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House Swap Nantes Home Exchange Historic Sites and Artistic Innovations
Visit Nantes and its treasures, from the Château des Ducs de Bretagne to the Machines de l'Île. Book your ideal gîte or chambre d'hôtes on Clévacances.com for a memorable stay.
Nantes : A Journey between History and Modernity in Loire-Atlantique
Nantes, located in the heart of the Loire-Atlantique region, is a city rich in history and innovation, offering a multitude of attractions for all visitors. From its historic monuments to contemporary art installations, Nantes is a destination that knows how to marry the past with the future. Thanks to Clévacances.com, you'll find a varied selection of gites and B&Bs that will allow you to discover all the facets of this dynamic city in comfort.
Discover Nantes' historical and cultural heritage
Nantes is a city that celebrates both its rich past and vibrant present. Here are the must-sees you won't want to miss on your visit:
- Château des Ducs de Bretagne: This fortified castle, located in the heart of Nantes, is one of the city's emblems. Now transformed into the Nantes History Museum, it offers fascinating exhibitions that tell the story of both the city and the region.
- Les Machines de l'Île: Located on the former shipyards, the Machines de l'Île is a unique artistic and cultural project. Don't miss the Grand Elephant, which strolls along the quays, or the Carrousel des Mondes Marins, which amazes young and old alike.
- Les Anneaux de Buren: Created by artist Daniel Buren, these rings installed along the Quai des Antilles offer a modern artistic perspective and are particularly impressive at night, lit up in different colours.
- Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul: This imposing Gothic cathedral is famous for its magnificent stained glass windows and imposing architecture. It is a central landmark for those interested in religious architecture and history.
Gastronomy in Nantes
In addition to its cultural and historical heritage, Nantes offers a varied gastronomic scene, reflecting the region's maritime and rural influences. Sample local specialities such as gâteau nantais, a delicious almond dessert, or muscadet, a dry white wine perfectly paired with seafood.
Les Machines de l'Île: A Unique Fusion of Art and Technology in Nantes
Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes is an exceptional artistic project that stands out for its originality and scale. Located on the site of the former shipyards, these life-size mechanical creations offer an immersive experience where art meets technology in a renewed urban context. Here's a detailed exploration of this fascinating site, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Origins and Inspirations
Les Machines de l'Île is the brainchild of François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice, and is inspired by the inventive world of Nantes-born Jules Verne, as well as the city's industrial history. This visionary project aims to reanimate the space left by the former shipyards with creations that stimulate the imagination and invite reflection on the relationship between man and machine.
Lighthouse Attractions
- The Great Elephant:This 12-metre-high animated structure is undoubtedly the most famous attraction at the Machines de l'Île. Made of wood and steel, the elephant can carry up to 50 passengers for a ride along the quays of the Ile de Nantes. Its majestic presence and striking realism make it an unforgettable spectacle for all ages.
- Le Carrousel des Mondes Marins: Inspired by the seabed and the legendary creatures of the oceans, this carousel is no ordinary ride. It features three levels, allowing visitors to ride mechanical creatures that evoke the depths of the sea, the surface of the ocean and the air. Each element of the carousel is a moving, detailed and interactive work of art.
- The Heron Tree: A futuristic project still in development, the Heron Tree promises to be another spectacular piece. Designed to be a giant metal tree bearing two herons, it will allow visitors to sit on the birds' backs for an aerial view of the island.
Your stay in Nantes with Clévacances
Opting for Clévacances accommodation in Nantes means choosing quality and proximity. Our gites and B&Bs are ideally located for you to easily explore the city, its attractions and restaurants. Each accommodation is selected for its comfort and character, ensuring an authentic and enjoyable experience.
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