Discovering Nantes

Nantes is one of those cities that captivates you from the moment you arrive. Situated on the banks of the Loire River, it combines history, creativity, and modernity with a natural charm that enchants. Walking through the pedestrian historic center, you discover lively streets, the majestic Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, and, if you follow the famous Green Line, you are immersed in an artistic route that crosses the city and leads you to surprising corners, murals, and contemporary installations. Nantes is also home to the Machines of the Isle, a fantastic universe inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci, where art and imagination become engineering, with the famous giant articulated elephant that leaves both adults and children speechless.

But if there is one place that makes Nantes a true destination for art lovers, it is its Musée d’arts de Nantes. With over two centuries of history and a collection spanning from the 12th century to the present, this museum is an essential gem. Its halls feature works by great European painting masters such as Watteau, Georges de La Tour, Delacroix, Ingres, Monet, and Courbet, alongside universal names like Tintoretto, Rubens, Rodin, Picasso, and Chagall. The dialogue with modern and contemporary art is constant, with prominent figures such as Kandinsky, Sonia Delaunay, and Sigmar Polke.

The city also offers green spaces like the Botanical Garden or the Île de Versailles, which houses a fantastic Japanese garden. In the center, at the beautiful Place Graslin, you’ll also find the Théâtre Graslin and the popular Passage Pommeraye, adding a cultural and aesthetic touch to any stroll. It is also worth visiting the Basilica of Saint-Nicolas and the impressive Nantes Cathedral, which provide an essential historical and architectural dimension to the city experience.

Nantes breathes art in every corner: from its squares and streets to the museum halls, everything seems designed for visitors to enjoy a complete cultural experience. It is a modern city with a high quality of life, one that surprises, inspires, and invites you to return.