Nantes is a large bustling city and has a population of around 300,000. It is the most westerly city in France and is situated at the head of the estuary of the Loire river where it is also joined by the Sevre and Erdre rivers.

Nantes is renowned for its stunning scenery as well as numerous castles, museums and galleries. Out of all the French towns, Nantes has changed the most in the 20th and 21st centuries and up until the nineteenth century it was one of France’s most important port cities. In the middle ages it was one of the greatest ports for trade alongside England and Portugal and later became a gateway to North America.

In the heart of the city is the 15th century cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul also known as Nantes cathedral.

Nantes also has an amazing art scene. The Musee d’Art is like the Louvre is to Paris. There have been many new additions to the museum. Housing works such as Monet, Picasso and Kadinsky, the Cube is a new wing in a semi-transparent marble. At night you can watch the sensational glow in the river from the procession of massive rings at the IIe de Nantes waterfront.

However, if you are looking for some peace and quiet the Jardin Japanais which is situated alongside the canal is a perfect place to relax or explore rock gardens, exotic plants and waterfalls.

Nantes is fascinating and an ideal destination to have a vacation all year round.