Nantes

Nantes is a cool city. I'm sure that most of you did not even hear about it as a tourist city. And that's fine, as there are almost no tourists here. Although city officials do a lot of the right things to attract them.

When we went to Nantes, we had no idea what to do there, despite the fact that the city is rather big by European standards.


But even our hotel was an attraction. Actually, it is apartment Surprenantes - Jules Verne (booking.com). The company owns a few apartments and we chose those which is decorated in the style of the novel "From the Earth to the Moon". Apartment is automatic, mini-safes with the keys are located near the entrance (google.maps). The location is perfect, one minute walk to a large supermarket and five minute to the island.




Design in the style of Jules Verne is not surprising, as Nantes is his hometown. House museum Musee Jules Verne de Nantes is located one kilometer further along the promenade.

There is a tourist line in Nantes, use it to visit all the sights.




The most interesting place in the city is the island of Nantes. Former port nowadays is being transformed into a residential area. The former warehouses are now cafes, exhibition halls and public places.


Collective work-out


Collective grill




City officials are trying to give the green light to an unusual residential and office buildings.








Across the city various art objects can be found. Follow this link and check the map of all objects.










Strange art object


The huge glowing earth


Curved football field, which must be viewed in a curved mirror.




Even pedestrian crossing is decorated in an unusual style


Former crane was painted in yellow and now it is an industrial art object.


Public henhouse in the middle of the street


One of the symbols of Nantes - Les Anneaux rings, established in 2007. It's the popular place where citizens spend their time in a numerous restaurants and public areas.




But the most unusual that the city can offer and why you should come here is a project "Machines of the Isle of Nantes" (http://www.lesmachines-nantes.fr/english). Imagine that you go through the city and see a giant mechanical elephant. In Nantes it is a reality, 12 meters elephant really walks on the island every day, roars and pour happy tourists with a water. Find here it's schedule.


The project is fully funded by the city government. This is the clearest example of how you can create a place of interest from scratch. Despite the fact that the project was unprofitable and may be even unprofitable now, the city still investing money. In 2011 a unique carousel "Sea Worlds", consisting of three floors, was built for 10 million euros. By purchasing a ticket, you can choose any two devices and ride them.
















In addition, there is a pavilion "Machines gallery" where live mechanical animals. All of them were built according to the drawings of Jules Verne and Leonardo Da Vinci.










The latest project at the moment (2016) is a "Tree of herons". This is an artificial tree on which you can walk.


Sleeping giant


There is also a fire-breathing dragon Long Ma, which was built for China in honor of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

And a giant spider La Princesse built for Liverpool.

In addition to the island, the city has a castle of the Dukes of Brittany (XIV-XVIII, Château des ducs de Bretagne) and the center, where you can walk.




A huge mirror area with a steam near the castle.




Graslin square


Huge potted plants. In 2013 Nantes was named the "Green Capital of Europe" (source). Vegetation only one of the reasons. In 1985 Nantes became the first French city with a modern tram.




There are few half-timbered houses


The fountain on the Royal square


Nantes Cathedral is one of the biggest in the country


Sainte-Croix church (1685 - 1860), former prison.






Passage Pommeraye (1841-43).


Tour Bretagne skyscraper offer views of the city from an observation deck, but we did not visit.


Be sure to visit the botanical garden (free admission). In addition to the wide range of art objects, listen here to the hidden audio speakers that emit different unusual sounds.






Dawn in Nantes


Getting there: Nantes has an airport. The easiest way to get to the center is by bus. Nantes is also an important railway junction.