HOST METROPOLIS

Wednesday 03 March, 2021

· 4 min read

Nantes

Stade de la Beaujoire – Information and access

Nantes Rugby Village – Information and access

From Château des ducs de Bretagne to Passage Pommeraye, from the arts Museum to the Machines Galery, every street in Nantes reveals its historical, architectural and artistic charms. Every year, follow the green line on the ground – changing at the rhythm of the ever-transforming city of Nantes - that guides you to permanent or temporary artistic creations, offering visitors a new way to travel.

DISCOVER NANTES

LES MACHINES DE L’ÎLE

Have you ever ridden a giant ant? Have you ever seen a 12m high Grand Elephant? Did you ever think one day you would see a gigantic mechanical aquarium? Les Machines de l'île, a unique arts project located in the former naval shipyards, invites you to dream and travel. Climb aboard the Grand Elephant, visit the Machines Galery, discover the Carrousel des Mondes Marins and take a walk along the Heron Tree's prototype branch.

Location
Parc des chantiers
Boulevard Léon Bureau
44200 Nantes

Access
Tram line 1 – Chantiers Navals
Chronobus 5 – Prairie au duc
Bike –Bicloo station 43 (Machines de l’île)

CHÂTEAU DES DUCS DE BRETAGNE

Set in the heart of the medieval quarter, discover the Château des ducs de Bretagne, an emblematic sight of the city, built at the end of the 15th century by François II and his daughter Anne de Bretagne. The fortress houses a residential palace of refined facades and Renaissance loggias. Numerous supported tours are on offer to fully discover this monument and its resounding modern museum! The sections on the Atlantic trade and slavery (in conjunction with the Memorial of the abolition of slavery) and on the two World Wars are internationally recognised.

Location
4 place Marc Elder
44000 Nantes

Access
Tram line 1 – Duchesse Anne
Busway 4 – Duchesse Anne
10’ walk from Gare de Nantes

LE PASSAGE POMMERAYE

There aren’t many European towns that can claim to have a more architecturally valuable shopping arcade. Built in 1843, it is still unchanged in the 21st century. Built on a steep incline the three floors are flanked by numerous shops and a monumental decorative staircase. It’s a haven for shoppers needing a fix and has inspired many artists, the film-maker Demy (Lola, Une chambre en ville) and the designer Tardi (The story of the unknown warrior).

Location
Rue de la Fosse
44000 Nantes

Access
Tram line 1 – Commerce

DISCOVER LOIRE-ATLANTIQUE

Muscadet Wine Trails
Clisson

The Loire-Atlantique region is home to the world's largest single-vineyard white wine appellation: Muscadet. There are three different wine routes to explore by car from Nantes.

La Brière marsh
Guérande

La Brière is the second largest marsh in France, an exceptional collection of natural environments and wetlands where 900 different plants have been identified and where thousands of water birds take shelter to hibernate.

PAYS DE LA LOIRE REGION

24 Hours of Le Mans museum
Le Mans

At the 24 Hours of Le Mans museum, discover the heroes who have made the legend of this century-old race, including 140 legendary vehicles and a unique collection of miniatures! You can also take a stroll through the streets of Vieux Mans, the medieval quarter where many films have been shot.

Angers

Discover Angers, the city where life is good, and don't miss its castle - the largest medieval fortress in the Loire Valley is home to the Tapestry of the Apocalypse -; the Cointreau distillery, famous for its orange-based liqueur, where you can create your own cocktail; visit the vineyards at Savennières...

BRETAGNE REGION

Rennes

Head to Brittany's capital for a shot of urban culture, but also of vegetation: you're in one of France's greenest cities. Zen but bustling, immerse yourself in Rennes, with its timber-framed buildings, concept stores, exhibitions, urban art and Art Nouveau!

Redon

With its village-like harbour, old town centre and arty wasteland, Redon is an invitation to take it easy. In the south of Brittany, the town is like an island inland. And its heritage? Packed with charm. Street art? An institution, like roasted chestnuts. Don't miss it... it's in season!