10 Great Things to do in Nantes

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Nantes: A Modern Medieval City

Known as the sixth largest city of France, Nantes is an old port city with a lot of history. Its strategic location near the Atlantic Ocean and on the Loire river makes it an important location for trade, and therefore, in history. And the city takes its history seriously, preserving its medieval history as well as its maritime history. So here are some great things to do in the city.

Chateau des Ducs de Nantes

10. Sèvre Nantaise: outside of the city center is the small river that leads into the Loire. What is so enjoyable about this are the lush, green banks that make it feel like an escape from the busy city.

9. Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul: known as the Cathedral of Nantes, this 15th Century Cathedral is not to be missed. With beautiful gothic architecture, stunning stained glass windows, and famous tombs, this cathedral has a lot of history.

8. Musée Jules Verne: this museum, dedicated to one of France's most famous authors, is a great place for book lovers. It is interactive with a lot of memorabilia from all of Jules Verne's stories. So if you want to know more about the beloved author, this museum is the place to go.

7. Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery: this unique memorial recognizes the impact of the port of Nantes on the slave trade as well as the importance of the abolition of slavery. This memorial is not just a simple statue, but a room full of information, making you feel almost as if you are in the hull of a boat. It is an important and powerful memorial.

Passage Pommeraye

6. Jardin des Plantes: this botanical garden near the city center is a great place for an afternoon stroll. Near the water, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the garden offers a variety of plant species and a peaceful getaway within the city.

5. La Tour Lu: the building today is a center for contemporary art as well as a music venue. But the small tower atop the building was part of the biscuit factory, Lu. Today you can go to the top of the tower and overlook part of the city, or admire the beauty of the tower from below.

Passage Pommeraye

4. Passage Pommeraye: this beautiful little covered gallery is basically a shopping mall today. Once a covered connection between streets, today it is a popular shopping destination. But take a moment to appreciate the beautiful architecture of the passage.

3. Tour Bretagne: this small skyscraper in the city center is a great place to go and check out a view of all of Nantes. Standing at 37 stories, with no other skyscrapers nearby, the observation deck gives one of the best views of the city.

2. Machines of the Isle of Nantes: this artistic project is a unique experience in Nantes. The most famous machine is the elephant, which you can climb upon as it walks around the area. Teaching people about machinery has never looked so beautiful with this wonderful artistic vision.

1. Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne: this castle, built the 1500s, was once home to the Dukes of Brittany. Right in the heart of the city, this medieval castle, along with its empty moat, adds a unique beauty to the city. Inside gives a history of the port of Nantes and also about the slave trade.

Chateau des Ducs de Nantes