Nantes

Art in all its forms takes pride of place in this city, from the bold architecture of the Palais de Justice designed by Jean Nouvel (to whom Montpellier owes its town hall) to the Jules Verne museum (a prodigious author who himself spent several years in Nantes) exhibiting some of the treasures of literature. Not to mention the festivals hosted throughout the year. 

Those in search of something a little more unusual will be delighted to learn that in Nantes you can sleep in a work of art (in a former river boat, for example) via the organisation ‘Les Chambres d'Artistes du Voyage’. Another activity that will appeal to young and old alike is the Ile aux Machines, where you can climb aboard a 12-metre-high elephant (made of steel and wood), which walks along slowly and impressively and can accommodate up to 50 passengers!

A trip to Nantes means discovering a dynamic city, with its shopping streets, its famous Passage Pommeraye, its lively nightlife and its many museums, parks and gardens that attract more and more visitors every year. This metropolis stands out for its quality of life, its environment and its renowned gastronomy... All the ingredients for an unforgettable trip! 

Nantes is a major industrial and university centre. With its tlomodern ouok, it is a reference point in the field of new technologies and is further developing its lead in the port sector. It is home to some of the best sports training centres in France.

Sites and monuments

• The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.
• Place Graslin and the theatre.
• The Royal Palace and fountain.
• The Palais de la Bourse.
• The Maison des Compagnons du Devoir.
• Feydeau Isle (Temple du Goût, Cour Ovale etc.).
• Saint-Pierre Cathedral.
• The Church of St. Nicolas.
• Sainte-Croix Church.
• St. Therese Church.

Nantes museums

• History Museum of Nantes (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany).
• The Jules Verne Museum.
• The Musée Dobrée.
• The Printing Museum.
• The Naval Museum Maillé Brézé

Parks

• The Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens.
• The Japanese Garden on the Isle of Versailles.
• Procé Park.
• Beaujoire floral park.
• Garden of the 5 senses.
• Little Amazon.

Stroll around the Hangar à Bananes: After World War I, the banana trade took off in Nantes, one of the main French ports, which is how this warehouse got its name! This large seaport of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire has been renovated into restaurants, bars, café-concerts, even a discotheque and an exhibition space, making it an unusual and authentic spot.

Typical dishes

• Nantes Duck: Duck from the Nantes marshes, served in a muscadet and apple sauce.
• Nantes Chops: Ham chop in jelly with liver and pork roast pieces.
• The Chateaubriant: piece of tender beef from the north of the Loire Atlantique.
• Nantes Gateau: Rum and almond sponge cake.

Local cheese

• The Nantes parish priest: cheese with an ochre rind, made with herbs, muscadet or seaweed

Desserts

• Le Petit Mouzillon: crispy gateau, salt and fat free.
• Nantes Gateau: a cake made of almond paste and sponge coated in apricot jelly.
• La Paille d’Or: Raspberry jelly waffle.
• La Rigolette Nantaise: Soft

The must-try drink in Nantes

• Muscadet: White wine* from the Loire Valley.

*alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation