Welcome to Nantes

You can take Nantes out of Brittany (as when regional boundaries were redrawn during WWII), but you can't take Brittany out of its long-time capital, Nantes (Naoned in Breton).

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Spirited and innovative, this artsy city on the banks of the Loire has a history of reinventing tself. It was founded by Celts around 70 BC and in AD 937 it joined the duchy of Brittany. The Edict of Nantes, a landmark royal charter guaranteeing civil rights to France's Huguenots (Protestants), was signed in Nantes by Henri IV in 1598.

By the 18th century Nantes was France's foremost port, and in the 19th century – following the abolition of slavery – it became an industrial centre; the world's first public transport service, the omnibus, began here in 1826. Shipbuilding anchored the city's economy until the late 20th century and when the shipyards relocated westwards to St-Nazaire, Nantes transformed itself into a thriving student and cultural hub.

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Top experiences in Nantes

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Nantes activities

$9.51 Sightseeing Tickets & Passes

Chateau des ducs de Bretagne Skip The Line Ticket

Discover the Château des ducs de Bretagne built at the end of the 15th century by François II, the last Duke of Brittany and then his daughter, Anne of Brittany, twice Queen of France. A castle with eight centuries of history, a palatial Renaissance residence of sophisticated sculpted façades and Renaissance ‘Grand Logis’. The castle, which sits between grandeur and renewal, is home to the History of Nantes Museum and its contemporary scenography. It paints a portrait of the city from its origins to the modern metropolis of today. The history of the castle unfolds and unique historical objects relate the role played by Nantes in the European slave trade, daily life in Nantes during the two world wars and the major local industries (LU, BN, etc). In total, more than 1,150 artefacts are on display across 32 rooms. The museum also reveals its own remarkable architectural secrets. TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS We call them Vikings - From 16 June to 18 November 2018 From 793 to 1066 AD, the Vikings, simultaneously depicted as traders, looters, navigators and explorers, played a major role in much of Europe. They were originally from Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway and some regions of Finland).  Much of our ‘recorded knowledge’ of the Vikings was written by their enemies of the time. Today, the notion of ‘Viking’ often refers to words such as ‘piracy’, ‘looting’ and ‘violence’. Yet we often have a false idea of these men of the North.  The exhibition offers a current look, based on the latest scientific discoveries and the updating of exceptional original objects covering a multitude of themes: religion and mythology, honour, funeral worship, life after death, arts and crafts, economics and trade, social fabric / identity of the individual, navigation and shipbuilding, the reputation of Viking warriors and the runes ... Free for children under 18 years old.
$42.82 Sightseeing Tickets & Passes

North West of France Multi City Pass

Four towns in the west of France come together to present their heritage, from the artistic to the gastronomical, the architectural to the natural, the historical to the contemporary. The journey combines known tourist and cultural sites (such as Château des ducs de Bretagne, the ramparts of Saint-Malo...), with more secret and nonetheless surprising sites. Experience the urban and artistic creativity in Rennes and Nantes. Brush up against varied landscapes. Return to remarkable episodes from history (the corsairs of Saint-Malo, Belle Époque architecture in Dinard…). Comtemplate the grandeur of the sea giants built in the shipyards of Saint-Nazaire. Discover at Mont-Saint-Michel... The Pass is valid from June 16th to November 18th 2018 (from the start of the first exhibition to the end of the last).  Includes admission to: In Nantes . Le Château des ducs de Bretagne with its exhibitions: Rock ! Une histoire nantaise and We call them Vikings . Le Musée d’arts de Nantes (Fine Arts Museum) . Les Machines de l’île (admission to the Marine Worlds Carrousel or the Galerie des machines) In Rennes . The exhibition of the Collection Pinault Debout ! at the Couvent des Jacobins, as well as the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum) In Saint-Malo . Discovering Saint-Malo by sea aboard the sea shuttle In Le Mont-Saint-Michel . The abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel by night (from july 7th to septembre 1st) + and discounts for: In Saint-Nazaire: Escal’Atlantic, in Saint-Coulomb:  Malouinière de la Ville Bague
$42.82 Tours & Sightseeing

