Jewels of the Modern journey through an old land
Nantes
Les Machines de l'île
A heron with an 8-metre (16-foot) wingspan whisks passengers high up into the treetops. Real vegetation grows alongside the forest’s mechanical plants and animals. In this bestiary of mechanized fauna, these living machines invite you to dream and travel.
Address: Les Machines de l’île, Parc des Chantiers, Boulevard Léon Bureau 44 200 Nantes
Telephone: 0810 12 12 25 (within France)
Château des ducs de Bretagne
The Castle of the dukes of Brittany is home to Nantes’s history museum (Le musée d’histoire de Nantes) which holds temporary exhibitions all year round. Between two exhibitions, why not take a ride on the giant slide outside its ramparts!
Address: 4, place Marc Elder, 44000 Nantes
Telephone: 0811 464 644 (within France)
Vineyards
In the heart of these vineyards, panoramic views and wine tastings, an itinerary has been created for you. The different stops of this route through Nantes’s wine-growing region alternate between sumptuous landscapes and wine tours. Whatever your means of transportation, so many cellars and estates await you, where passionate winegrowers will introduce you to the great wine that is Muscadet.
Telephone: +33 (0)2 40 54 02 95 (Clisson Tourism Office)
Telephone: +33 (0)2 40 36 35 87 (Vallet Tourism Office)
Belvédère de l'Hermitage
It’s time to rise above it all and climb to the top of Butte Sainte-Anne hill, where Tadashi Kawamata’s belvedere offers one of the best views of Nantes. Thrills are guaranteed as you walk along this 36-metre long permanent artwork, 10 metres of which are 20 metres above ground-level!
Address: Butte Sainte-Anne, 44200 Nantes
Artist-designed hotel rooms
Art is everywhere in Nantes – even in your own hotel room! This summer, come and discover these colourful lodgings. Le Voyage à Nantes and the city’s hotels have joined forces to create a permanent collection of rooms designed by artists: 13 artists have added their unique touch to turn your nights into creative, artistic, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Telephone: 0892 464 044 (within France)
Les Rigolettes Nantaises
It was right here in Nantes – landmark city of French confectionery! – that the “Rigolettes Nantaises” were created in 1902 by confectioner Charles Bohu. With its traditional fruit-pulp sweets, it’s a great place to stop while admiring the strange shop signs revisited by artists.
Address: 18 rue de Verdun, 44000 Nantes
Telephone: +33 (0)2 40 48 00 39
@lvan
La Guinguette « 40 pieds »
This guinguette (riverside café) is in the middle of a garden nursery, right next to the Loire. Original, n’est-ce pas? In the summer, come have a drink and dance among the plants!
Address: Maillé Brézé, Quai de la Fosse, 44000 Nantes
Telephone: 07 82 26 02 87
La Guinguette de Trentemoult
Cross the Loire with the Navibus public ferry and rest your haunches at the bar-restaurant Guinguette de Trentemoult.
Address: Trentemoult, 20 Quai Marcel Boissard, 44400 Rezé
Telephone: +33 (0)2 40 75 88 96
Château de la Frémoire
And why not take advantage of a sunny weekend and enjoy a lunch or dinner of lobster and Muscadet wine along the Sèvre Nantaise river? A local chef will cook up his/her original take on cuisine in this stunning setting!
Address: Vignoble de Nantes – Vertou, Château de la Frémoire
Telephone: +33 (0)2 40 80 14 90
Le Voyage à Nantes
July – August 2021
Every summer, Le Voyage à Nantes offers visitors a poetic and sensorial itinerary throughout the city, inviting artists, creatives, architects and more to express themselves in urban spaces.
© Ville de Nantes
Jardin des plantes
One of Nantes’ many oases, the Jardin des Plantes is both a scientific garden – with its greenhouses composed of plants from equatorial forests – and a garden for relaxing, with play areas dreamt up by artists such as Jean Jullien. Stop at the Café de l’Orangerie and enjoy the park in all its beauty.
