Things to see and do Loire-Atlantique

Located in the former Lu biscuit factory, this multidisciplinary artistic space has become the city's emblematic cultural den, envied nationally and internationally. With a performance hall, a modular exhibition space and workshops on the upper floors, it explores visual arts, theatre, dance, circus, music, literature, philosophy, architecture and gustatory arts, all in an effervescent atmosphere and a warm mix of cultures and audiences. The Unique Place also has a bar, a restaurant, a bookshop, a hammam and offers a visit to the LU Tower. More than a cultural place, a real place to live! Check the website for the agenda.

It was commissioned on 18 October 1975, after three years of construction, and is one of the largest cable-stayed bridges in Europe. The cable-stayed metal structure is 720 m long; the total length of all the structures is 3,356 m, making the Saint-Nazaire bridge the longest bridge in France. It spans the Loire estuary, rises to 61 m and covers a distance of 3,356 m between Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Brévin. At the time of its construction, it was the longest bridge built in France and also held the world record for a cable-stayed bridge. The bridge replaces the old ferries that used to cross the Loire. Remains of the pier can still be seen on both sides of the river. Access has been free since 1994. The speed limit is 70 km/h. Some or all vehicles may be prohibited from driving in strong winds. The General Council has set up a bridge lane management system, which makes it possible, depending on specific events, to dedicate a second lane to the most heavily used traffic direction. Unique in France, this system went into service on August 25, 2010. The second edition of the race Les Foulées du Pont took place on September 30, 2018. There were already nearly 1,800 runners the first time.

Built on the Lecourbe by François II (th century) to connect the neighbourhoods of La Trinité and Notre-Dame. Its massive construction offers the particularity of presenting five finger and six waterways of unequal dimensions, which allow it to withstand the strength of the current and divert the trunks of trees adrift.

The Halles de Clisson, classified as a Historic Monument since 1923, are in the heart of the medieval city. These halls, which housed the markets, were built in the 15th century on the initiative of Duke Francis II. They have had black chapters, as in the Vendée wars; this place served as a refuge for fighters from both sides. Restored many times, they have kept their original look. They are supported by a remarkable framework composed of different species (fir, chestnut, oak), the architectural opulence testifies to the intensity of the trade practiced in Clisson and the richness of the city. The halls extend from Saint-Jacques Street to the southern end of Place Notre-Dame. Today, they still house its famous market on Tuesdays and Fridays.

What an emblem! The Lu Tower is best visited from the outside. The two 38-meter high Art Nouveau towers erected by the famous cookie maker from Nantes were demolished in the 1970s. One of them was rebuilt identically in 1998. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, after climbing its 130 steps. At the top, the visit begins with the gyrorama: a machine that turns with a crank. It continues with the descent of the staircase, where we discover the history of the factory, via a video and archive photos.

At the entrance to Batz-sur-Mer, a beach like you like with the rocks, its menhir, the beauty of the ocean… and its small, friendly restaurant.

A handful of fishing boats are still present in the Tara cove, from where you can see Joalland's rock offshore. Between the Tara and the Prée lies an old marsh, now filled, which has become a 2,000 m² reserve with oyster basins and lobster, spider crab and crab pounds. We advise you to try to read the time with the analemmatic sundial whose maxim is "Give me the sun, I will give you the time". Elliptical in shape, it works with your own shadow which acts as a vertical style (a rod), movable according to the season. You can also picnic on site on the tables provided for this purpose, and enjoy a pleasant setting with a view of the sea.

In the th century, seaside resort became fashionable. The Lefevre-Useful family, the Earl of Escrigny, Louis Veuillot, Jules Sandeau likes the Pouliguen. A walk is essential for their well-being. In 1808, an email is created at the current location of the Bois wood. It is necessary to wait for the years 1865-70 to see this relocated walk in the extension of the newly built wharf. It was planted with poplar trees from Italy and enjoyed a very pleasant view of the you and the movement of ships, but also on the Nau beach and its first bathers. The enthusiasm of pedestrians is immediate. The loafer can observe the boat movements in the port and then, at the end of the pier, take a look at the spectacular spectacle of the bay of Pouliguen. Very quickly, the promenade covers small wooden huts offering souvenirs, refreshments and confectionery. It is a popular place for holidaymakers and. Today it has become a immuable ritual of the Pouliguen. During musical evenings, the passers-by on the terrace of bars or restaurants will only have to be charmed by this holiday atmosphere!

The tourist office faces the Château des ducs de Bretagne. A luminous space with a thousand brochures, souvenirs, and other precious advice. A city of art and history, Nantes offers some nice escapades: along the green line of the Voyage à Nantes, in a little train or on a cruise. From traditional guided tours to gourmet tours, or even the history of street art, let yourself be surprised. And above all, think about your Nantes Pass: a package that offers you transportation, free admission and discounts for 24, 48, 72 hours or 7 days, alone or with your family!

They are 18 rings lined up on the quay of the Antilles, along the Loire. Established in 2007 as part of the Biennale d'Art Contemporain Estuaire, they are now part of the cultural heritage of Nantes and are one of the stops on the green line of the Voyage à Nantes itinerary. Designed by the famous French visual artist Daniel Buren, to whom we owe "Les deux plateaux" in the courtyard of the Palais Royal in Paris, with the help of Patrick Bouchain, they offer perspectives and cut-outs on the river landscape. Call to the sea in one direction, views of Nantes, its towers and bell towers on the other. At night, these large steel rings, 4 metres in diameter, light up in red, green and blue, offering even more perceptions. The Rings were created to give way to visitor interpretation, but they also echo the city's history, evoking the rings of slaves during the triangular trade of which Nantes was the hub in the 18th century. They also evoke the union of the river, the sea and the land.