Mobile Wifi Everywhere in Nantes

Rent your personal 4G mobile hotspot, and enjoy internet where and when you want in Nantes, share your memories instantly with your friends and family. Save on incredibly high data roaming coasts. You are unlimited. Absolutely unlimited data and you can share the connection with 10 WiFi enabled devices, simultaneously. Feel free to share it with your friends or family.The connection is ultra-fast if you are covered with 4G. If 4G is not available in your area, then you will be connected to the 3G+ or 3G network. You will receive your hotspot in a protective cover directly at your hotel or any place in Nantes city centre.Just turn on the personal hotspot, on your WiFi enabled device (Smartphone, tablet, laptop or other), choose the hotspot's network name and you're connected. At the end of your rental, you just have to drop your package in any mailbox you can see! Ready to enjoy your stay in France!
$42.63 Transfers & Ground Transport

Low Cost Private Transfer From Nantes Atlantique Airport to Nantes City - One Way

Don’t exhaust yourself with delays and problems in public transport. Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will bring you to your location in Nantes quick and safe. You will be awaited by your private driver in the arrival terminal holding a sign with your name on it. When your flight is delayed, do not worry, your driver will monitor your flight and be there when you arrive. He then will help you with your luggage and lead you to the car. Once you and the driver double-checked the location address you provided us with he will take you straight to your destination in Nantes. Enjoy the drive past the famous Château des ducs de Bretagne and the iconic Nantes Cathedral while the driver takes you to your destination. To guarantee that no problems will occur we ask you to provide us with your flight number and the address of destination in Nantes. With these details your private driver will monitor your flight and make sure to be there when you arrive. We will supply you with a travel voucher that you can present to your private driver.
$35.68 Tours & Sightseeing

Sightseeing Segway Tour of Nantes

Meet your guide near Place Royale, in the heart of Nantes. Learn how to operate your Segway for the first 10 minutes after a safety briefing, and then set off with your guide to explore the city. Ride along the banks of the Erdre. Take the way by the Cathedral and the famous Castle. Discover the history of the Bouffay's district. Follow your guide through the historic center and listen to his stories about the city's monuments and landmarks. The tour concludes roughly one hour after you’ve hopped aboard. Note that Segway riders must weigh between 100 pounds (45 kg) and 260 pounds (118 kg). The appointment is 5 minutes before going on tour, at the agency : 9 Rue des Vieilles Douves, 44000 Nantes
$35.68 Outdoor Activities

Machines' Island

A fabulous trip in the heart of the famous Machines of the island of Nantes aboard our Segway. Come to discover this space of exhibition and animation which will seduce the youngest as well as the greatest: the Machines of the Island . From the city center, this walk offers a unique setting along the Loire. The big spaces allow to live a Segway 100% FUN and 100% original ! Segway Segway is self-stabilized , its grip is available to all and takes only minutes! An initiation is provided before departure, by your authorized Segway guide. PROGRAM : Start at the agency Mobilboard - Place Royale - Courthouse - The Carousel of the Marine Worlds - The Crane Titan - The Rings of Buren - The Elephant of Nantes - The Banana Shed - back Place Royale. Useful information : From 2 people and up to 8 people. For groups (+ 8): contact us. The appointment is at the agency Mobilboard, 5 minutes before the start of the ride. The agency is located near the Place Royale de Nantes. Suggested parking lot : Gloriette, Commerce or Tour Bretagne parking lot. Conditions for the practice of the Segway Segway: Minimum weight 45 kg and 118 kg maximum. People under 45 kg and from 10 years old can go for an electric scooter ride. Thank you for contacting us. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The Segway PT is not accessible to pregnant women. The Segway is not recommended for people with an inner ear problem. Terms of cancelation : Offer not cancellable and non-refundable. Departure guaranteed and maintained in case of rain. Any delay of 10 minutes is considered a cancellation and can not be refunded, but the service may be postponed according to the availability of the agency within 1 month. For more information :Mail: nantes@mobilboard.com Tel: 02 40 75 69 47 Appointment at the agency: 9 Rue des Vieilles Douves, 44000 Nantes
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