About Nantes
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 center 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.
Quai des Antilles, Les Anneaux, D. Buren et P. Bouchain © M. Argyroglo.Nantes truly creative and attractive
Over the last thirty years Nantes has become one of the most dynamic and inventive city in France. An impressive array of cultural events are rolled out over the year, some of which stretch out across the globe: The ‘musical madness’ of the ”Folle Journée“ classical musical festival, the giants created by the street theater company ”Royal de Luxe“, Estuaire (permanent open-air collection), or the ”Machines de l'Ile“ mechanical animals, and don't miss the summer event Le Voyage à Nantes !
Place du Bouffay, Éloge du pas de côté, P. Ramette© P.PironGreen Capital
In 2013 Nantes became the first French town to be awarded the title of European Green Capital. This European award is the recognition of many years of political will that encompasses urban development and mobility (tramway, busway, etc.), fighting against global warming and preserving the natural heritage around the Loire estuary.
Jardin des Plantes, Filili Viridi, Le Ratisseur, J. Jullien© J. F FayollesCycle-Friendly
Located at the crossroads of two international stars of bike travel beloved by the public – “La Vélodyssée” (EuroVelo 1) and “La Loire à Vélo” (EuroVelo 6) – and with its 586 km (364 mi.) of bike paths and more than 2,900 parking spots and 7,000 bike racks, Nantes and its surrounding region love cycling and have never stopped promoting cycling. Whether it’s for everyday travel or for just getting around town.
Ile de Nantes à vélo © M. Argyroglo