The Chantenay/Sainte Anne district, a village within the city

A city within the city! Annexed to Nantes in 1908, Chantenay and Sainte-Anne overlook the heights of the city. In the 15th century, the Butte Miséry (now the Butte Sainte-Anne) belonged to the Seigneurie de la Hautière. The lords exploited the quarry at the foot of the hill. Quarries were also exploited to the north of the town, around what is now Place Émile-Zola. To the north-west of the commune lay the estate of the de Derval family, with a residence and later a château, les Dervallières, and the seigneuries of Carcouet and du Tillay. In 1790, Chantenay officially became a commune, later becoming part of the city of Nantes at the beginning of the 20th century. Also in the 18th century, the commune welcomed a large community of Acadian refugees driven out of Nova Scotia by the English government, an episode known as the "Grand Dérangement". Many of these refugees subsequently left the region, but some settled here permanently.

At the beginning of the 20th century, factories and shipyards moved into the area, before the Chantenay power station was built there until 1964. This working-class history has left a legacy of industrial architecture and a certain underground spirit for which the Chantenay - Sainte-Anne district is renowned. But Sainte-Anne is also a pretty, bourgeois residential area that was a bit stuffy in the past, but has taken on a bohemian air in the last twenty years or so...

The Jules Verne Museum

This museum dedicated to the work of the illustrious author of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is housed in an elegant red and white mansion at the top of a huge staircase reminiscent of the one you have to climb to get to Sacré-Coeur in Paris. Inside, you can discover a rich collection of manuscripts, documents and objects that belonged to Jules Verne, as well as temporary exhibitions that plunge you headfirst into the marvellous world of this brilliant storyteller. Unquestionably one of the best museums in Nantes.

The Extraordinary Garden

This is undoubtedly one of the most astonishing places in Nantes! In the former quarry at the bottom of the Butte, a magnificent garden now boasts lush vegetation. A superb waterfall cascades down from the summit and splashes the ferns, banana trees, papyrus and lotuses with a soothing mist. This plunge into exotic nature right in the middle of the city, directly inspired by Jules Verne's Extraordinary Voyages, is something of a fairytale! The creator of the Machines de l'Île, François Delarozière, has even created an impressive staircase on the side of the cliffs, which only the bravest will climb! The Jardin Extraordinaire won the Grand Prix at the Victoires nationales du paysage 2020 awards, and new developments are planned over the next few years.

⏰ The Jardin Extraordinaire is open from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm every day of the week. Access is free of charge.

📣 Please note that access is forbidden to dogs, even on a lead.

To infinity and beyond! Why not take off from Earth for a while and discover astronomy and the infinity of the Universe. Located right next to the Jules Verne Museum, the planetarium is open all year round and functions like a theatre. In comfortable red armchairs, come and enjoy an immersive experience with sessions on different themes. From "Astronomy for the little ones" to "The history of the Earth", there's sure to be a session to suit all the family!

Please note

• Reservations are compulsory via the online ticketing service.
• Children under the age of 3 are not admitted to the screenings.
• Sessions are offered for specific age groups (3-5 years, 4-10 years and all ages).

Discover the Belvédère de l'Hermitage, designed by the artist Tadashi Kawamata, then continue from belvedere to belvedere and cross the charming Parc des Oblates with its vegetable garden, works from Le Voyage à Nantes, sheep and playground. The Promenade is accessible and visible from the Quai de l'Aiguillon. Access is entirely free.

And don't forget: the lookouts at Chantenay are perfect spots for a beautiful sunset or sunrise (depending on your schedule) with a view over the Loire!

Then head to Bas-Chantenay for a break at the LITTLE ATLANTIQUE BREWERY, one of the district's must-visit addresses! A former oil mill on the banks of the Loire has been converted into a microbrewery, where you can drink none other than the city's best beers in a typically Nantes industrial-branch setting. As well as the view from its incredible terrace, there's a pontoon where you can board the Navibus to take you to the Île de Nantes.

If you're feeling more adventurous, take a GR hike from Chantenay to the Chézine valley, an idyllic little river lined with beautifully landscaped paths.