Les Machines de L'ile
The Machines of the Isle of Nantes (Les Machines de l'île) is an artistic, touristic and cultural project. The project of Machines de l'île in Nantes aims to promote city's image and tries to build an identity as a creative metropole of dream and of fantasy.
Chateau des duc de Bretagne
Like all major French
cities, Nantes has a historic castle called the Château des ducs de Bretagne.
Until 1941 when the province of Brittany was separated, it served as the
province's center of authority. It is majestic in an alluring way.
Stade de la Beaujoire
Opened in 1984, this is the home of the Ligue 1 FC
Nantes Football club. If you have never been treated to classy European soccer
game, then this stadium is as good as any. The exuberance in the air when there
are home games is always palpable. Try to support the home team even if you do
not think they are all that and you will have a very easy time picking friends.
Cathédrale de Nantes
This is a Gothic Style cathedral located in the heart of the city of Nantes.
This is one of the most historic cathedrals, having taken 457 years to complete
after replacing a Romanesque cathedral in 1434. The cathedral is an important
landmark in Nantes.
Passage Pommeraye
This is an 1843 shopping mall located in the heart of Nantes. It is one of the
oldest buildings to host a shopping mall on earth and has been listed as
historic monument since 1976.
Place Royale
A large square surrounded with beautiful architecture. The fountain represents the river
surrounding and passing Nantes.
Several well known districts in Nantes.
Place du
Commerce :
This is the centre of the city and everybody will be able to direct you here.
Near here you will find la Place Royale, le Quai de la Fosse, la rue Crébillon
(famous for its posh shops)
Place du Bouffay :
Old Nantes, with many restaurants and known for foreign food. There are also
many bars.
Talensac :
Famous for its market.
Decré :
A pedestrian shopping district close to Bouffay.
Ile de
Versailles :
An island in the river Erdre close to the city centre (reach it from Tram line
2). The entire island is a Japanese garden and is a pleasant place to relax.
Rue Crébillon :
Semi pedestrian street at the junction of la place Royale and la place Graslin,
where the main clothes shops are situated. Pour ceux qui ne compte pas leur
argent (for those who do not count their money).
Quai de la fosse :
Bars and prostitutes on the week-end. Use to be called by locals Quai de la
fesse (Quay of Buttocks).
Butte St-Anne :
West of the place du Commerce, in the quartier de Chantenay. Old buildings and
a view of the former port.
Le quai des
Antilles :
A nice place to get a drink. Lot's of bars and restaurants.
