Nantes

Capital of the Pays de la Loire region, Nantes is a city of art and history, renowned for its creativity and vibrant cultural scene.

Its heritage is both unique and rich, with highlights such as the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, several outstanding museums, and a wide array of events — including Le Voyage à Nantes, a summer art trail featuring remarkable, sometimes ephemeral, contemporary installations across the city.

Must-sees in Nantes:

– The Machines of the Isle of Nantes: A one-of-a-kind artistic project at the crossroads of Jules Verne’s imagined worlds, Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical creations, and the city’s own industrial past — all set on the former shipyard site.
– The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and Saint-Pierre Cathedral: iconic landmarks of Nantes’ historic heart.
– The Jardin des Plantes: A certified “Remarkable Garden”, ranked among the four major botanical gardens in France.
– The Jardin Extraordinaire: A lush, unusual garden with a spectacular 25-meter waterfall.
– The Passage Pommeraye: An elegant 19th-century arcade with beautifully decorated galleries and boutique shops.
– Le Lieu Unique: A cultural hotspot blending performances, concerts, exhibitions, and convivial spaces such as a bar, restaurant, bookshop, hammam, and even a nursery — where the essential meets the unexpected.
– Trentemoult: A quirky riverside neighborhood with colorful fishermen’s houses and vibrant street decor — a true change of scenery just a ferry ride away.

Nantes is located just 30 km from the Henri IV holiday village.