Cheap Flights to Nantes

The main town of the Loire-Atlantique and the Pays de la Loire, Nantes is located just before the estuary of the Loire. Belonging to the Duchy of Brittany from the ninth century, it has long disputed the title with capital Rennes, its historic rival, before being administratively separated from Britain in 1941. Anxious to preserve and promote their heritage, Nantes belongs to the network National Cities and Countries of Art and History. In addition, with regard to history, we must admit that Nantes is extremely rich and this is why thousands of people choose to book flights to Nantes to discover its treasures.

A true crossroads between land routes, river and sea, Nantes has always been a city of trade and commerce. Its river port was the most important in France and Europe, especially in the eighteenth century, when the city experienced its golden age with the triangular trade and the slave trade.

Even though Nantes had to move towards modernity, including planning issues, the city is no less proud of its past, a past that can be found in every corner. The centre of Nantes is actually a blend, which is based in the old medieval Bouffay district. The great diversity of this architectural heritage has justified the creation in 1972 of a protected area considered one of the most important in France. Yes, Nantes has been understood, the history and heritage forging the identity of a city.

The Medieval Quarter is perhaps the most beautiful area of the city. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the enormous fortress built in the thirteenth century marks the eastern boundary of the old city. Enjoy particularly the Lu tower, opposite the castle, on the other side of the boulevard. A few hundred meters north of the fortress, the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul is also a must, especially for visiting its magnificent interior. A visit to the Porte Saint-Pierre, glued to the cathedral, is required before heading to the district Bouffay. Cutting through the cobbled streets of this historic neighbourhood, you will discover its monuments and its half-timbered houses for a pleasant walk.

Observe the Tour of Britain and then head off to the Place Royale. A visit to the Place du Commerce and perhaps Ile Feydeau is required before entering the beautiful Passage Pommeraye, a mall typical of the nineteenth century. On the top of the passage, you enter the neighbourhood "Renaissance" in Nantes, with its great theatre and beautiful pedestrian streets

A city with a rich history, Nantes shines through the quality of its monuments and cultural heritage. It supports numerous museums, including some of the most interesting ones in the region. The most prestigious is the Museum of Fine Arts, the smallest, the Museum of the sewing machines, so you will have the opportunity to focus on all topics. Painting, history, archaeology? There is something for everyone when you travel to Nantes.

The Museum of Fine Arts

Located between the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and the Jardin des Plantes, the Museum of Fine Arts is perhaps the most interesting museum in the city. The late nineteenth century building, with its patio light, houses collections from Italian Primitives to contemporary paintings. There are several masterpieces by painters such as Ingres, De la Tour, Courbet, Chagall, Picasso, Dubuffet, and Kandinsky.

Other Museums

Located in Graslin, the Dobrée departmental museum is divided into two parts, one devoted to archaeology and other dedicated to medieval art and decorative arts. The Museum of Natural History opened in 1875 and has various collections of zoological, regional wildlife, minerals and a vivarium full of reptiles and amphibians from all backgrounds. The Jules Verne Museum is located at the top of the Butte Sainte-Anne, and it reopened its doors to visitors in October 2005 to celebrate the centenary of the author. Indeed, the writer Jules Verne was born in Nantes in 1828. This museum is dedicated to him, bringing together manuscripts, models and various objects that belonged to the writer. The Museum Sewing Machine is the smallest museum of Nantes and it shows the daily life of ordinary men and women, from the times when the sewing machine was the only way to get some clothes.

If you want to visit all these and more, it is time to look for great air flight deals. Flighthub offers the cheapest flights to Nantes, so make sure you make your booking sin advance for a truly cheap escape to France.