Nantes Key Attractions

Nantes was the ancient capital of Brittany and is home to some superb examples of architectural heritage and some stunning natural sights. Whether you prefer historical attractions such as castles and cathedrals or natural landscapes such as parks and reserves, you will not be short of things to do and see in Nantes.

Audubon Marshland

This marshland is home to many species of birds. It is a popular place to come for a relaxing break and to enjoy the natural bird shows. During the summer months, silver herons, moor hens, ducks, hawks and storks can all be seen enjoying the marshes.

Canal de la Martinire

This canal dates back to the end of the 19th century and stretches over five kilometres. It was built to help with the passage of boats, although this project was abandoned before the building of the canal was completed. Today, the canal is used for hydraulic regulation equipment and is a popular area for sightseeing, sailing and fishing, while the surrounding nature trails make good walking territory. For avid bird watching, over 80 types of birds can be seen here throughout the year.

Cathdrale de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul

The construction of this cathedral began in 1434, but it was not completed until 1891. The cathedral displays a major Gothic influence and has an incredibly high nave and a stunning interior. It is home to several tombs including that of Franois II. The cathedral is an impressive sight and is still standing after a massive fire threatened to destroy the entire building in 1972. Damage was only limited to the roof and although the roof suffered extensive damage, a mass restoration project was undertaken to fix it. This is still going on today, with restoration work on the interior still underway.

Chteau des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany)

This is a medieval castle which dates back to the 13th century. It was the main home of the Dukes of Brittany and features magnificent towers, impressive moats and fascinating museums displaying information on art, culture and local history. It is one of Nantes most popular attractions and is especially busy throughout the summer period.

Fine Arts Museum

This museum is home to one of the finest collections of art in the whole of France. Works by artists such as Courbet, Picasso and Chagall can all be found here. The museum is a must-see if you are interested in art and it is a good way to introduce yourself to the French masters, as there is such a wide array of works on display.

Jules Vern Museum

Jules Verns house has been transformed into a museum and is now a memorial to his life and works. It is a fascinating place to visit, offering visitors the chance to see inside his home as well as displaying many useful pieces of information about this world-famous author.

National History Museum

This popular museum is home to zoological, botanical, pre-historic and ethnological collections as well as the enormous skeleton of a Rorqual whale, which is the largest animal that ever lived. There is a caf and a gift shop on-site as well as numerous smaller displays of local natural history.

Passage Pommeraye

This is a small passageway between two streets that has been turned into a highly impressive shopping centre. It is named after its developer, Louis Pommeraye. The construction took three years and was completed in 1843. It is covered with a glass ceiling and consists of three levels of shopping galleries, all offering an array of beautiful designer gifts. Whether you simply come to admire the architecture, do a spot of window shopping or treat yourself to a few items, this shopping centre is guaranteed to impress.