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Latest update: 2 June 2023
The Loire River flows through the French city of Nantes. The river splits in two, and the small piece of land in between is Île de Nantes, the island of Nantes. It is the epitome of successful urban development. A place where the past and the present embrace and complement each other.
Urban development in Nantes
Shipyards and other maritime businesses have made way for culture, architecture, and design on the Île de Nantes. In the 1980s, the shipyards and other industries on the island ended: they were no longer lucrative and, therefore, unsustainable. Architects and designers developed the area while preserving natural (green) spaces. In Nantes, you are never more than 300 meters from a green space.
The area is now a creative place where I can’t believe my eyes. From gigantic mechanical elephants to strange pedestrian crossings and from hip catering establishments to bizarre ping-pong tables: Île de Nantes has it all.
Moving access bridge of Nantes
One of the access points to the island is a movable walkway leading to the Palace of Justice. The bridge (Passerelle Schoelcher) moves with the tide. The bridge is almost flat at low tide, and it rises at high tide. However, the distance to the water always remains the same. So you don’t have to be afraid of rattling and sliding; the bridge moves very gradually thanks to the hydraulic piles. The palace was the first building made ‘hip’ on the island in 2000.
Functional design in Nantes
You can follow the green line on the island. This green line takes you to the cultural and creative highlights of Nantes. But it doesn’t matter which way you go because you will find art and design everywhere on Île de Nantes. Whether it’s a basketball tree, a giant crane, or a coffee shop in a tipi: the island has lots of surprises.
What I like is that design and functionality go hand in hand. An ordinary ping pong table invites few people to play, but these crazy variants prove that people CAN be challenged to a game of table tennis. You can get the paddles at the restaurant Au Bureau (here). A little further, a winding zebra crossing raises the question of why we always have those neat, straight stripes. It works this way too, right?
Eating chicken at La Cantine du Voyage
I have lunch at La Cantine du Voyage. A former greenhouse opens from April to October for eating, drinking, and relaxing. There is only one option: a light salad (from their vegetable garden), roast chicken with potatoes, and a drink. In the afternoon you pay 15 euros for this, in the evening 17.50 euros. A pretty good deal! The Cantine seats 300 people and also houses a skating rink. Next to La Cantine du Voyage is the Banana warehouse (formerly used as a warehouse), where you will find even more restaurants and bars. The island is also worth a visit in the evening. Some works of art are even more fun at night because they are illuminated.
Île de Nantes: a getaway within the city
The island of Nantes, like the city itself, is super creative, but it feels a bit more concentrated here and as if everything breathes art and design. I also feel part of it because almost all objects are functional, and I actually use them. So make sure to leave some time to visit the island during your visit to Nantes!
More inspiration for travel in France?
Helpful links for your France trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace for unique camping spots. Rather stay in a hostel? Check out Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. You can find other good options at WithLocals. Check out Freetour and GuruWalk for ‘free’ walking tours, and for bike tours, try Baja Bikes. If you’re into wine: check out all the wine-related activities at Rue des Vignerons.
- Attractions and museums. Book museum and attraction tickets with Tiqets and get a 5% discount with this code: KIMOPREIS22.
- Car rental. Want to compare prices? Check out Discover Cars and Rental Cars.
- Flights. Definitely compare prices! Try Skyscanner and Kiwi.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. When you travel, you could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Maybe Expedia or CheapOair has a good option.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and bus. Travel by train to France with NS International, or plan your trip via Trainline. Or find deals on trains and busses in France via Busbud, Omio, or 12Go.
- Travel guides. I love the practical travel guides from Lonely Planet, buy them at Amazon.
- Yoga retreat. And what about a yoga retreat in France?
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Le Voyage à Nantes treated me to a lunch at La Cantine du Voyage. However, it was up to me whether and what I’d write about it.
First published: October 2017. Updated since.
