Nantes is a beautiful city in the west of
France, located on the Loire River, just 50km from the Atlantic coast. The 6th largest city in France,
Nantes was described as the "the most livable
city in all of Europe
by Time magazine in 2004. In fact, many
French see Nantes as a desirable place to live for young professionals who
enjoy entertainment and the arts, but do not want to live in Paris.
Nantes has something to offer all types of
visitors. If historical sites are you
thing, be sure to visit the Chateau des ducs de Bretagne (Castle
of the Dukes of Brittany), the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and the Eglise Notre-Dame de Bon-Port (Basilica of Saint-Louis). Also worth a visit for history lovers is the Passage Pommeraye (19th century galleria with
shopping), the Place Royale (historic
square located in the heart of the city), and the Place Graslin (historic place
featuring the theatre of Nantes).
If you need a break from sightseeing, visit the beaches
in Pornic or La Baule, less than 1 hour drive away. Or attend one of Nantes many cultural
events, such as, the Estuaire (contemporary art exhibition), the Les
Rendez-vous de l'Erdre (jazz festival), or the Festival des trois continents (African,
Asian and South American cinema).