Address: Rue Ecorchard (across from the Central train station) 44000 NANTES
© Franck Tomps
Permanent collection of Le Voyage à Nantes – Ping Pong Park
Off-the-wall, surprising and often playful, the 118 artworks that make up Le Voyage à Nantes await you along the green line drawn throughout the city’s streets. Why not stop for a game of ping-pong here while you discover “la ligne verte”?
Little Atlantique Brewery
Little Atlantique Brewery is a micro-brewery located in the Bas-Chantenay neighbourhood on the banks of the Loire in an historical building dating back to the 19th century. It can be found in the heart of the working-class district where Jules Verne grew up, and whence the scent of malt and hops once drifted from the Brasseries de la Meuse.
Address: 23 Boulevard de Chantenay, 44100 Nantes
Saint-Nazaire
La plage de monsieur Hulot
The influence of Jacques Tati’s Monsieur Hulot can be felt on this charming restaurant patio. Grab a seat overlooking the sea and share delicious items from the chef’s menu, with its homemade fare. Whether seated in the main room with its panoramic view, or on the wooden patio with your feet in the sand, you’ve got a front-row seat to the show!
Address: 37 Rue du Commandant Charcot, 44600 Saint-Nazaire
Telephone: +33 (0)2 40 91 76 17
Le Bar Iodé
Le Bar Iodé is located on Place du Commando, offering a pristine view of Saint-Nazaire beach that you can enjoy with family or friends. This restaurant specializes in the freshest fish and seafood from Finistère fish markets, which you can enjoy on the patio or in the air-conditioned interior.
Address: Place du Commando, 44600 Saint-Nazaire
Telephone: +33 (0)6 62 80 09 82
Escal’Atlantic
Escal’Atlantic takes you across the Atlantic… well, almost. Somewhere between a guided tour and a voyage, this immersive visit will take you through the fascinating history of legendary ocean liners, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Address: Boulevard de la Légion d’Honneur, 44600 Saint-Nazaire
Telephone: +33 (0)2 28 54 06 40
Suite de Triangles de Felice Varini
Come and experience Felice Varini’s artwork in Saint-Nazaire. Using a technique called anamorphosis, which allows a shape to be recomposed from a single point of view, he has created a monumental work that seamlessly blends with the industrial port.
Address: Panoramic terrace of the fortified lock, Port Autonome de Nantes, 44600 Saint-Nazaire
Estuaire Cruise
All aboard for an artistic adventure ! With the Estuaire Nantes <> Saint-Nazaire cruises it is possible to discover the Estuaire collection of contemporary art works from a one-of-a-kind perspective!
Address: Gare Maritime, Quai Ernest Renaud, 44100 Nantes
Telephone: 0 892 464 044 (in France)
Plage de Porcé
This easily accessible beach is a still a bit of a secret… Located between Saint-Marc and Saint-Nazaire, it is possible to spend an afternoon in this pleasant setting, surrounded by rocky cliffs.
Address: 1 Chemin de la Plage, 44600 Saint-Nazaire
GM chocopat
This local chocolaterie offers a speciality called “Le P’tit Naz”. You can enjoy this heavenly chocolate pastry on the beach, just a few metres from the boutique.
Address: 3 Rue de la Paix, 44600 Saint-Nazaire
Telephone: +33 (0)2 40 61 65 77
Rennes
PARRATHON, Martin Parr retrospective
13 June 2020 – 24 January 2021
Le Frac Bretagne presents the world premiere retrospective of Martin Parr’s PARRATHON. Designed by the artist and produced by the agency Magnum Photos in collaboration with Fovearts, this exhibition returns to his obsessions, his taste for kitsch and overabundance, and his intuitive and critical gaze on our society – which he never judges too harshly… There is no shortage of his off-kilter images, with their hints of derision and irony, candy box colours and surprising perspectives!
