Overview
Nantes is known for its Muscadet and Gros Plant white wines. The best time to visit Nantes is { during the summer months of June, July and August. Nantes is located in the Loire Valley in western France. Nantes has an oceanic climate.
Statistics:
Location: Western France
International Dialing code: 33
Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October)
Average temperatures (January): 6°C
Average temperatures (July): 19°C
Official Language: French
Currency:
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in Nantes, France. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
1.00 GBP = 1.13 EUR
1.00 USD = 0.69 EUR
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Emergency Contacts:
Police: 17 - free call
Fire service : 18 – free call
Ambulance : 15 – free call
Attractions
Canal de la Martiniere
Cathedrale de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Chteau des Ducs de Bretagne
Jules Vern Museum
Nightlife:
Nantes has a thriving nightlife in part due to the expanding student population. Although Nantes' after dark experience is contained in the Bouffay area, there are several bars and nightclubs located near the Place du Commerce and the Théâtre Graslin. Establishments worth visiting include Le Bar Du Coin, Les Fees Maison, La Maison, and John McByrn's Irish bar. Be sure to try the Muscadet wine, an inexpensive but delicious beverage that goes well with seafood dishes.
Shopping:
Nantes harbors the famous Passage Pommeraye shopping center, renowned for its exquisite and sometimes expensive boutiques. If you don't want to relieve your wallet of cash, window shopping alone is a rewarding experience in Nantes. Other shopping sites of note include La Frindande, Les Rigollettes Nantaises, and the Castles of the Dukes of Brittany, Lieu Unique Boutique, and the Tourist Office Boutique.
Hotels
Nantes has an assortment of hotels available to meet your requirements. Whether you are vacationing on a budget and looking for an economical hotel or looking for luxury, you can find accommodations compatible with your lifestyle.
Restaurants
In addition to its title as the birthplace of crêpes, Nantes is world renowned for its wine and seafood. However, if you absolutely have to have some crepes, try the buckwheat variation called galettes de sarrasin.
Two restaurants of interest include the Cafe Moliere, which offers affordable lunches such as croques-monsieur, and La Cigale, known as the most beautiful brasserie in France for its turn-of-the-century decor.