Nantes Bus - Nantes Bus - Nantes Sightseeing

Nantes was founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD as Portus Namentus on the site of an earlier Celtic settlement. At the end of the 10th century, the Duchy of Brittany was established here. Nantes is widely known as the city where the Edict of Nantes was signed, a document giving Protestants freedom of religion and ending the bloody religious wars with Catholics. With the 19th and 20th centuries came significant industrial and cultural development of Nantes - the first high-speed streetcar network in France was established here, and a university was opened.

Nantes - sightseeing, major attractions of the city

Nantes is a city full of attractions and very diverse, ideal for sightseeing and relaxation. What is worth seeing here?

Place Royale

The main square in Nantes was built at the end of the 18th century. In its center is a fountain with classical sculptures.

Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

This large-scale, 13th-century building was erected for Prince Francis II, and over time it was also favored by successive rulers of Brittany. Over the centuries, the residence was rebuilt and enriched with defensive walls, residential or administrative buildings. The last elements of the fortress were erected in the 18th century so that today the castle represents a mixture of several styles. It was here in 1598 that the world-famous Edict of Nantseh, introducing religious tolerance, was signed. Today, inside the castle you can visit a museum presenting the history of Nantes.

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Nantes

This temple began construction in 1434 in the Flamboyant Gothic style, characterized by impressive stained glass windows resembling flames. Outside, its towers are more than 60 meters high, while its interiors hide many beautiful sculptures, bas-reliefs and the Renaissance tombs of Francis II and his wife Margaret de Foix.

Les Machines de l'Île

Under this name is a remarkable machinery park by Pierre Orefice and François Delarozière, combining the work of Nantes-born Julius Verne with the machine designs of Leonardo da Vinci. The place is full of impressive constructions as if from steampunk novels, such as giant insects. You can take a ride on a 12-meter mechanical elephant or a huge ship-like carousel.

Nantes Art Museum

Here you can admire collections of paintings from the 13th century to the present day, as well as a sizable collection of sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries. There are works by famous painters, including Rubens, Delacroix and Bruegel the Elder.

Parks and green spaces in Nantes

In the once industrial Nantes, following the example of other post-industrial cities, you can find many places full of greenery, squares, interestingly arranged parks and gardens. There are really a lot of them - Nantes is considered one of the greenest cities in France and is famous for its numerous shrubs and magnolia trees. Especially noteworthy is the Île de Versailles, a Japanese park located on an artificial island in the Erdre River. Also worth a visit is the Jardin des Plantes, the city's botanical garden of more than 7 hectares, to see plants pruned into fanciful and playful shapes. There you can also find interesting sculptures, greenhouses or a palm house.

Trentemoult

Trentemoult is a former fishing village on the other side of the Loire River. The place has an unusual, artistic atmosphere and is famous for its colorful houses and numerous cafes and small pubs.