Jan
10
Nantes Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under France
A trip to Nantes
Nantes is the leading city of France’s Brittany region and is notorious for being a very wet town sitting along the Loire River. It’s only about 30 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and seas a considerable amount of rainfall all year. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re liable to enjoy pleasant temperature marked by sudden (and sometimes unexpected) downpours; so it goes without saying to pack your umbrella. The rain does not however ruin the experience.
Flights to Nantes
Nantes-Atlantique International Airport facilitates regular connections to Lyon and Paris as well as other French cities. You can also find regular flights to London aboard the discount airline, Ryanair. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Nantes try Thomas Cook.
From the airport, a regular bus shuttles passengers to the city centre in 20 minutes; and tram line 2 also runs back and forth between the city centre and the airport.
TGV trains from Paris take around 2 hours to reach Nantes; regular lines also run to Charles de Gaulle Airport and Lille. Regular bus services arrive daily from Paris, as do Eurolines buses from the UK. By car, the main route into Nantes is the A11 from Paris. The N137 and the N165 also pass through Nantes. You can use local public buses to get around town although taxis aren’t hard to come by.
Nantes
Sightseeing in Nantes
In ancient times, Nantes was the capital city of Brittany and it still boasts much of the ancient architecture that grew up along Loire Valley. The Cathédrale de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul was originally begun in the 15th century; however, construction took more than 400 years to complete. It’s an impressive Gothic church that has survived a fair share of cataclysm and near destruction.
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is an impressive fortification dating back to the early 13th century. Today it is girdled by a moat, houses a few museums and fosters a steady flow of tourists all year long. Another interesting museum is the Jules Vern house, a veritable tribute to this author’s life’s work.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Wherever you are in France, you will find that dining out is an important affair. The entire city plays host to an impressive array of eating and drinking establishments catering to every budget. In the downtown area, the finest hotels are operated in conjunction with the five-star hotels. The less expensive side of dining is still worthwhile however at the many cafés and creperies in Nantes.
Local favourites range from fresh-water fish, courtesy of the abundant marshland and lakes. Frogs legs and eels are prepared in a reduction of garlic and wine then seasoned with parsley. Crepes are a local delicacy, served with any number of delicious fillings ranging from sweet to savoury.
The nightlife in Nantes covers all tastes. In addition to nightclubs and discos, local theatre is also a popular way to pass an evening. The University of Nantes hosts regular programmes during the cold season. Dance lessons and choral shows are also open to the public.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
The Passage Pommeraye is a world-famous shopping centre that was designed and built in the 19th century. These high-priced boutiques and luxury retailers may have more window shoppers than anything, but it’s a worthwhile place to browse some of Nantes’ finery. Rue Jean Jaurés is a popular market with goods that range from antiques to locally produced art and handicrafts. A flea market convenes here on Saturday mornings.
Daytrips
Located just off the Normandy coast, north of Nantes and within daytrip distance from the city, is the fascinating Mont Saint Michel. Rated as one of the world’s wonders, Mont Saint Michel is a medieval fortress village on an island which boasts a magnificent abbey dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
The popular tourist city of La Rochelle is also located within daytrip distance from Nantes and offers attractions including the Vieux Port, a heavily fortified historic port, and the popular La Rochelle Aquarium.
Just outside of the city limits and situated on the River Erdre is the small island of Ile de Versailles. The entire area of this tiny island is dominated by beautiful Japanese gardens. Taking a boat trip along the river and then going for a stroll in the relaxing surrounds of the Japanese gardens makes for a wonderful daytrip from the hustle and bustle of Nantes.
Must-see attractions
One of Nantes must-see attraction, Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany), can be found on the banks of the River Loire, which runs through the Nantes, formerly the capital of Brittany. The castle looks particularly beautiful at night when its historical features are enhanced by the surrounding spotlights.
The Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral, Cathédrale Saint Pierre et Saint Paul de Nantes, is another must-see sight on a visit to Nantes. The cathedral’s 13th century structure took over 400 years to complete and is stunning to admire from the outside and equally majestic on the interior. The tomb of Francis II, Duke of Brittany, is just one of the many tourist attractions inside the cathedral.
For shopping, eating and old town attractions, visit the Place du Bouffay and the nearby Décre, popular for its pedestrian shopping district. In addition, Quai des Antilles is also a pleasant place to sample the local Muscadet and Gros Plant wine or the local oysters.
Best time to go
It rains fairly frequently throughout the year in Nantes, but slightly less during the warm summer season when temperatures average between 22˚C and 24˚C. Winters are mild and a good time to visit the city, and when accommodation prices are reduced compared with high season prices. Whatever time of year you decide to visit Nantes, the best advice is to have an umbrella and a raincoat at the ready.
Rainy day suggestions
With rain being so frequent throughout the year in Nantes, rainy day suggestions can come in useful. Indoor interests, particularly if you are a fan of the works of Jules Verne, can be found at the Museum and Native House of Jules Vern, located within the city.
Also of interest is the internationally popular Musée des Beaux Arts, a fine arts museum built around an atmospheric French courtyard where visitors can view the works of Italian primitive artists in addition to French contemporary artist.
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