Nantes so fine; SECOND TO GUIDE NANTES, FRANCE
0 Comments | Sunday Mail (Glasgow, Scotland), July 11, 2010
Byline: BRIDGET MCGROUTHER
Nantes now By the mouth of the Loire River, Nantes is often called the “Venice of the West” because of its seven waterways. Once the capital of Brittany, it is also the birthplace of Jules Verne. Nantes has been imaginatively regenerated and is brimming with attractions. Medieval masterpieces Access to the courtyard of the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is free but there is a charge for the excellent Nantes History Museum. The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul is nearby, as well as Bouffay, the old quarter. The Pass Nantes, available for up to 72 hours, offers free entry to most attractions and public transport.
-Machine kitted Le Jardin des Machines de L’Ile Nantes (Garden of Machines), near the cruise terminal, is like the fantasy worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo Da Vinci come to life. The star is the 12m-tall Great Elephant, an incredible, robotic hulk that can carry 50 passengers. Don’t miss the workshop and gallery, too.
Around the museum The Jules Verne Museum is a tribute to Nantes’ most celebrated son. Located in a beautiful 14th-century building, the museum has diverse artefacts, from Verne’s desk and manuscripts to bizarre inventions. The Museum of Fine Arts is also worth a visit. LU with a view The LU tower is one of two which fronted the 1850 Lefevre-Utile Biscuit Factory
72 hour kit