With a 2007 population of 790,000, Nantes is the sixth largest city in France and is the most important city in the Brittany region. Nantes is located close to the Atlantic Ocean at the confluence of the Loire, Erdre and Sevre Rivers. Nantes is known to be one of the most pleasant places to live in France -- in fact in 2004 Time magazine hailed Nantes as "the most livable city in all of Europe".
Nantes is a beautiful place indeed with a rich mix of wonderful historic buildings, cobbled streets, monuments, excellent museums, parks and a lively arts and cultural scene. There is also a large student population in Nantes.
If you like imposing medieval French castles, then the majestic Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, which served as the residence for the Dukes between the 13th and 16th century, is for you. Also impressive is the Gothic Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul as well as the Basilica of Saint-Louis. There are also many great museums including the Nantes History Museum which is located inside the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. Also of interest is the Fine Arts Museum of Nantes, along with the Natural History Museum. Favorite son Jules Verne has his own museum, appropriately named, you guessed it, the Jules Verne Museum.
Another great place to go is the Passage Pommeraye, a beautiful and elaborate three-story shopping Galleria constructed in the 1840s. The Place Royale is a historic square located in the heart of the city that was only recently renewed. From there walk along Crebillon and Orleans streets for a taste of Nantes' luxury boutiques. Yet another interesting visit is to the Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Gardens) for a wonderful example of a former French City Park. And top it all off by treating yourself to one of the most beautiful restaurant bars in all of France, the Brasserie la Cigale.
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