Discover the historic Château des ducs de Bretagne, situated in the heart of Nantes. This 15th-century castle serves as a monument to the city's past as the capital of Brittany. As you walk through the well-preserved fortress, you will encounter the Musée d'Histoire de Nantes, which vividly narrates the city's rich history through engaging exhibits. Explore the beautifully restored rooms, including the grand Golden Crown Tower, and marvel at the medieval and Renaissance architecture. The landscaped moat garden provides a perfect setting for a peaceful stroll, giving visitors a chance to soak in the ambiance and reflect on the castle's historical significance.
Nantes' Jardin des Plantes is a verdant oasis in the city, sprawling over seven hectares. This botanical garden, with over two and a half centuries of history, is more than just a space for relaxation and leisure. It doubles as a scientific institution with a collection that encompasses over 10,000 species and 800 square meters of greenhouses. Visitors are invited to meander through meticulously curated scenes that are a merge of art and nature, including themed gardens, artistic installations, and water features. Particularly noteworthy is the camellia collection, which is among the most significant in France. The garden also offers workshops and events for those interested in deepening their botanical knowledge.
Les Machines de l'île offers a truly unique and imaginative experience in Nantes. This artistic, touristic, and cultural project is inspired by the combined creative visions of Jules Verne's 'invented worlds', Leonardo Da Vinci's mechanical universe, and Nantes' industrial history. Visitors can marvel at the Great Elephant as it gracefully carries passengers along the Ile de Nantes. The Marine Worlds Carousel, a three-tiered carousel featuring sea creatures from The Abyss to The Sea Surface, delights both young and old. For those who seek a deeper understanding, La Galerie des Machines reveals the workings behind these fantastical beasts. The Heron Tree project, a colossal steel tree, promises to be a future highlight, signifying the continuing evolution of this one-of-a-kind attraction.
The Île de Versailles, lying on the Erdre river, is a small island transformed into a Japanese oasis right in the city of Nantes. The grounds showcase Japanese landscaping with a Zen garden, a rocky waterfall, and a body of water that reflects the sky. While the space may be compact, the serenity it invokes feels limitless. The island is also home to the Maison de l'Erdre, an information center detailing the river's ecosystem and its environmental importance. Whether you wish to quietly contemplate in the pavilion or paddle through the Erdre's waters in a rented kayak, Île de Versailles is a destination that offers a contemplative break from urban life.
The Nantes Cathedral stands as a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and art in the city. The edifice took an astounding 457 years to complete, its construction spanning from 1434 to 1891. Once inside, visitors are embraced by the vast and soaring nave, intricate stone work, and impressive series of stained glass windows, some of which depict scenes dating back to the 16th century. Notably, the cathedral holds the tomb of Francis II, Duke of Brittany, and his wife Marguerite de Foix, a true masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. This monumental church is not only a religious site but also a silent chronicler of the city's evolution across the ages.
The Passage Pommeraye in downtown Nantes is more than a shopping arcade; it's an architectural gem that takes one back to the elegance of the 19th century. Inaugurated in 1843, this covered passage spans three levels, adorned with statues, ornate railings, and wooden storefronts that evoke the charm and sophistication of its time. The passage houses a variety of shops, cafés, and boutiques offering an array of goods from luxury items to charming souvenirs. A visit here offers a delightful intermingling with local commerce all while surrounded by an atmosphere steeped in history, making for an exquisite shopping experience or simply a leisurely historic walk.
Art enthusiasts will find solace in the Musée d'arts de Nantes, which harbors a diverse array of collections spanning multiple periods and styles. From classical to contemporary, visitors can journey through an impressive assembly of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and graphic arts. Major French and international artists are represented, making the museum a beacon of creative history and ongoing conversations in art. The space itself, composed of the historic Palais and the contemporary Cube, is an artistic statement. Besides the permanent collections, temporary exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to discover for return visitors, rendering the museum a dynamic cornerstone of Nantes' cultural landscape.
Venture to the Trentemoult Village, a former fishing village that now stands as a bohemian enclave just a short Navibus ride across the Loire from Nantes. The vibrantly painted houses, each with its own character and palette, line the quaint streets and alleyways. Artists, craftspeople, and small café and restaurant owners have made their homes here, bestowing upon the village an artsy and convivial atmosphere. Visitors can wander at their leisure, enjoy the riverside views, or settle in one of the local eateries for a taste of traditional fare. This colorful hamlet offers a picturesque escape where the charm of the past blends seamlessly with contemporary creativity.
Conquer the heights of Nantes by visiting the Tour Bretagne, a skyscraper that stands proud at 144 meters. Opened in 1976, it is the city's highest building and offers an extraordinary panoramic view from its 32nd floor. The highlight is the Nid (The Nest), a bar and artistic space designed to resemble a giant stork's nest, evidencing a touch of whimsy amid the urban landscape. With 360-degree vistas of the city and beyond, one can point out various Nantes landmarks from this vantage point. Visit for a coffee or a drink at sunset and witness the transition of the city from day to night, an urban spectacle to behold.
The Estuaire Art Trail takes visitors on an exploratory journey along the Loire Estuary, between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire. This open-air art collection is a permanent fixture that was born out of a contemporary art exhibition. Today, one can discover a series of intriguing and thought-provoking sculptures and installations created by international artists, all of which engage with their landscape in unique ways. By bicycle, car, or on organized boat trips, art and nature lovers alike can see works ranging from a seemingly submerged house to a serpentine sea creature winding its way along the riverbank. The trail invites contemplation on the interplay between art, nature, and industrial heritage, providing a unique perspective on the region.
