Credit: Shadé Owomoyela
5 min read
Brimming with historic architecture, lush green spaces and contemporary art, Nantes is the hidden gem you need to add to your city break bucket list…
When you picture a French city break, you’re probably envisioning a weekend in Paris soaking up the sights or a chic few days in Nice revelling in the sunshine of the Côte d’Azur.
But in north-western France you’ll find the Loire-Atlantique city of Nantes, an unexpected cultural hub on the banks of the Loire that’s making a play for the hearts of tourists and French citizens alike.
It was the first city to be named European Green Capital back in 2013, it’s one of the host cities for the 2023 Rugby World Cup and marks the start of La Régalante, a brand new 275km cycle trail from Nantes to Mont-Saint-Michel opening in spring 2024.
So, whether you’re keen to explore the city for its unique green status or indulge in the historic delights of Breton culture, here’s why Nantes should be right at the top of your city break bucket list…
It’s a culture lover’s dream
We don’t all have the patience for guided walking tours, but luckily the city’s green line offers the perfect alternative.
Inspired by the yearly summer art festival Le Voyage à Nantes, the 12km long green line marked throughout the city is designed to take you on a journey of contemporary art and historic heritage all year round, stopping off at over 50 temporary and permanent art installations.
From the Jardin des Plantes to the Jungle Intérieure, it’s the perfect way to take in the sights of this green city at your own pace.
If you’re partial to a spot of artistic immersion, Les Machines de l’île won’t disappoint. Located on the city’s former shipyard site, this Leonardo da Vinci-esque fairground opens the gates to all manner of mechanical animals and captivating structures.
Le Grand Éléphant – a gigantic, fully functional steel elephant that carries up to 50 passengers – is a particular favourite. It goes out for a walk to the equally remarkable Carousel des Mondes Marines (which you can also ride) about four times a day, squirting onlookers with water along the way.
You can even visit the workshop where these curious mechanical creatures are designed and tested. There’s a botanical-oasis-meets-repurposed-industrial-workshop in La Galeries des Machines, where machinists divulge the history and breathe life into the robotic animals that reside there.
The shopping scene has our approval
Shopaholics rejoice.
While it seems that Nantes has been busy cementing its green status over the last decade, its shopping scene is far from lacking.
For your fill of haute couture, Galeries Lafayette is really the only answer. Whether you pop in for a spot of window shopping or treat yourself in the name of bringing home a souvenir is up to you.
Credit: Shadé Owomoyela
But if you prefer a more unique retail experience, the Passage Pommeraye is a must. Akin to Picadilly’s Burlington Arcade, it’s a covered, three-tiered shopping mecca that maintains much of the original facade that was built in 1843 and is perfect to duck into if the weather’s taken a turn.
If the stunning neo-classical architecture doesn’t enrapture you, its selection of eclectic boutiques and gift shops definitely will. From an artisan chocolatier to a bespoke jeweller, the shops are organised in what can only be described as a hierarchy of luxury – the most expensive shops sit on the top floor and so on.
Credit: Shadé Owomoyela
It’s a lesson in Breton and colonial history
Credit: Shadé Owomoyela
Did you know that Nantes was once France’s most integral slave port, delivering over half a million captured Africans to slavery between the late 17th and early 19th century? Now you do.
It’s not a history that the city aims to shroud, but rather one they dutifully educate visitors on, and you need only to make your way to the Château des ducs de Bretagne for that to become clear.
Adorned with neo-gothic embellishments, this former castle of the dukes of Brittany was once the lifeblood of Nantes and now paints a picture of the metropolis it calls home.
Explore the history of the city across 32 rooms, from the colonial roots the city was built upon to the lighter-hearted history of Nantes’ emblematic delicacy, the LU biscuit.
If your love for history extends only as far as the appreciation of pretty architecture, a visit to Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes is highly recommended.
It’s a growing foodie haven
Credit: Shadé Owomoyela
Ahh, Les Tables de Nantes – the connoisseur-curated collection of the best restaurants in the city to sample local cuisine.
This pocket-sized book of recommendations is testament to the fact that Nantes is forging its way as a city with a serious offering of farm-to-table fare.
Sain, a family-run restaurant with an impressive menu but relaxed atmosphere, has a spot in Les Tables de Nantes and is also a firm favourite among locals. And with its selection of wines exclusive to the Loire region and seasonal dishes, from twists on the gâteau nantais to pork confit with spices, soy jam and heirloom tomato tartare, it’s easy to see why.
They’re serious about sustainability too – all of the dishes they create are made using organic produce from their farm in Guérande.
Credit: Shadé Owomoyela
Other spots worth a visit are La Civelle in the tiny fishing town of Trentemoult for delicious fresh fish and riverside dining, and La Maison Arlot Cheng for a melting pot of eco-conscious café, bakery and creative space on Île de Nantes.
The perfect seaside escape is just an hour’s drive away
Just like Brighton can be considered London’s unofficial seaside cousin, Destination Pornic is a perfect coastal escape that’s just an hour’s drive from Nantes.
Though it may look like a quaint fishing village, there’s much more to it than meets the eye.
Credit: Shadé Owomoyela
If pure relaxation is what you’re after, Alliance Hotel’s Thalasso therapy spa is an ocean-facing haven specialising in seawater treatments. Book in for a massage or simply spend the day enjoying the calming atmosphere of the spa and its many experiences.
Unleash your inner explorer with a walk, bike or horseback ride along the 45km of Pornic’s scenic coast or stay inland and enjoy the gardens at L’eco-domaine La Fontaine or Le Bois Roy.
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And no trip to the seaside is complete without an ice cream, which is why La Fraiseraie is a very important stop on your itinerary. This strawberry-focused delicatessen stocks jams, liqueurs, sweets and, most importantly, fresh strawberry sorbet.
While we’re all guilty of staying in our comfort zones and sticking to what we know, taking a chance on Nantes for your next city break escape will be well worth it.
Explore Nantes with Loire-Atlantique Développement and fall in love with your new favourite city.
Images: Shadé Owomoyela
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