Nantes City Info

Nantes Hotels

Nantes is a popular tourist destination in France, which was the former capital of Brittany, which is no longer officially part of the province. Nantes was transferred to the Pays de la Loire in 1962 when the modern administrative regions were set-up. It later achieved great wealth from colonial expeditions, the slave trade and shipbuilding - activities in turn surpassed by more recent industrial growth. Although much of the former provincial character of the city has been lost, thanks to such recent accretions as the tower blocks masking the Loire and motorways tearing past the city, it remains to its inhabitants an integral part of Brittany.

Nantes, which regularly tops 'quality of life' surveys in the French press, is anything but staid. Spirited bars and arty events, frequented by the town's 45,000 students, keep the atmosphere lively. An important 18th-century trading port, Nantes occupies a significant position at the meeting point of the Loire, Erdre and Sèvre rivers. Commercial productivity has taken its toll, however, and today office blocks conceal much of the riverfront; historic buildings are dwarfed by the unsightly Tour de Bretagne; and channels and tributaries have been paved over.

The climate of Nantes is mild and tourists can enjoy its greenery and other natural sights. People living here are well-cultured. They live in harmony without any racial feelings and discriminations. Their treatment towards tourists is cordial and friendly.

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Nantes Tourist Attractions

Château des Ducs de Bretagne

Nantes is dominated by a huge, two-tone castle from the 15th century, in beautifully renovated granite and schist - the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. The stern exterior, built for François II of Brittany, encloses a more feminine, Renaissance building, designed for Anne of Brittany, and currently being transformed into the Museum of Nantes History, scheduled for launch in autumn 2006.

Cathédrale Saint Pierre Saint Paul

Nantes' other giant is the Gothic Cathédrale Saint Pierre Saint Paul, set on the busy Place Maréchal Foch. Built from 1434 to 1891, step inside to see François II's sculpted tomb, commissioned by his daughter, Anne of Brittany. Angels and Breton rulers stand guard over the resting duke and his wife, Marguerite de Foix. Don't miss the figure symbolising Prudence - one side of her face is a young Breton girl, the other is a bearded old man.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

There's fine art in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, ranging from the 13th century to the present day - including Ingres' portrait of Madame de Senonnes.

Lieu Unique

Nantes' other giant is the Gothic Cathédrale Saint Pierre Saint Paul, set on the busy Place Maréchal Foch. Built from 1434 to 1891, step inside to see François II's sculpted tomb, commissioned by his daughter, Anne of Brittany. Angels and Breton rulers stand guard over the resting duke and his wife, Marguerite de Foix. Don't miss the figure symbolising Prudence - one side of her face is a young Breton girl, the other is a bearded old man.

Passage Pommeraye

Take time off to shop. Sweep down the central staircase of Nantes' Passage Pommeraye, which opened in 1843. This baroque three-floor arcade has intriguing boutiques, from fashion to jewellery.

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