nAntes


Half an hour’s drive away from the cottage is Nantes, the capital of the Western Loire This magnificent city is the sixth biggest in France and was voted recently by the French people to be the most desirable and cultured city in which to live in France. It still has a magnificent river frontage, with its grand ship-owners’ houses embellished with carvings and beautiful 18th century wrought-iron balconies; a port that is still active; and one of the prettiest small rivers in France, (the Erdre) which is bordered by gardens and parks, chateaux and manor houses. 

It’s also a shoppers’ paradise with many designer shops, boutiques, the famous chocolatier "Gautiers" and a branch of Galeries Lafayette, an ideal location if you feel the need to exercise your credit card.
 


Writers, film makers, painters and musicians have always been fascinated by the famous Passage Pommeraye, a remarkable glass covered arcade dating from 1845 lined with statues and now full of small, individual, interesting shops.



The narrow streets of the Old Town (the Bouffay Quarter) lead to the square in front of the magnificent – and newly restored – Gothic Cathedral. Nearby is the medieval chateau, (home of the Ducs de Bretagne) and this is also a centre for many varied and international restaurants.