Nantes

Background

Nantes was once an important port located 50 km up the Loire River. It grew rich on the triangular trade with Africa and the West Indies. Nantes is also famous for being the home of the science fiction writer Jules Verne. Rain is frequent, and beware if it's sunny because brief but fierce tempests have been known to appear unexpectedly. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat when going out. Winters are typically mild.

Several well known districts in Nantes:

Place du Commerce

This is the centre of the city and everybody will be able to direct you here. Near here you will find la Place Royale, le Quai de la Fosse, la rue Crébillon famous for its posh shops

Place du Bouffay

old Nantes, with many restaurants and known for foreign food. There are also many bars.

Talensac

famous for its market.

Decré

Á pedestrian shopping district close to Bouffay.

Ile de Versailles

An island in the river Erdre close to the city centre reach it from Tram line 2. The entire island is a Japanese garden and is a pleasant place to relax.

Rue Crébillon

semi pedestrian street at the junction of la place Royale and la place Graslin, where the main clothes shops are situated. Pour ceux qui ne compte pas leur argent for those who do not count their money.

Quai de la fosse

Bars and prostitutes on the week-end. Use to be called by locals Quai de la fesse Quay of Buttocks.

Butte St-Anne

west of the place du Commerce, in the quartier de Chantenay. Old buildings and a view of the former port.

Le quai des Antilles

A nice place to get a drink. Lots of bars and restaurants.