The Machines de l’Ile is an artistic and a tourist project. It is a blend of the invented worlds of Jules Verne, the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci, and the industrial history of Nantes, on an exceptional site in the former shipyards. A ride on the 12-meter tall Great Elephant, climb aboard the Marine Worlds Carrousel of 27 moving sea creatures or the Heron Tree to fly over the hanging gardens.

The Botanical Garden: at the heart of plants The Botanical Gardens of Nantes, with 7 hectares of green spaces in the centre of town, more than 10,000 living species, 800 square metres of greenhouses and more than 50,00 flowers planted each season, holder of the Remarkable Garden label, is among the four leading botanical gardens in France. The collections have developed and specialised over 150 years. The Botanical Garden, which is both a scientific and a pleasure garden, has become a world reference, especially for its camellia collection which is unique in France, for the culture of epiphytic* plants in a semi-natural setting and for its permanent concern for the re-introduction of rare species. As an example we will cite the wild tulip, which disappeared in the 1970s and was reintroduced in 2010 in the vineyards of the region. Its great beauty in all seasons and its remarkable specimens (Hectot's Magnolia, American tulip tree and more recently a Wollemi pine, etc.) make the Botanical Garden a major tourist attraction in Nantes, visited every year by more than 1.2 million visitors. * Plants that grow on other plants without being parasites. The Botanical Garden Rue Stanislas-Baudry - Nantes Summer: 8:30 am - 8 pm Spring, autumn: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm Winter: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Tram line 1, SNCF train station stop Bus 12, SNCF train station stop Greenhouse visit (by reservation) Wednesday: 3:15 pm Thursday: 12:30 pm Friday: 3 pm Saturday: 3 pm and 4 pm (all year round); 5 pm (from 15 January to 17 November). Sunday: 10 am, 11 am, 3 pm and 4 pm (all year round); 5 pm (from 15 January to 17 November). Additional services Orangery cafe Restaurant - Tearoom Merry-go-round All year round from 10 am to 6 pm

Located in the historic heart of Nantes, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a landmark of the city's urban heritage. It was built at the end of the 15th century by François II, the last Duke of Brittany, and then by his daughter, Anne of Brittany, twice Queen of France. A château steeped in six centuries of history, it houses a residential palace with refined facades and Renaissance-style loggias. At the heart of the medieval quarter of Nantes, its courtyard, ramparts and moat are accessible to the public. A public square, it welcomes you for a moment of relaxation or during major cultural events.

A narrow passage covered with a glass ceiling consisting of three levels of shopping galleries.

Temporarily Closed This Gothic cathedral features a high nave and many tombs, including that of François II.

Throughout Nantes, you’ll find a green line painted on the ground. All year long, it will lead you to the most unexpected places: from a work or art by a great contemporary artist to a remarkable example of our architectural heritage, from classic sites to undiscovered treasures, from a historical side street to a contemporary building, or from a surprising view of the city to a sunset on the Loire estuary! This public collection of roughly one hundred works by major artists is one of a kind in France, inviting visitors to discover the region in all its splendour. Every summer, the green line throughout the city grows richer with ever more exciting features: contemporary artworks, great exhibitions, street furniture to stop and rest, artistically revamped shop signs, and more. Fun awaits you on the baks of the Loire!

Perugino, Watteau, Delacroix, Soulages, Bill Viola to name but a few. The Musee d'arts de Nantes has works on display by many internationally renowned artists and every artistic period is represented by magnificent artworks. Premodern art includes « The Dream of St Joseph » by Georges de La Tour and « Diana the Huntress » by Orazio Gentileschi. The 19th, century collection features the extraordinary « Portrait of Madame de Senonnes » by Ingres and « The Wheat Sifters » by Courbet. The Modern art collection includes « Black Grid » by Kandinsky and « Water Lilies » at Giverny by Monet, and contemporary art is represented by « La Belle Mauve » by Martial Raysse and « Flea Market Lady » by Duane Hanson, among others.