Nantes

Nantes was once the main French port in the transatlantic slave trade—around 43% of the country’s slave ships sailed from here in the 18th century. In an effort to confront its past, the city has undertaken a significant political initiative to keep alive the memory of this dark chapter. The Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery, the largest of its kind in Europe, is part of that effort. It opened in 2012 on the Quai de la Fosse, the same riverbank where many of those ships once set sail. The memorial stretches along the Loire and leads underground into a quiet, contemplative space, marked with names of slave ships, key dates, and quotes from around the world. It’s a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the city’s former wealth—and a place to pause and reflect.

Right by the Canal Saint-Félix, this former LU biscuit factory has been turned into one of the most interesting cultural spots in Nantes. Redesigned by architect Patrick Bouchain, Le Lieu Unique is part bar, part theatre, part art centre—and it somehow pulls it all off. You’ll find exhibitions, live shows, a bookshop, a hammam, even a crèche. The old factory tower still stands, giving the place a strong sense of character.

Once home to shipyards and heavy industry, the Île de Nantes has been completely transformed. Since the late '80s, it’s been turning into a mix of modern living spaces, bold architecture, and creative spots, while still keeping traces of its industrial past. It’s one of those areas that’s always evolving. As you walk around, you’ll see unusual buildings by big-name architects like Jean Nouvel and Christian de Portzamparc, alongside old cranes and warehouses that have been repurposed. It’s a great place to explore if you’re into architecture, urban design, or just want a walk that’s a bit different from the usual historic centre.

Stretching 60 km along the Loire between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire, this open-air art trail mixes contemporary art with the landscape of the estuary. Since 2007, over 30 large-scale works by international artists have been installed in unusual or striking spots—on the riverbanks, under bridges, even out in the water. It’s not just about the art; the trail also leads you through lesser-known places, giving you a fresh look at the area’s heritage and natural surroundings. You can explore parts of it by car, bike, or boat, depending on the season.