Nantes (France): history and sights of the city

Nantes (France) is a city with a rebellious Breton spirit that has survived many historical events. Reminders of them are only silent architectural structures and city museums. What is remarkable about Nantes and what is it worth to see in this city?

Modern Nantes

France is proud of the city - one of the eight first metropolitan states. In another way, Nantes are called the Metropolis of the Great West. The city is the main in the department of the Loire. By population, the commune ranks sixth in the country.

From Paris the city is only a couple of hours away. The area around Nantes is marshy on one side and hilly on the other. The small rivulets of the Loire valley dot its territory with a dense network, which is why the city is often called Western Venice.

The Ministry of Culture of France contributed Nantes to the list of cities of art and history. The area from the Buffa district to the pier de la Foss is the largest protected area in the state.

Pages of History

The city received its name from the Gall-Nemnetts, whose tribes came to these lands more than 2 thousand years ago. In the 9th century, Franks and Bretons fought for the right to own the city, led by the Duke of Nominoe. In 939 he became the capital of Brittany.

The valley of the Loire, on which Nantes is located, crossed paths from Lower Brittany to Poitou. This geographical position played an important role in the development of the city, making it a major trading and transport center.

Nantes gained wide popularity during the religious wars. The city community supported the Catholic side, refused to admit to Nantes an ardent Protestant Henry IV. In 1598, agreement was reached by signing the Edict of Nantes. 92 points of the treaty confirmed the equal rights of Catholics and Protestants.

In the 17th century, Europe has a trading scheme for the ebony triangle. African slaves are sent to America to grow sugar cane for England, Scandinavia and France. Europe, in turn, exports jewelry to Africa. The city of Nantes becomes the main French port, and in the valley of the river, candy and chocolate factories open one after another.

The abolition of slavery and the replacement of cane with sugar beets led to a slowdown in trade. The flowering of Nantes is coming to an end. The second breath of the city opens in the XIX-XX century, when new harbors are built on the river.

City Quarters

In architectural terms, one of the most interesting French cities is Nantes. France was badly damaged during the war, many cities were destroyed. Nantes managed to survive, preserving the historical heritage, represented by many monuments of architecture.

Quarters of the city demonstrate the architecture of different styles and eras. The streets of Dekre and Buffa are represented by medieval wooden houses in the style of half-timbered houses. Here is the main castle and the Gothic cathedral.

The building in the center of the city dates from the 18th century. The architects Maturin Krusi and Jean-Baptiste Seinerai were engaged in designing the buildings. The most famous buildings here are the Chamber of Commerce (now the Regional Prefecture) and the Exchange Palace.

In the central districts is the Mareshal-Forsh square with a column of the XVI century, the Royal Square. The most popular place in the city, according to custom, is the Trade Square, and on the Graslin Square there is a theater.

Some rivers of the Loire Valley, flowing through the city, were used in 1929 as canals. They permeate Nantes, washing their waters Feido and Commerce Square.

Castle of the Dukes

The symbol of Brittany and the modern city of Nantes is the Castle of the Breton Dukes. Guy de Thuar began construction of the castle in 1207. In the XV century the appearance of the castle was changed somewhat. Seven castle towers are interconnected by curtains. A bypass road is open along the fortress wall. Outside, the structure is surrounded by a ditch with water, inside there are buildings dating from the 15th-18th centuries.

The castle for a long time served as a residence for the Dukes of Brittany. In her walls was born Anna of Breton, the Nantes edict was signed. The sight of the castle changed during the reign of Anne of Brittany. By her order, the coat of arms was placed on the arms and superstructures in the form of balconies.

In the XVIII century the ancient walls served as a barracks, and during the Second World War the fascists built a bunker on the territory of the castle. In the 90 years of the XX century the fortress was reconstructed. Now here is the Nantes History Museum, where photographs, historical documents and multimedia materials are presented.

Museums

The city where Jules Verne was born can not do without a museum in his honor. Visitors can become more familiar with the fantastic world of the famous writer's works, as well as look at the collection of his personal belongings.

In the estate of the famous seafarer Thomas Dobre is now the eponymous museum, which features antiquarian items, furniture and weapons. In the Museum of Fine Arts, the exposition is represented by painting and sculpture of the 12th-19th centuries.

In 2007, the open-air museum "Machines of the Island of Nantes" was opened. France became famous not only because of its historical heritage, but also due to the amazing creative project of Pierre Orefis and Francois Delarazier.

Some metal structures are set in motion. An elephant 12 meters high carries up to 52 passengers on its back. A huge carousel "Sea Worlds" can ride 800 people at a time. Guests of the island can walk along the branches of "The Tree of Herons", stretched for 47 meters in diameter, and sit near the huge metal birds.

Conclusion

Nantes (France) - a majestic and elegant city with a whole ancient architecture and truly Breton character. By the number of attractions and their variety, it is considered one of the most interesting in the country.