Address: 19 avenue André Mussat, 35000 Rennes
Bruno MAZODIER
Marché des Lices
Brittany’s biggest market, the Marché des Lices brings together hundreds of farmers, incredible culinary wealth, and an endless array of specialties, including the legendary galette saucisse – a sausage-in-a-galette!
Address: 3 Place du Bas des Lices, 35000 Rennes
Canoe along the Vilaine River
A modern journey through a historic land means visiting the ocean and estuaries – but also the region’s rivers! Continue your experience of Rennes by canoeing in the Vallée de la Vilaine.
Address: Le Boël, 35580 PONT REAN
Telephone: +33 (0)2 99 42 28 95
Street art tour
Art is everywhere! In museums, galleries – but also in the street! This freedom of expression is revelatory of Rennes’ identity. Guided tours can be booked through the tourism office.
Address: Destination Rennes – Office de Tourisme, Place Sainte-Anne, 35000 RENNES
Telephone: 08 91 67 35 35 (in France)
Le Carré
In the Hôtel du Molant’s unique setting by Place des Lices, Charles Compagnon and his team invite you to enjoy a gourmet experience. Chef Stéphane Lefeuvre offers his guests market-fresh cuisine inspired by the best that the sea has to offer.
Address: 34 Place des Lices, 35000 Rennes
Telephone: +33 (0)2 23 40 21 21
Les Toqués de l’été
July – August 2021
The Mythos Festival and Le MeM have joined forces to welcome the merry staff from Les Toqués. The region’s best chefs combine their talents to offer you unforgettable meals.
Address: Route de Sainte Foix La Piverdière, 35000 Rennes
Telephone: +33 (0)2 99 30 70 70
© Bruno MAZODIER
Crêperie Saint-Georges
Located in the historic centre of Rennes, this restaurant is heaven on earth for lovers of traditional or original sweet and savoury crêpes.
Address: 11 rue du Chapitre 35000 Rennes
Telephone : +33 (0)2 99 38 87 04
Hôtel de Nemours
Hôtel de Nemours
Located in the heart of downtown, the entirely renovated Hôtel de Nemours invites you to discover its 41 rooms where comfort and refinement are perfectly paired.
Address: 5 rue de Nemours 35000 Rennes
Telephone: +33 (0)2 99 78 26 26
Le Saint Antoine Hotel & Spa
Its minimal décor, calm atmosphere, and custom-tailored service make this hotel the ideal pied-à-terre for your stay in Rennes.
Address: 27 Avenue Jean Janvier, 35000 Rennes
Telephone: +33 (0)2 23 44 33 33
Le Magic Hall
With its rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere, Le Magic Hall is one of Rennes’ best hotels. Its singular musical universe also hosts concerts by local groups!
Address: 17 Rue de la Quintaine, 35000 Rennes
Telephone: +33 (0)2 99 66 21 83
Saint-Malo
Guided tour of fortification walls
Surrounded by 2 km of ramparts, the city of Saint-Malo can be described as a fortified cocoon. What the locals call a “tour of the walls” is a must-visit walking tour of the ramparts where you can enjoy views of both the city and the open sea! Simultaneously medieval, maritime, and truly authentic, this stroll offers a dose of pure, pristine nature. Make sure to stop and contemplate the magnificent stone facades that have braved the tribulations of war and the passage of time, which have long since replaced the wooden façades used in the 18th century.
Address: Saint-Malo Intra-Muros, 35400 Saint-Malo
Les épices Roellinger
Spices from Les épices Roellinger offer a palette of flavours and a unique savoir-faire that embody the exotic climes we all love to rediscover. Their shops are present in different cities along the coast of Brittany, and you can find the Roellinger Family’s array of products in Saint-Malo, Cancale and Dinard.
Address: See website for shops where to buy them
Telephone: +33 (0)2 23 15 13 91
Malouinière de la Ville-Bague
This shipbuilder’s home, built in 1710 by Garangeau, Vauban’s architect, for the Eon de la Villebague family. Come discover this stunning residence, its chapel, its dove house, its pools and its magnificent park, and explore the history of these Messieurs of Saint-Malo!
