Nantes, France's sixth-largest city, lies on the Loire estuary in the west of France, some 50 kilometres from the Atlantic coast. A former commercial and maritime centre of Brittany, the city boasts a strong historical and cultural heritage. Nantes was the capital of the independent duchy of Brittany back in the Middle Ages and came to be a key trading port in the 18th century, thanks to its strategic position at the Loire, Erdre and Sevre rivers. Today, the city remains a prosperous and popular part of Western France. Its impressive Chateau, the cobbled streets and the charming half-timbered houses in the medieval Bouffay quarter still remind visitors of Nantes' glamorous past. But the city has more to offer than just history. There is a lively art scene, a strong culinary background as well as a thriving and young nightlife - thanks not least to its nearly 50,000-strong student population.

The impressive cathedral Saint Pierre Saint Paul is home to the tombs of Francois II, the last duke of Brittany, and his second wife Marguerite de Foix. Construction of the Gothic building started in 1434 and lasted for four centuries. West of the cathedral lies the historic medieval quarter of Bouffay which has retained much of its old charm. A stroll alongside the cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, some dating back to the 15th century, feels like a step in time back to the Middle Ages. A good way to see the town is by climbing the Tour Lu. This picturesque tower of the old LU biscuit factory offers an impressive panoramic view of Nantes. The contemporary arts centre based inside the building regularly hosts top cultural events.

Nantes boasts 1,000 hectares of green areas open to the public, with some 1 million plants produced every year. Visit the Jardin des Plantes botanical garden to see a priceless collection of exotic plants from America, Asia and Africa. The Nantes Tourism Office organises a variety of general and themed tours of the city. If you're in Nantes for only a day, the "one day,one town" shows you the city's top attractions and
comprises a cruise on the Erdre river, a traditional lunch and refreshments at the famous La Cigale restaurant.

Nantes is home to many top-quality restaurants serving traditional French cuisine, regional specialities and international dishes. Menus are dominated by fish and seafood, such as oysters, which are readily available in most of Nantes' restaurants due to the city's proximity to the sea. Make sure you don't miss out on the excellent regional wines!

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