Labelled “Ville et Pays d’art et d’histoire“, the city of Nantes in the Loire Atlantique region has a lot to offer! Located only 50 km from our campsite near Pornic in La Plaine sur Mer, and nicknamed the City of the Dukes of Brittany, Nantes is a lively and pleasant city with many things to see and do.
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany
The castle of the Dukes of Brittany is the flagship monument in Nantes and is located in the historic heart of the city. Classified as a historical monument since 1862This fortress has a 15th century rampart and several buildings built from the 14th to the 18th century. A Renaissance-style fortress, the Grand Dukes’ castle houses an urban historical museum.
You can also admire the interior facades of the Grand Logis, the Golden Crown Tower or the Grand Government, its quarters and its 32 rooms.
The castle of the Grand Dukes is the most visited site of Nantes, but also of the Loire Atlantique department.
Le Lieu Unique
Established in the premises of LU, a former famous cookie factory, the Lieu Unique is today an artistic center where many events are proposed: concerts, theaters, exhibitions, dance shows,…
In addition to these artistic events, Le Lieu Unique has a bar, a restaurant, a hammam, a daycare center, a bookstore and a gift store.
The Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul cathedral of Nantes
The Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul cathedral is a religious monument with an imposing appearance and built in a flamboyant gothic style and located 150 meters north of the castle of the Dukes of Brittany.
It is an architectural masterpiece in the heart of Nantes and as big as Notre-Dame de Paris. Its white stone façade is surrounded by two massive towers, at the top of which are terraces overlooking the city.
The museums of Nantes
Nantes offers several museums full of priceless treasures. First of all, don’t miss the Museum of Fine Arts which presents collections from ancient to contemporary art.
Then, the Museum of Natural History which traces the origin of mankind and animal species and finally the Jules Verne Museum which pays homage to the writer in a beautiful bourgeois house on the Butte Sainte-Anne.
The Machines of the island of Nantes
Les Machines de l’île is an original project combining the worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. The two designers have imagined articulated machines representing giant animals. You can even take a 30-minute ride on the back of the giant elephant.
During the visit you will also discover the manufacturing secrets of these machines. Moreover, a world of dreams and fantasy in the heart of a shipyard! A must-see if you are staying in a campsite in Nantes or its surroundings!
The Pommeraye passage
Located in the Graslin district, the Passage Pommeraye is a shopping mall built in the middle of the 19th century.
Designed in an elegant Renaissance style, the Passage Pommeraye is classified as a historical monument and is particularly famous for its splendid marble staircase, its statues and its glass roof. It offers more than 25 stores spread over 3 floors that fit perfectly into the elegant atmosphere of the place.
The Plant Garden
The Jardin des plantes is one of the most beautiful gardens in Nantes.
On nearly 7 hectares of greeneryThis immense botanical garden allows you to enjoy a beautiful stroll in the heart of more than 11,000 species of plants and flowers scattered among streams, ponds, beautiful statues, fountains and even a large playground for children.
The Bouffay district
The Bouffay district is the historic district of the city and is home to the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral.
This area is full of stores, bars and restaurants. This district is home to many picturesque streets and alleys, in which it is good to stroll, which start from the Bouffay square.
The island of Versailles
The island of Versailles, an artificial island formerly occupied by tanners and carpenters, has been transformed into a Japanese garden. Indeed, the bypasses, waterfalls and vegetation recreate the typical Zen atmosphere of Japanese landscapes.
From the island of Versailles, you can also discover the magnificent banks of the Erdre which will lead you to manors, castles and parks. This walk can be done on foot or by bike.
Le Maillé Brézé
On the quays of the Fosse, the Maillé Brézé, a former escort ship and flagship of the French Navy, floats majestically on the Loire.
Dismantled in 1998 and then transformed into a museum and reception rooms, the Maillé Brézé is today the only museum afloat in France and has become in a few years one of the most appreciated attractions of the city of Nantes.
