Visiting Nantes is a dream for many people. It is one of France's most beautiful cities and has a lot to offer. You will be amazed by the amazing cathedrals and historic buildings. The city is also known for its excellent cuisine and beautiful parks. The French people are very friendly and welcoming, so you will feel right at home!
Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Cathedral
Located in the heart of Nantes, the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul is a masterpiece of Gothic art. It was built over four centuries, and is considered to be one of the greatest works of Flamboyant Gothic art.
The cathedral has two crypts, one dating back to the 14th century, and the other from the 19th century. It is also home to the tombs of Marguerite de Foix and Francois II, the last Duke of Brittany. The church is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 6pm.
In addition to the Cathedral, there are several other highlights. Visitors should check out the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1801. There is a museum dedicated to the history of Nantes.
If you're a big fan of Jules Verne, you'll want to visit his museum. Located in a former bourgeois mansion, the museum offers a collection of signed manuscripts, photographs, and objects related to his life and work. The museum is presented in French, and the exhibits are creative and imaginative.
Les Machine de L'ile (Isle of the Machines)
Located in the city of Nantes, Les Machines de L'ile is a museum, street theatre and creative enterprise. Created by the design firm of Francois Delaroziere and Pierre Orefice, it is a unique attraction that evokes the mechanical world of Leonardo da Vinci and Jules Verne.
The museum features an enormous spider that moves along a branch, an elephant that rides the rails, and a carousel that has the largest number of cars. The gallery also displays drawings of each machine and a film about the creation's origins.
In addition to the giant spider, visitors can ride an elephant or sit on a giant caterpillar. They can also watch as a mechanical squid's tentacles shiver when pulled. And, they can take a look at the schematics for the machines.
There is also a wind tunnel flight simulator and a large open-air warehouse where the company's machinists build and repair their creations. There are also terraces, which allow visitors to see the construction site.
Le Falstaff
Considering it's one of the biggest cities in France, it's surprising that Nantes is not a better known destination. Nevertheless, there is more to see and do in this city than you might expect. It's also very reasonably priced, especially in the European shoulder season. It's easy to spend a whole day exploring this little city on the Loire River. The best part is that it's a very compact place. Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from, so no matter what your budget is, you're bound to find a good place to stay.
Giorgio Barberio Corsetti's Falstaff is a new production that re-imagines the tale. In this version, Alan Opie is the star of the show. As Falstaff, he's a bit of an egotist, but he's human. This makes for a more believable character, and a better story.
While the score by James Bolcom isn't quite the most impressive, it's filled with clever ensembles and extractable arias. The music is a bit overdone by the time the show ends, but it's a joy to listen to.
Le Nid
Whether you're visiting Nantes for one day or for a long holiday, you'll find there's plenty to see and do in the city. From street art to museums, there are a host of different attractions to see, and you'll find there's something for everyone. And when you're done with your sightseeing, you can always enjoy a few drinks at a stylish cocktail bar called Le Nid.
The restaurant is located in the historic city center, in the Bouffay neighborhood. It's an Art Nouveau-style brasserie, and it has a great interior, with colorful tilework and a beamed ceiling. It's also a good spot for seafood and wine.
The cafe has excellent reviews, and is perfect for a quick lunch. During the evening, you can enjoy music nights with a DJ. The prices for drinks are slightly higher than other venues. The terrace is a good spot for enjoying panoramic views of the city.
There's a great view of the Cathedral from the rooftop bar. You can even go up for free if you're a Nantes Pass holder.