The more I travel, the more smaller cities and towns capture my heart. I love the less touristy, genuine experience that can be harder to find in a main city.
On my recent trip to Nantes, I discovered France is filled with so much more beauty and character worth exploring outside of its city of romance. After touching down in Nantes, I knew this European spot was going to leave a lasting impression. Coming from such a young country, I’m a sucker for cobble stoned streets, secret alleys to get lost in and stunning historic architecture.
I was pretty excited when I realised the venue for the opening of TBU, The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany could be seen right out of my hotel window. It’s not every day you get views of a striking 18th century castle (complete with moat) from your window.
While the main focus of the trip was the conference, there was still plenty of time to get out and explore. Armed with a map and my 72 hour Nantes Pass, I ventured around three of the main neighbourhoods in the city – the medieval, classical and new areas.
The best part of meandering around on foot, you never know what you’re going to find when you turn a corner. One street led me to the eye-catching and dominant Gothic Cathedral Saint Pierre and Saint Paul.
As I got closer, the intricate detailing on the Cathedral was incredible.
I couldn’t help, but take a peek inside…
The scale blew me away as I was drawn in. The white stone interior was beautiful, light and ever so peaceful. I swear you would have been able to hear a pin drop.
I did my best to tip-toe around to not disturb the silence.
I felt dwarfed in the nave of the cathedral looking up at the almost 38 metre high ceiling. The stained glass windows caught the sun rays and sent out beautiful dancing colours onto the surrounding white pillars.
If you ever want to feel tiny and be blown away by scale, go visit the Cathedral Saint Pierre and Saint Paul while in Nantes (it’s even taller than the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris).
With my inner explorer satisfied, it was time to return to the Hotel to get ready for dinner.
Based on a recommendation from a local food blogger during their L’atelier des Chefs cooking class a few days earlier, we decided to try Les Fils à Maman not far from the Commerce tram stop.
Apparently they do the best cheeseburgers (be prepared to go with a large appetite), though as we went to order, they had just run out. Proof of their popularity!
I went for plan b and an all time favourite, Cordon bleu. Succulent chicken, stuffed with ham and oozing melted cheese, bread crumbed with a side of creamy mashed potato and salad. Clearly I was too hungry and it tasted too good because I didn’t even manage to take a photo.
Inside the restaurant, exposed brick walls are covered in superhero memorabilia, childhood photos, gilded mirrors and vintage street signs.
Even the bathroom didn’t escape the photo montage. While going about your business you can listen to music coming from the flat screen tv and look around at all the faces staring at you. Bizarre, but entertaining.
The service was friendly and quick, food delicious AND at the end of your meal they bring a whole jar of sweets to your table. Perfect if like us, you were too full for dessert, but feeling like something sweet.
I would certainly recommend going there for a meal if you’re in town and don’t forget to check out the bathrooms.
While the night was still young, we decide to continue the evening with a couple of drinks, so headed towards Rue de la Juiverie in the popular Bouffay Quarter.
Wandering the streets, we came across the lit up Sainte-Croix church, silhouetted by the dark evening sky. In the evenings, Nantes comes even more alive with many bar and restaurant lined pedestrian areas packed with fellow punters.
The balmy night was perfect for sitting outside making the most of the warm Autumn weather and watch other passers by.
Pinmapple: [//]:# (!pinmapple 47.213539 lat -1.549756 long Nantes d3scr)