Address: La Ville-Bague, 35350 Saint-Coulomb
Telephone: +33 (0)6 99 40 18 79
Saint-Malo <> Dinard
Full speed ahead! There is nothing like the bus de mer (or, “sea bus”) between Saint-Malo and Dinard to discover the most magnificent view of the fortified city, the sumptuous villas of Dinard, and the mouth of the Rance River.
Address: Compagnie Corsaire, Gare Maritime, Porte de Dinan, 35400 Saint-Malo
Telephone: 0 825 13 81 00 (in France)
SETH, A cappella
11 July – 1 November 2020
Tireless traveller and painter, privileged witness of the changing world… Seth invites us to discover his artistic universe through fifty works, and the fruit of many years of creative activity. Approaching walls as if they were blank pages, he draws inspiration from individual or collective imaginations. He often plays with images of child-like innocence placed in harsh social, political and geographical contexts. This approach is dual: these urban paintings alert onlookers to the current state of the world while urging them to push it forward.
Address: Chapelle Saint-Sauveur, rue Saint-Sauveur, 35400 Saint-Malo
Bistro Autour du Beurre
Come and discover a cuisine that is both instinctive and masterful, where Beurre Bordier butter meets seasonal produce. This unique space is teeming with history and mixes brut materials, contemporary design, a bric-à-brac, and a creamery.
Address: 7 rue de l’Orme – St Malo Intra-Muros
Telephone: +33 (0)2 23 18 25 81
La Maison des Armateurs
Steeped in the city’s seafaring atmosphere, located right in the heart of Saint-Malo’s historical centre a few steps from the cathedral, La Maison des Armateurs combines comfort, modernity and charm. It is ideally located to fully enjoy the city’s cobblestoned lanes and visit everything on foot, including a tour of the ramparts and Plage de Sillon beach…
Address: 6 Grand Rue, 35400 Saint-Malo
Telephone: +33 (0)2 99 40 87 70
Le Grand Bé
Just a stone’s throw from Bon-Secours beach, four-star hotel Le Grand Bé offers a contemporary touch to the rough-hewn heart of Saint-Malo inside its fortifications. The stones that have been the very fabric of the city for generations now house a unique living space that is contemporary, open and warm. Both cosmopolitan and profoundly malouin, Le Grand Bé is more than a hotel – it is an absolute experience of the “corsair city”.
Address: 1 Place des Frères Lamennais, 35400 Saint-Malo
Telephone: +33 (0)2 23 18 99 90
L’Atelier de la crêpe
One cannot go to Saint-Malo without trying a crêpe and galette from L’Atelier de la crêpe. Both a school and restaurant, this institution loves sharing the quality of its savoir-faire.
Address: 25 Quai Duguay-Trouin, 35400 Saint-Malo
Telephone: +33 (0)2 23 17 41 07
Hotel Océania Saint-Malo
Enjoy the exceptional setting offered by Hôtel Océania Saint-Malo. Luxury, design, and a breathtaking view of the ocean… The entire hotel is an invitation to well-being – with a spa and an indoor poor to top it all off. While contemplating the sea, time stands still…
Address: 2 Rue Joseph Loth Chaussée du Sillon 35400 Saint-Malo
Telephone: +33 (0)2 99 56 84 84
Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel’s abbey represents one of the most remarkable examples of medieval-era religious and military architecture. From its rocky outcrop, the abbey also offers a unique view of Mont-Saint-Michel Bay in all its immensity.
Address: Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel
La Mère Poulard
Come discover traditional French cuisine with La Mère Poulard and her legendary omelettes. While you’re here, why not have a one-of-a-kind experience by spending the night on Mont-Saint-Michel, where you can quietly appreciate the site in all its splendour?
Address: BP 18 Grande Rue, 50170 Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Telephone: +33 (0)2 33 89 68 68
