Nantes City Guide
Nantes is set alongside the Loire River, west of the Loire Valley, and was once the capital of Brittany. Explore the winding medieval streets of the Old City area close to the Cathedral, or visit the grand boulevards close to Place Royale. Nantes is a lively port city, with excellent night life and plenty of cafés and restaurants to enjoy.
Nantes is 2 hours by train from Paris.
What to do and see in and around Nantes
Cathedral of Saint-Pierre
Nantes started to build its impressive Cathedral in the 15th century - but it wasn't completed until the 19th century. Visit the tombs of François II (the last Duke of Brittany) and his wife Marguerite de Foix.
Château des Ducs
Château des Ducs was built by François II in the 15th century. The Château is famous as the setting for the signing of the "Edict of Nantes" in 1598 - marking the end of the Wars of Religion by showing tolerance to Protestants. The Château will be the History of Nantes Museum in 2006.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
Nantes' Musée des Beaux-Arts is housed in a 19th century building with light modern styled galleries. The museum includes art works from the 13th-19th century from artists including Kandinsky, Picasso and Chagall.
Jules Verne Museum
The writer Jules Verne was born in Nantes in 1826, and the city celebrates his life and works in the Jules Verne Museum on Île Feydeau. Visit to see original manuscripts, illustrations and documents.
Pommeraye Passage
Pommeraye Passage links Nantes city centre to the port area. The passage is a beautiful 19th century shopping centre which drops down over 3 flights of stairs. Look out for the marble cherubs holding the 19th century gas lamps.
Dobrée Museum
The Dobrée Museum is a classic example of a 19th century Nantes mansion. Dobrée was an 18th century collector, and the mansion now contains his collection - including paintings, jewels and antiquities.
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