Nantes: a city to be discovered.
Nantes is a city situated in Pays de la Loire that has been brought to European attention this year after obtaining the title of Green Capital of Europe. For this reason, it is a great opportunity for us to present this vibrant city to you.
Over the years, Nantes and its surrounding region have gained an impressive cultural wealth. To name but a few: mythical characters such as Francois II and Anne de Bretagne, Duke and Duchess of Brittany, Jules Verne and Aristide Briand, have contributed to the city’s pride and fame. In the heart of the city stands a well-preserved castle named after Anne de Bretagne and her father (Francois II): Le Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, a few streets away stands Jules Verne’s birthplace and the Cathedral Saint Pierre and Saint Paul, where the bodies of Francois II de Bretagne and his wife lay. Beyond those cultural jewels, Nantes has far more to offer. Apart from its historical institutions and must-see places, ephemeral rendezvous take place throughout the year.
Nantes: Green Capital 2013
The city will host events related to its new status for people willing to discover its green-side. It is the first French city to obtain this title granted by the European Commission, which rewards strong commitments to good environmental practices. This highlights Nantes’ urban involvements and innovations that will lead the city to a sustainable future. Following on from this project, it will focus on four different themes during a year: water, biodiversity, climate and transport. On this special occasion, events and conferences will take place in the Green Capital; The Aeroflorale II, an impressive “flying greenhouse” of 16 meters height, will embody this event.
Machînes de l’île :
Situated in the Isle of Nantes, a short walk from the city centre, this original and innovative attraction is for all ages. The Machine de l’ile is an unprecedented artistic project, a blend between the invented worlds of Jules Verne, the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci, and the industrial history of Nantes. This project took possession of the banks of the Loire River under the name of Great Elephant, Manta Ray or Sea Snake, which are gigantic animated machines taking a walk among the crowd.
Le Voyage a Nantes : The city turned upside down by art.
The Journey to Nantes was launched in 2012 to promote Nantes’ cultural wealth through a touristic trip across town mixing arts, history, gastronomy and entertainment. For that special occasion, a “pink line” was outlined in the streets of Nantes to guide visitors throughout the city from the most famous venues to hidden corners. Ephemeral places were built such as “Le Nid” a bar located at the 32th floor of the Bretagne tower or Stations Gourmandes which are kitchen garden spread in the city. This inspiring initiative has been proved successful and the 2013 version should come into being this summer, with slight differences though.
Royal de luxe
Royal Deluxe is a worldwide famous theatre company that has been performing in Nantes for more than 10 years, presenting several unusual and fascinating shows to Nantes’ public. Each year they come back to town to present new theatrical street performances and impressive shows (or new versions) such as “The Giantess of the Titanic and the deep-sea diver “ or “El Xolo” during which giant marionettes walk the city enchanting both young and young-at-heart.
Le Lieu Unique:
If one wants to visit an unusual place and get off the beaten tracks: the Lieu Unique might be the place to be. The Lefèvre-Utile factory is one of the most famous emblems of Nantes, where the LU biscuit was born in 1886. It has, since then, been one of the favourite biscuits of France. Restored in 1998, the factory has been converted into a bar, restaurant, concert hall, bookstore and a hamman; in an unusual and historical place called Le Lieu Unique. The LU is a space where art, culture and conviviality come together through a rich and varied cultural programming mixing theatre, dance, circus, music and so forth. The iconic tower of the former factory, with a view on the city, can also be visited.
Culinary specialities:
After a fascinating but exhausting trip across town, a gourmet break is the perfect opportunity to have some rest. And it might be a great occasion to cross the Place Royale, where a beautiful fountain stands in the heart of the city, and then head for Le Passage Pommeraye, a beautiful 19th century covered passage where one will find the Maison Larnicol offering plenty of culinary delights such as Kouign Aman, a speciality from Brittany or stop by a Boulangerie Patisserie nearby and savour a delicious slice of gateau nantais.
If one feels like popping in Nantes for a short stay or setting up in Pays de la Loire to discover its regional heritage, feel free to have a look at our property portfolio in Pays de la Loire and Brittany. You might find something worth moving there!