City rich with history
Explore Nantes’ heritage and the rich history of the city. There is a huge selection of things to do and tourist attractions, but here are some of the essentials:
The Bouffay District
This district is loaded with history and reminds what life in Nantes would have been like in the medieval times. Narrow streets, 15th century half-timbered houses including the famous "Maison des Apothicaires" or "hôtel des Jacobins", you will come across many typical and extraordinary details just by wandering through these streets with their many shops.
On the tracks of Jules Verne
The writer was born in Nantes in 1828, and most certainly had an effect on the city, as is born witness to by the different statues in homage to his works. From his birth-house (4 cours Olivier de Clisson), to the Jules verne museum (3 rue de l’Hermitage), passing via the places he lived that were the inspiration behind many of his works. Nantes will allow you to trace back over the life of the famous author.
The Pommeraye Arcade
This architectural masterpiece of the 19th century bears the name of its creator Louis Pommeraye and is a classified historical monument, housing several shops in a friendly and refined atmosphere. Right in the centre of Nantes, this arcade is a reference in Nantes. With an elegant glass roof and 3 different levels accessed by a wonderful staircase, an exceptional piece of ironwork artistry.
Graslin Theatre
On the square of the same name, this magnificent building from the end of the 18th century was designed by architect Mathurin Crucy, staging operas, musicals and other entertainment - a real curtain-raiser. The impressive façade on this Italian-style theatre, with eight Corinthian columns each surmounted by a draped muse stands out beautifully when lit up at night.
The Place Royal
This pedestrian square right at the heart of Nantes, the crossroads of a shopping district, provides the perfect setting for a break when you are visiting the town. Admire the famous blue-granite central fountain. Erected in 1865, it symbolises the city watching over the Loire river and its affluents as well as the key industries of Nantes.
Nantes and slavery
Nantes was a major port in the 17th century and saw many ships involved in the slave trade. Apart from the musée de Nantes at the Château des ducs de Bretagne, which has several rooms dedicated to this part of the city’s history, some of Nantes’ districts bear witness to this past. The banks of the Fosse quays saw the arrival of much merchandise acquired by the trade and the Ile Feydeau district was built up with the riches accumulated by the ship-owners.
