Top Things to do in Loire-Atlantique
Top Hotels in Loire-Atlantique
- 1. Hotel Voltaire Opera Nantes Centre
- 2. Golden Tulip Nantes Carquefou
- 3. Radisson Blu Hotel, Nantes
- 4. Oceania Hotel de France
- 5. Hotel Seven Urban Suites Nantes Centre
- 6. Sozo Hotel
- 7. OKKO HOTELS Nantes Chateau
- 8. Residence Odalys Nantes Cite Des Congres
- 9. Best Western Hotel Atlantys Zenith Nantes
- 10. Ibis Nantes Centre Gare Sud
Countries
10 Sights & Landmarks in Loire-Atlantique That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Loire-Atlantique, France including Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul, Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, Chateau de Clisson, Cite Medievale de Guerande, Cite Medievale, Le Grand Blockhaus, Sentier D'interpretation du Pointeau, Basilique Saint Nicolas, Pont de Saint-Nazaire, Village de Kerhinet.
Restaurants in Loire-Atlantique
1. Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,547 reviews
This Gothic cathedral features a high nave and many tombs, including that of François II.
Reviewed By johnmN5785EK - Lyon, France
The construction of Nantes Cathedral, officially called La Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul (or simply Cathédrale Saint-Pierre in the vicinity) took more than 400 years to complete. Begun in 1434, it took 457 years to finish, finally reaching completion in 1891. Since 1862 it has been listed as a historic monument in France. The striking white stone is especially impressive and the rich colors of the stained-glass windows make for a striking contrast. The architecture in this classic Gothic cathedral, with the imposing main nave and aisles, great organ and the immense inner column all combine to create a Gothic atmosphere inside the cathedral and make it even more memorable than others, such as Note Dame and Quimper. The beautiful Tomb of Francis II, the Duke of Brittany, and his second wife, Marguerite de Foix the parents of local heroine Anne of Bretagne, with its haunting sculptures of white Carrara marble is considered to be a French renaissance masterpiece. Also noteworthy is the tomb of Gen. Juchault de Lamoricière, a Nantes native and a great African campaigner; sculptor Paul Dubois completed the tomb in 1879. The cathedral's crypt, dating from the 11th century, shelters a museum of religions. The Cathedral was bombed heavily on June 15th, 1944; this necessitated a prolonged restoration which was almost completed in January 1972 when a disgruntled labourer started a massive conflagration with a blow torch. The restoration is nearing complete; an attempt was made to reconstruct the decor of the west façade to the state it was originally in the fifteenth century. This restoration proceeds on the other facades. The cathedral's crypt, dating from the 11th century, shelters a museum of religions. All in all well worth a visit.
2. Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,592 reviews
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany houses the Nantes History Museum, displaying more than 850 historic objects with multimedia installations in a contemporary layout. The former ducal palace also holds temporary exhibitions and cultural events all year round. Besides, the rampart walk offers a number of viewpoints of the fortress. The night-time illuminations further reveal the architectural complexity of the site. A restaurant and a gift shop are as well at your service.
Reviewed By KEinSF - San Francisco, United States
Take a few hours to learn the history of Nantes from the medieval to WWII - the castle interior tour takes you through all the important events in the history of this fascinating city. There are guides in different languages in the entrance and in every room there are information boards written in multiple languages. Learn about the role of Nantes in the slave trade and about the Lu biscuit factory. Sadly you cannot buy the biscuits in nantes anymore ! Although there is a small elevator to all exhibition floors, there are many steps and narrow doorways. The walk around the ramparts is a must, with great views of the cathedral and the tower that marked the entrance to the Lu biscuit factory. The chateau is the best attraction in Nantes!
3. Chateau de Clisson
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
The chateau de Clisson is a multi-facetted monument. It was an unassailable fortress, a Duke's residence and a Romantic ruin. Its stones survived the passing of time (from the 11th to the 19th century) and today, they tell many stories of very colorful characters.
4. Cite Medievale de Guerande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,577 reviews
Reviewed By Tanmouss - Oslo, Norway
Inside the centuries old walls stands a pretty village with pedestrian streets and local specialties shops many of which sell the world famous salt of Guerande in different variations including caramel with salt. The number of creperies is also striking, regional specialty as well. Many shops close between 1 and 2pm. Meanwhile, one can have a few crêpes!
5. Cite Medievale
6. Le Grand Blockhaus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 467 reviews
Reviewed By 964alisonp
What a great visit learning the facts about WW2 history relating to the occupation and liberation of the St Nazaire peninsula. The French Host, delighted to have British Visitors made a special effort to explain additional facts about the Blockhaus and introduced us to a 96 year oldmember of the Free French Army who rode in the first jeep that liberated the bunker and surrounding area! Helmets, Uniforms, Ammunition and such interesting facts - a highlight of our visit to the area,
7. Sentier D'interpretation du Pointeau
8. Basilique Saint Nicolas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By ngocanht826
We visited Basilique Saint Nicolas at weekend afternoon. There are not so many people here. I remember the magnificent moment when the natural light of sunset lights up the whole church.
9. Pont de Saint-Nazaire
10. Village de Kerhinet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Reviewed By GrahamNugent - Dublin, Ireland
Nice lace to spend an afternoon and walk around, have a crepe or just to picnic. There ar boat tours of th marshes and you can view the lovely catch roofed homes. There is also a really nice range of traditional shops for buying gifts or postcards. We have visited a number of times and always enjoy this old village atmosphere
