Nantes: Thrilling stopover in the heart of the Cité des Ducs

Nantes is a port city steeped in history, and the setting for a vibrant and constantly changing cultural life. Nestling on the Loire estuary 55 km from the ocean, whose air and tides reach the city, the former capital of Brittany (which was part of the Brittany region until 1941) is the ideal stopover for all curious minds in search of dreams and a touch of madness. The history of Nantes is not the most glamorous, however, since the city became considerably richer in the 18th century thanks to the triangular trade, becoming one of France's main slave ports. This piece of history still lives on today in the form of the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery on Quai de la Fosse and the "slave traps" in some of the city centre flats.

After the end of slavery, Nantes lost its influence, earning it the nickname of the "Sleeping Beauty" until its cultural awakening in the 1990s, thanks in particular to the street arts company Royal Deluxe, whose giant puppet shows have marked several generations and given rise to one of Nantes' most fascinating attractions, Les Machines de Nantes. Since then, the city has continued to offer an abundance of cultural events, from the famous classical music festival La folle journée to the contemporary art trail offered by Le Voyage à Nantes and theRendez-vous de l'Erdre jazz festival. Whether you're with friends, family or loved ones, Nantes has plenty to offer!

If you love discovering the city's classic historic heritage, the majestic Château des Ducs, Saint-Pierre cathedral, the medieval Bouffay district and the stunning leaning buildings of Ile Feydeau are sure to impress. Not forgetting the magnificent Passage Pommeraye, which was the iconic setting for 3 films by Jacques Demy, the famous Nantes film-maker. But Nantes is also full of surprising and unusual places, such as the Île de Versailles in Nantes - Jardin Japonais, a delightful Japanese garden in the heart of the city, and Le lieu unique, a former emblematic biscuit factory that was converted into a festive and trendy cultural venue in 2000. It's sure to be an exciting weekend!

Sweet Nantes, savoury Nantes. From Biscuiterie Nantaise (the famous BN) to Lefèvre Utile (LU), Nantes biscuits are internationally renowned. But it's the seafood on offer that's sure to delight. From Loire pike in beurre blanc (invented by Clémence Lefeuvre in Thouaré-sur-Loire, 10 km from Nantes), to seafood and shellfish direct from the not-so-distant coast, there's something for everyone. Not forgetting, for the more adventurous and the more fortunate: elvers (eel fry caught in the estuary in winter).

Nantes, which was the capital of Brittany for 11 centuries, is the ideal place to enjoy a buckwheat pancake with a glass of cider in one of the many crêperies in the city centre. You can also easily take home a kouign amann and salted butter caramels. Once a Breton, always a Breton!

If you're dreaming of seeing Burano in Italy, why not visit Trentemoult? With its charming coloured houses with a southern accent, this former fishing village on the south bank of the Loire is easily accessible by navibus (public transport boat) from the town centre (shipyard tram). Let yourself get lost in its quiet, colourful streets before enjoying a drink on the quayside at the end of the day to admire the shimmering evening lights reflected on the Loire. A moment out of time...