Nantes, the sixth-largest in France, is a city full of interesting landmarks like the castle and the cathedral. In addition, there are plenty of trendy venues and technological fantasy to enjoy. Nantes is famous for its vineyards that produce Muscadet white wine.
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is in the Loire-Atlantique département of France and was the residence of the Dukes of Brittany between the 13th and 16th centuries.
The Nantes History Museum is located inside the castle spread out over 32 castle rooms. The museum tries to symbolize the past dating back to the 17th century, the present, and the future of the city of Nantes.
When you walk the 500 meter round walk on the fortified ramparts you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the town as well as the castle buildings and courtyards.
ANOTHER SIGHTSEEING IDEA near the castle is Place du Bouffay, a pedestrian area between the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, Saint Pierre Cathedral et la Place du Commerce. This ancient medieval quarter of Nantesvieux is known for its Breton culture and for the pubs and restaurants.
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul are next to each other. In other words, it makes for convenient sightseeing.
The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes took 457 years to finish construction, i.e. from 1434 to 1891 when construction was completed. This Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral is built on the site of a Romanesque cathedral and is listed (since 1862) as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.
Damage over the years:
Inside the cathedral is the tomb of Francis II, Duke of Brittany, and of his wife Marguerite de Foix, the (parents of Anne of Brittany).
In addition, ANOTHER SIGHTSEEING IDEA close by is La Chapelle de l’Oratoire.
Feel like a ride on an elephant? Well, in the case of The Great Elephant (2007) you will be riding inside the elephant rather than on the elephant. This mechanical elephant (an inexact replica of The Sultan’s Elephant from Royal de Luxe) is made from 45 tons of wood and steel and is 12 meters (39 ft), and 8 meters (26 ft) meters wide. In other words, it can comfortably take up to 49 passengers for a 45-minute walk!
There are many different mechanical animals on display.
How to get to it: Take tramway line 1 to Chantiers Naval. After that, walk across the bridge.
The Nantes Botanical Garden, situated just outside the main train station (North exit), covers 7 hectares of green space in the centre of town. Put on your walking shoes and immerse yourself in this enchanting garden, which is among 4 major botanical gardens in France.
This beautiful and well-known 19th-century shopping mall is located between Rue Crébillon and Rue de la Fosse.
Located on the Butte Sainte Anne, the recently restored museum has a very good collection of memorabilia and objects associated with Jules Verne.
In addition, there is a lovely view of the port of Nantes.
South African born Nataniël enjoys spending time, with his brother in a famous cooking show (Edik van Nantes), in Nantes. The interview with Marc le Rest is in English, with a brief introduction in Afrikaans.
Nantes is about 385 km from Paris.
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