Dive into the fascinating history of Nantes: a city of heritage and modernity

Nantes, located on the banks of the Loire River, has a rich and complex history that has shaped its present-day identity. From its ancient origins to its major role in French history and its unique architectural heritage, the city offers a fascinating journey through the centuries.

The ancient origins of Nantes

The first traces of human occupation in Nantes date back to Gallic times, when the Namnet tribe settled on the banks of the Loire. Under Roman rule, the city, then called Condevicnum, became a prosperous trading center thanks to its strategic position on the river. Archaeological remains, such as fragments of ramparts and thermal baths, bear witness to this flourishing period.

Medieval Nantes: from the Duchy of Brittany to the Union with France

In the Middle Ages, Nantes established itself as a stronghold of the Duchy of Brittany.

The castle "des Ducs de Bretagne", built in the XIIIᵉ and XVᵉ centuries, symbolizes this power. A ducal residence, it was the scene of many historic events, including the marriage of Anne de Bretagne to Charles VIII, sealing Brittany's union with France. The Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral, built over several centuries, also illustrates the city's religious importance.

The golden age of maritime trade

From the XVIIᵉ to the XIXᵉ century, Nantes enjoyed unprecedented prosperity thanks to its port, one of the busiest in France. The city becomes a nerve center of the triangular trade, participating in the transport of goods, slaves and colonial products between Europe, Africa and the Americas. This period has left a notable architectural legacy, with opulent mansions and warehouses along the quays. Today, Nantes embraces this past by hosting the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery, a place of remembrance and reflection.

Industrial and urban transformations

With the industrial revolution, Nantes diversified its economic activities. Shipyards expanded, notably on the Île de Nantes, contributing to the boom in marine construction. The Passage Pommeraye, a shopping mall inaugurated in 1843, bears witness to the city's urbanization and modernization. In the XXᵉ century, Nantes continued its transformation with ambitious projects, such as the rehabilitation of the former docks into cultural and residential spaces.

Anecdotes and emblematic places

Among places steeped in history, the Place des 50 Otages occupies a special place. During the Second World War, in 1941, 50 hostages were executed here in retaliation for the assassination of a German officer, an event that left a deep mark on Nantes' collective memory.

Another little-known anecdote: in 1913, the German circus Wilhelm Hagenbeck paraded through the streets of Nantes with 15 elephants, putting on an unforgettable show for the locals.

A diverse architectural heritage

Nantes' architecture reflects the different eras of its history. The medieval Bouffay district, with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses, contrasts with the classical 18th-century facades of the Graslin district. Former factories rehabilitated as cultural venues, such as the Machines de l'Île, embody the city's urban renewal and creativity. The restored Château des Ducs de Bretagne now houses the Nantes History Museum, taking visitors on a journey through the centuries.

A tour of Nantes reveals a city that has preserved its rich heritage while looking resolutely to the future, offering a multitude of stories and places to explore.

Want to stay in Nantes? Discover our apartments

Would you like to discover Nantes and its fascinating history while enjoying comfortable, ideally located accommodation? Stay in our apartments right in the heart of the city! Whether you're on a business trip, romantic getaway or vacation, our apartments offer all the comfort and proximity you need to explore the city.

• Le Prieuré : a large, charming apartment in the historic heart, perfect for immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of Nantes by day, and recharging your batteries in the calm of the city by night.
• Le Duplex : a quiet, atypical apartment close to restaurants, bars, museums and other must-sees.