Travel guide to Nantes: a selection of popular attractions.

Nantes is the largest city in western France. It is famous for its profound historical heritage and economic strength. It is also the hometown of science fiction writer Jules Verne. Here are some of the must-see attractions: 1. Mechanical Island The mechanical island is famous for its 12-meter-tall elephant that sprays water, and tourists can ride on it. In addition, there is a multi-story carousel that combines biological and mechanical elements. ✅The Mechanical Island is divided into three major areas: ✔️The Giant Elephant, ✔️The Heron Tree and ✔️The Sea World Carousel. Here you can observe the engineers' production process and operate these mechanical devices up close. 2. Castles in Brittany The palace of the Dukes of Brittany was built between the 13th and 16th centuries and later became the residence of the French monarchs in Brittany. Today the castle houses the Nantes History Museum, which details the historical development of the region. 3. Trentemoult, a small fishing village Once a small fishing village, the houses are now painted in bright colors and cats can occasionally be seen wandering in the alleys. The scenery here is pleasant and life is leisurely, making it a great place to relax and take a walk. 4. Nantes Botanical Garden As one of the four major botanical gardens in France, this English-style garden is famous for its camellias and magnolias, and also grows many rare plants brought back by the captain of Nantes during the Louis XV period. The garden is dotted with paper sculptures designed by artists, which are unique. 5. Passage Pommeraye This three-story 19th-century building is famous for its exquisite staircases, sculptures and decorations. Today it is a commercial street that combines the dual pleasures of shopping and architectural appreciation. 6. Nantes Museum of Fine Arts This large museum displays art from the 13th to the 21st century and is a must-see for art lovers. 🚗Transportation and location ✅ Downtown (Commerce Station) The city center of Nantes is a transportation hub, where tram lines 1, 2 and 3 intersect, and many bus lines stop. Living near the city center makes travel convenient, but you need to be careful. ⭕️Tram Line 1 ✔️The Brittany Castle, Nantes Botanical Garden and Mechanical Island are all on this line. ✔️Get off at Chantier Naval station and walk to the bridge across the river to reach the Mechanical Island, or take a ferry (public transport tickets are valid) to the small fishing village. ✔️In the opposite direction, you can reach the Brittany Castle and Nantes Botanical Garden, and Nantes Cathedral and Art Museum are nearby. ⭕️Tram Line 2 ✔️Take a walk to the Japanese Garden of Versailles or along the river for a leisurely trip. ✔️This route is also the main route to the University of Nantes, École Centrale and HEC Nantes, avoiding rush hours in the morning and evening. For more event information, please visit the "Nantes Metropole" website.