Known for years as une belle endormie (a sleeping beauty), today Nantes, France’s sixth-largest city, is alive and kicking.
A city of perfectly manicured parks and gardens, wide attractive boulevards and a pedestrianised old town full of medieval buildings, it’s no wonder that Nantes is often described as one of the best places to live in France. And, when it comes to entertaining tourists, it’s pretty impressive too.
As the former capital of Brittany and one of the first industrial cities in France, this place boasts a history that rivals any in Europe and is packed with historical goodies at every turn. Imposing Gothic cathedrals, 10th century castles, regal looking squares and 19th century shopping arcades; they’re all here and more. And, with a young student population, as well as a whole host of bars, pubs and jazz cafes dotted around the city, it is safe to say that Nantes is one of the hippest cities in France at the moment. All sounds good so far!