Sloth on Trip - Enoturystyka i Podróże

Nantes, one of France's most significant cities, nestled along the Loire River, is a place that dazzles with its diversity, energy, and creativity. Every corner of this city breathes history, art, and innovative ideas, making Nantes one of the most captivating destinations to visit in Europe. Our first stop was Les Machines de L'Île, a fascinating attraction that exemplifies the city's imaginative spirit. Conveniently, there's a multi-story car park nearby, making it easy to leave your car and explore the wonders that Nantes has to offer.

Nantes, the birthplace of one of the most renowned science fiction writers, Jules Verne, is a city where his legacy is deeply felt. A prime example of this is Les Machines de L'Île—an extraordinary park that transports visitors into a world of fantasy and mechanical wonders. Located on the site of an old shipyard, this unique attraction was brought to life by artists François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice, who created massive, moving machines inspired by Verne’s works, Leonardo da Vinci, and the city’s industrial heritage.

The most spectacular feature of the park is the colossal mechanical elephant, Le Grand Éléphant, which majestically carries visitors on its back as it roams the island, playfully spraying water at those around. This entire project is a tribute to Verne’s imagination, blending art and technology in a way that captivates all who visit.

Les Machines de L'Île is open daily. Admission is €11 for adults and €8.70 for children over 4 years old. On Fridays at 6:00 PM, there is a guided tour available in English. The ride on the Elephant is an additional cost, and tickets are best purchased online for a specific time slot.

In addition to the elephant, much to our delight, visitors can admire a sloth gliding along a branch, a giant bird soaring overhead, or even take a ride in suspended baskets. For the more adventurous, there's also the chance to encounter a massive mechanical spider—an experience that truly showcases the park's imaginative spirit.

This is a truly unique and extraordinary place. Our little Tosia loved it, and we were equally captivated by the experience. We couldn't help but be in awe of the creativity and wonder that filled every corner of the park.

We decided to continue following in the footsteps of Jules Verne, making our way to the Musée Jules Verne.

The museum is located on Sainte-Anne Hill, offering a stunning view of the Loire River. It was opened in 1978, marking the centenary of the author's death, and has since curated a rich collection of memorabilia related to his life and work. Among the exhibits, visitors can find manuscripts, first editions of his books, engravings, illustrations, as well as models of machines and vehicles that have inspired inventors worldwide.

Visitors can explore models of spaceships, balloons, submarines, and other vehicles that Verne vividly described in his novels. The exhibits are designed to capture not only the scientific but also the literary and philosophical dimensions of his work. Special attention is given to Verne's most significant works, such as "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," "Around the World in Eighty Days," and "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

Practical Information:

The Jules Verne Museum is open daily (except during the off-season when it is closed on Tuesdays), usually from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, it’s advisable to check the latest information before your visit, as hours may vary depending on the season.

Ticket prices are very reasonable: adults pay €4, and admission is free for children under 18.

If you're interested in exploring more museums, it's worth purchasing the Pass Musées. It offers significant savings, costing just €15 and granting access to several key museums, including the Nantes History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Musée d'Arts, the Jules Verne Museum, and Le Chronographe. This pass is an excellent way to experience the rich cultural offerings of Nantes while keeping costs down.

As for the city itself, it's definitely worth visiting the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul).

The cathedral is renowned for its impressive stained glass windows and the tomb of Duke Francis II. Admission is free, though unfortunately, we weren’t able to go inside during our visit.

Passage Pommeraye is one of the most beautiful covered shopping arcades in France. Built in 1843, it masterfully combines the elegance of 19th-century architecture with modern boutiques and cafés. Stepping into this unique space feels like a journey back in time—marble staircases, richly decorated facades, and a glass roof create an atmosphere unlike any other. For shopping enthusiasts, Passage Pommeraye is a true paradise, offering everything from luxury brands to local shops with unique products.

In the heart of Nantes, on Place Royale, stands an extraordinary fountain adorned with coral sculptures. This unique project was created in 2020 as part of the "Le Voyage à Nantes" festival. The corals, typically found in the sea, have been brought into the urban landscape here, symbolizing the blending of different worlds—nature and city life. This fountain is just one of many examples of how Nantes seamlessly integrates modern art with the city’s tradition and history.

The Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Nantes (Basilique Saint-Nicolas de Nantes) is one of the city's most beautiful and significant churches. Its history dates back to the medieval era, when a modest parish church stood on its site. In the 19th century, as the city expanded, the decision was made to construct a larger church to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. Construction began in 1844, based on the designs of architect Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus, one of the leading figures of the Gothic Revival in France.

In 1944, during World War II, the basilica was severely damaged by bombings. However, thanks to the dedication of the local community and authorities, reconstruction began immediately after the war and was completed in the 1950s.

The LU Factory was one of Nantes' iconic landmarks, renowned not only in France but across the globe for producing the legendary Petit Beurre biscuits. The factory operated from the 19th century until 1986, when production was moved elsewhere. Over time, the idea emerged to transform the old factory into a modern cultural center, which was inaugurated in 2000 under the name „Le Lieu Unique”.

Within its walls, numerous contemporary art exhibitions, theater performances, concerts, film screenings, as well as workshops and literary events take place. One of the most recognizable features of Le Lieu Unique is its tower—a distinctive structure that was once part of the LU factory. The tower has been renovated and now serves as a landmark in Nantes, offering beautiful views of the city.

No discussion of Nantes' culinary heritage would be complete without mentioning the legendary LU biscuits (Lefèvre-Utile). The story of these delicate, buttery cookies, which have won the hearts of millions around the world, is deeply intertwined with the city of Nantes.

The LU company was founded in 1846 by Jean-Romain Lefèvre and his wife Pauline-Isabelle Utile. Their first biscuit shop was located in Nantes, where the young couple began producing exquisite pastries that quickly gained popularity. It was in Nantes that the famous LU logo was created—a pair of intertwined initials that became a symbol of quality and tradition.

Among LU’s most renowned products is the Petit Beurre—a biscuit with a distinctive rectangular shape, adorned with serrated edges and four small holes If you're looking to purchase LU products, the best place to visit is La Friande, located at 12 Rue Paul Bellamy. This unique shop is a haven for confectionery enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of regional specialties. From handcrafted sweets and exquisite chocolates to distinctive souvenirs from Nantes and its surroundings, La Friande is a true paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth.

We decided to take a moment to relax at Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden located in the heart of the city. Admission is free, and the garden is open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Jardin des Plantes was established in 1806 under the guidance of Jean Alexandre Hectot. In 1807, a magnolia tree was planted, which still stands today and is known as the Magnolia d'Hectot. By 1820, the garden had become a public park, and it was officially opened to visitors in 1829. Under the direction of Jean Marie Ecorchard, it was transformed into an English-style park featuring approximately 2,500 species of plants.

The garden also boasts several notable features, including a monument to Jules Verne, a gigantic bench, a greenhouse, and a playground for children.

The garden also includes a goat enclosure, where children can interact with and feed the goats, adding to the garden’s charm and family-friendly atmosphere.

Our final stop was Haute-Île, a part of the larger Île de Nantes, which plays a pivotal role in the city's life. Historically, the island was an industrial hub for Nantes, but in recent decades, it has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a space where art, culture, and innovation intersect with modern urban development. Surrounded by the Loire River, the island offers a unique landscape where natural beauty merges with urban architecture. Haute-Île retains much of the rugged character of this part of the Loire, featuring numerous walking paths, green spaces, and spots that provide stunning views of the river and Nantes' skyline.

One of the most distinctive features of the island is its murals and art installations. As part of the "Le Voyage à Nantes" project, which turns the city into an artistic playground, Haute-Île has become a canvas for street art, showcasing numerous works that have become emblematic of the area.

The murals on Haute-Île are not just decorative; they also serve as a form of dialogue with the urban space. Created by both local and international artists, these murals reflect the cultural diversity, creativity, and innovation that characterize Nantes. These vibrant, often large-scale artworks can be admired on the walls of buildings, bridges, and other structures scattered across the island.

What to See in Nantes:

Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany): This historic castle is a symbol of Nantes' past and features interactive exhibitions about the city's history. Opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
La Cigale: A historic brasserie established in 1895, offering traditional French cuisine in a beautifully artistic setting.
Île de Versailles: A picturesque island on the Erdre River, known for its Japanese-style gardens.

"Nantes: Where Reality Meets Jules Verne's Imagination"