around Nantes sowing the seeds for an exciting night out. Even well into the night the lights don’t dim, as Nantes is a port-town…

Accommodation

With clients’ comfort always on their minds, many local hoteliers frequently undertake renovation programmes. There has been a rise in the number of new hotels all authentic and unique. Eco friendly quality marks distinguish the products and services that respect the environment the most.

Do & See

The green line painted on the ground will take you to the heart of downtown and make sure you won’t miss out on any of Le Voyage à Nantes itinerary of the city’s best cultural stops, major monuments and must-visit sites. Each year, this trail is revived and filled with contemporary installations, street furniture where you can sit down with friends, and even more surprising shop signs throughout the city.

Dining

The area boasts some of France’s finest produce, recipes and wines. Wherever you go, seafood, straight out of the Atlantic, is on the menu. Want a simple grilled fish? Eat it with a beurre blanc sauce, created right here in town and surroundings. Need a pinch of sea salt? The very best comes from Guérande. This is also France’s kitchen garden, producing flavourful, tender vegetables. Partner it all with a glass of Muscadet, the local white wine that goes so well with oysters or fish, mussels or crab. Award-winning winemakers and chefs guarantee memorable meals.

Cafes

The city offers many places to relax and where you can have a break around a coffee and Nantes‘ sweetmeats like BN or biscuits LU, “berlingot” and “rigolette” sweets, butter-scotch caramels, “fouace” starshaped sweet bread, Nantes cake, chocolates, coffee…

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