Nantes, the sixth-largest city in France and capital of the region, is located on the northwest coast of the country. The area in particular is known for its excellent public transportation system as well as its commitment to being environmentally friendly. You’ll find that the downtown area is very walkable, and there are a lot of historic buildings to enjoy. You also can’t call a visit to the city complete without sampling some of the dizzying array of cuisine available. If you are headed off to this European city, here are some places to stay, foods to eat and things to see:
-
Where to Stay Hotel Sozo is located just a short walk from the center of the city, and is an architecturally fascinating place to stay. Converted from an old church, many of the rooms feature stained glass windows and arched doorways. Previous visitors recommend asking for an upgrade upon checking in if you are staying more than a couple of nights, because the rooms tend to be small. Situated in the pedestrian area of the old center of Nantes is Hotel Pommeraye. This hotel has larger rooms and is in the center of an interesting and busy neighborhood, and within walking distance to the train station. Finally, if you’d prefer to stay a bit out of the main city area, consider Hotel Saint-Yves, a small hotel known for being full of character as well as immaculately kept.
-
Where to Eat One of the major reasons for visiting any area of France is to sample the delectable cuisine, and Nantes would be no exception! If you would like to try French cheeses and delicatessen specialities in a relaxed atmosphere, consider Le Casse Goutte. For a special evening out, Le Boudoir offers French specialties such as escargot, foie gras and some impressive desserts. As you wander through the city, you’ll come upon bistros, bars and small restaurants; stop in and enjoy a light meal or a drink, and soak up some of the culture.
- What to See Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, or the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, is located in the middle of Nantes. You can walk around the grounds, exploring the moat, ramparts and courtyard, for free. For a few euro, you can go inside and take the museum tour; previous visitors have called it extensive, very educational and well worth the money. There is also a restaurant and a gift shop inside. If you are into science fiction, art and history, then you won’t want to miss les Machines de L’ile, a museum dedicated to art and tourism, and featuring influences of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. Finally, there are cathedrals in the area that are architectural works of art. One of the most impressive is the Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul. This gothic cathedral is home to the tomb of Francois II, Duke of Brittany, among others.
If you are planning your visit to Nantes, you will want to absorb all of the details of this quaint French city, so be sure to pack your camera and perhaps a travel journal. Do you know of any other sites in Nantes that shouldn’t be missed? If so, let our readers know in the comments section below!
