28 | 24 HOURS IN NANTES


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SHIPYARDS TO 19TH CENTURY CASTLES


Spiraling heights and moats of years gone by: welcome to Nantes.


BY SARAH PICKERING sarah@nitravelnews.com


WELL-KNOWN for its efficient port and ship-building ability, Nantes holds that European charm and elegance close to its chest- but not anymore.


Whilst visiting a ship building in the western


region of France the chance to spend a mere 24 hours in this charming little city arose and, of course, I had to make the most of it. Not knowing what to expect from somewhere not often spoken of, I packed my little backpack and off I set out on my solo adventure to find what hidden delights may reside here. Beautifully decorated spires danced above my head as I made it down its winding paths, each corner revealing a new church or museum to gaze in wonder at. Walk long enough and you are sure to stumble across a little square with what can only be described as the most picturesque Starbucks in Europe. With a coffee to go and a couple of hours to spare on this Sunday morning, people-watching and listening to the sounds of the streets seemed most appropriate. This too made sense as the picturesque part included La Basilique Saint Nicolas which sat idly by the globally-recognised coffee chain. The ultimate juxtaposition. Birds fill the air here as they soar above the now


busy streets. Shops lift their shutters and a local busker plays tunes for each passer-by. The world seems slow here. Not in a backward way, but in a relaxed charm, as though to allow visitors like me to take in every little sight. With a full belly and a hair-full of wind, I found myself strolling along the banks of the Loire River. Flowing calmly below, the clouds above began to break and the true beauty of Nantes was revealed under the sun’s dazzle. Once a capital during its Brittany era, Nantes showcases its historic charm through cobbled streets,


leading each


exploration of the city. Much hidden beauty sits still in the distance as you take your time through the network of stoned paths. Without a guide or map to lead the way through France’s sixth largest city, I let my legs take me wherever they desire, and came to do the doors of Les Machines de l'Île (Machine of the


Isles of Nantes). Arising from the city’s previous shipyard towered gargantuan animals, all formed with the same wood-like structure. Instantly catching the eye of the beholder, the seemingly out-of- place park brought a sense of intrigue and here I found myself wondering, eyes to the roof above,


for


hours. Once I put my reading skills to the test and some (questionable) GCSE French, the mysterious park turned to artistic appreciation as the park stands as a cultural project for both visitors and locals alike. Powered by steam, each mechanical structure moves, presenting a theme-park like theatre; unfortunately closed due to low season, Nantes keeps hold of me to return once more and delve into this mechanical world- the giftshop snoop has to satisfy my intrigue for this time being. As a walkable city, Nantes simply asks to be


explored. Back on the right bank of the Loire I continued until stumbling across a traditional-style castle. Its water moat curved around its exterior with its bold stonework standing strong above. Sheep graze in its shadow midst the castle gardens, whilst tortoises bask in the sun on a rock protruding from the water. Chateau des docs de Bretagne was once home to the Dukes of Brittany between the 13th and 16th centuries and stands rightly within the medieval quarter of the city. Restoration work on the castle began back in the 90’s, when the people of Nantes vowed to bring the castle back to its former glory. Fast-forward 15 years and the castle opened to the public to enjoy and learn of its history. Its museum sits within 32 castle rooms, each presenting a moment in time for the city of Nantes and this very building.


One


can spend a couple of hours exploring here,


or even


just taking in the beauty of the castle within its walls. Contrasting bright paint lines in the inner workings of the courtyard


makes for a fantastic spot to slow down and take in your surroundings. Alas, my 24 hour trip was rapidly closing and it was off to find a quick bite to eat before a spot of


further exploration. What’s a day trip without a


spot of shopping? It’s not something I often find myself doing on these trips but when one accidentally stumbles upon


the Pommeraye,


Passage they


r e alistically have no choice! A


steep


staircase line d with


balconies above,


each one lined with


d i f f e r e n t boutique


has the test of and


quaint shops. This small arcade stood


time considering it was built back in 1843; beautifully decorated


shop fronts entice each passer to enter its door and under its traditional store signage. One shop proved particularly popular - the Harry Potter shop. The novelty and dedication put into the showcase here was worth the look, even if not a huge Harry Potter fan. However, not enough for me to dawn. a robe and finish my self-guided walking tour.


Before the day breaks, I had time to squeeze in one


more sight before calling it a day. Passing the fountain now flowing rapidly in the centre square, I continued on a path, seemingly to nowhere. Once again the charming curved paths led to something spectacular, heightened through the sense of surprise as it appears like a fish out of water. There it was in all its beauty- Nantes Cathedral. Also known as the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes, the gleaming, gothic structure stands alone in what feels like the middle of a busy intersection. The road winds around the romanesque cathedral and it’s easy to understand why. Afterall, it took 457 years to complete the place of worship, finishing construction back in 1891. I am so very glad building persevered to the end as it stands out as such a symbol of dedication, culture and history of Nantes. Rightly buried here is Francis II, Duke of Brittany and his wife Marguerite de Foix. A fitting nod to its historical past. Pleasantly surprised and joyfully satisfied, Nantes


remains on my list of not-so-hidden gems in Europe and one many should explore before the day is long.


February 2026


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