Nantes

Nantes is a city of irresistible charm, that has thrived by making the most of its strategic position at a natural cross-roads between the land and the sea. The castle that was once the residence of the Dukes of Brittany is now undergoing a major restoration. It was here, four centuries ago, that Henri IV signed the Edict of Nantes, formally recognising the right to individual choice. With its position by the sea, the city developed into one of France's major ports. While maritime and naval activity have now moved downstream to Saint-Nazaire, the entire estuary has joined forces and turned Nantes-Atlantique into the metropolitan centre for the west of France. The estuary has a healthy economy that has been undergoing radical change.

Every industry within the service sector is established here, e.g. medicine, administration, finance, information technology and trade, which makes Nantes the second most important French city for the service industry. The estuary itself, the fourth most important industrial region in France, is home to an array of engineering companies (maritime, mechanical, electronics, I.T.) as well as the food and timber industries. Nates is a busy port, serviced by TGV high-speed train links. Traditional cultural events are programmed in Nantes, often alongside some quite breathtaking creative innovations. This is only to be expected from the city that was the birthplace of Jules Vernes and the cradle of surrealism. Such eclecticism can be seen today through the harmonious co-existence of institutions such as the famous opera house, the Pays-de-Loire National Philharmonic Orchestra and the Loire-Atlantique cultural centre.

Cultural events in the region's calendar include: the Carnival in April, the Summer Festival in June where musicians from around the world come to perform, and the Erdre programme, which combines music and water sports in a unique natural setting. POPULATION Inner city: 244,500 habitants Urban area: 499,200 habitants INTERESTING FACTS An imposing fortress, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany dates from its reconstruction by Duke Fran�ois II in 1466. 32,000 students attend the colleges, 6,000 study at the prestigious university-level "grande Žcoles". PLACES TO VISIT Castle of the Dukes of Brittany 4, place Marc Elder NANTES Telephone: 0240 415656 The castle of the Dukes of Brittany is an example of remarkable architecture, once the symbol of independent Brittany's greatness. St-Pierre and St-Paul Cathedral Nantes Telephone: 0251 889547 It took 450 years to complete the construction of the cathedral. Nevertheless it has a remarkably unified Gothic style. In the interior is the tomb of FranÙois II, the last Duke of Brittany. Ramparts GuÚrande The fortifications of the town of GuÚrande have remained intact since their construction in the 14th and 15th centuries. Walls, towers, fortified gateways, medieval town are a fine sight to see. A Museum of Folk Arts and Local Traditions (costumes, BriÚrien and Paludien interiors) is housed in one of the gateways.