The Whimsy of Nantes

Nantes, France is a city with a dual nature. A port city though inland, art works that nod to the cities working class roots, and a food scene that befits its place close to the Loire valley yet firmly in Brittany. My visit was prompted by an article in The Sunday Times, which called out how Nantes is an overlooked city.

Perhaps influenced by Jules Verne, who was born there in 1828, Nantes celebrates public art and mechanical wonders. Zeus, the mechanical horse from the opening of the Paris Olympics was built in Nantes and is currently on display. Les Machines de l’Ile is housed in the former shipyards and features a 39 foot tall mechanical elephant. The elephant is lifelike and mesmerizing but also intimidating. It’s big.

Giant Wellies at the Cantine (Copy)

Le Grand Elephant (Copy)

Street Art (Copy)

Zeus the Mechanical Horse (Copy)

Place Royale - William De Haan (Copy)

Street Chandeliers (Copy)

Jardin des Plantes (Copy)

L'Arbre a Basket (Copy)

There are a wonderful restaurant and market options that feature food from the region, which is rich and abundant. One of the great features of Nantes is the green trail, which circles through the city’s highlights, including the Chateau des Ducs, Marche de Talensac, Musee d’Arts, Musee Dobree, as well as other places already mentioned. The city features a solid tram and bus transportation system.

Nantes is a great destination, and a must see if touring Brittany or the Loire valley. It’s about three hours from Paris by train. If driving, you can also visit the chateaus of the Loire valley.