About Nantes

Nantes, a city to be visited: Situated in the Loire region of France, Nantes could be regarded as a “tale of two cities” from many angles. Once a bustling node for European shipping, former vast, industrial warehouses have become a hotspot of cultural and artistic expression. Meanwhile, divided by the Loire river flowing towards the Atlantic, a maze of Haussmann-style terraces, ornate cathedrals, and monumental museums sit in contrast to an island of outlandish mechanical contraptions, and young, modern, free-spirited innovation. The sheer variety of artistic and architectural wonders make Nantes a destination to be explored. Merged with culinary excellence, amazing hotels, and a determination by public and private officials to maintain and expand on the city’s vibrant, playful design scene, and Nantes becomes a must-see, undiscovered architectural gem.

For info on visiting Nantes see the Official website of the tourist office of Nantes including information on how to get there; places to eat and stay; museums to visit and information on the recommend “Walk the green line” which is a permanent collection of more than 120 artworks in public spaces, running from the heart of the city out to the Ocean, along the Estuaire itinerary and the region’s vineyards. For specific info on contemporary architecture, reconversion projects and urban regeneration see the website of archdaily. A very nice example is also the rehabilitation of the banks of the Loire and the Place de la Petite-Hollande, covering the Saint-Félix canal to the Quai de la Fosse by agence TER. Their project was honoured with the Grand prix de l'urbanisme in 2018. The city of Nantes has a rich history reflected in the urban fabric of a city traversed by the Loire River, which brought the city economic prosperity over the centuries. The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is one of the historical building worth to visit. For organising the conference dinner on Thursday evening the amazing venue of the "Gallerie des Machines" at Les Machines de l'île was chosen. You will find Jules Verne's "Invented Worlds", Leonardo da Vinci's mechanical universe and Nantes' industrial history, on this exceptional site of the city's former shipyards.

We invite you to join TENSINANTES 2023 and to explore the surprising city of Nantes!