On the banks of the Loire and its tributary the Erdre, Nantes dreams of the sea, Breton.
But it is well anchored in Loire-Atlantique, with Bouffay, a historic district, at its heart.
Miraculously preserved during the Second World War, with the castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the Saint Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral and medieval houses along its narrow streets, far from being a museum district, the hyper center, as the people of Nantes call it, renowned for their sense of celebration and conviviality, line up restaurants, bars, trendy shops.
Not far away, the Town Hall disappears in summer under the thousands of camellias imported from Japan at the start of the 19th century by its mayor, Ferdinand Favre, a botany enthusiast.
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The hotel
A minimalist name for this 3-star boutique hotel that is just as minimalist.
Sleek, design, the colored tones chosen by the architect give it a good look.
Its immediate neighbour, exactly opposite, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
And not far, the train station.
Super nice, the rooms on the top floor with a terrace to contemplate the full frame, the castle and the gardens.
In the evening, in the cozy bar-lounge, you can have a drink accompanied, if you are too lazy to go out, with a few snacks that take the place of dinner.
Motorized customers can, when booking, request a space in the indoor car park.
A plus in this neighborhood where parking quickly turns into a nightmare.
Available in the mini-business center of an iMac and a printer.
Ideal address, at mini-price, for walking,
one historical place to another.
The only caveat is that breakfast is close to €15.
31 rooms from €87.
The hotel, 6, rue Henri IV, 44000 Nantes.
Such.
: 02 40 29 30 31.
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Sozo
Located close to Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes, the hotel Sōzō was designed in a chapel dating from the 19th century.
Sōzō / Photo press
Sōzō from the Japanese for “creation, imagination”, a definition that sticks to the place, disused chapel from the 19th century transformed into four stars with vertiginous height under ceiling, vaults, warheads and original stained glass windows.
Inevitably, you sleep like an angel in this place with a religious imprint that turns the contemporary furniture of Ingo Maurer, Starck, Paulin, Eames, the Bouroulec brothers, etc. on its head.
You almost walk on tiptoe, whispering, but the warm welcome erases the solemn aspect.
Welcome, after a day exploring the city, to the wellness area with hammam, sauna, ice room, sensory shower and short menu of treatments at reasonable prices before settling down, delighted in the holy of holies… your room.
The view of the botanical garden adds to the charms of Sōzō.
27 rooms from €124.
Sōzō Hotel, 16 rue Frédéric Cailliaud, 44000 Nantes.
Such.
: 02 51 82 40 00.
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OKKO
Designed by Patrick Norguet, the rooms of this four-star hotel combine aesthetics and functionality, practicality and elegance.
OKKO / Photo press
To set up his first hotel with a very urban concept with the slogan "Four stars and no clouds", Olivier Devys, ex-Accor, set his sights on Nantes, a stone's throw from the castle, the recently restored Fine Arts museum, the Talensac market, the train station and the Jardin des Plantes.
Dream location!
Betting, in non-virused periods, on conviviality, exchange and sharing, the Club is the beating heart of the Okko where in the evening the guests read the local newspaper, share a drink, graciously nibble on some regional specialties, exchange their good plans around the buffet and the coffee machine, a bit like at the university restaurant, chic version!
In the morning, you can savor its breakfast, mostly organic and 100% local buffet The rooms with a very contemporary design, with their amusing bathroom block,
very functional, well equipped and soundproofed ensure quality sleep after a break in the wellness area.
80 rooms, from €87.
OKKO Hotels Nantes Castle, 15, rue de Strasbourg, 44000 Nantes.
Such.
: 02 52 20 0070.
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Oceania Hotel de France Nantes
Oceania l'Hôtel de France Nantes welcomes you in the center of Nantes, a 2-minute walk from the Graslin Theatre, Passage Pommeraye and Place Royale.
Press picture
It was the Hôtel de France (hence the name), in a superb 18th century residence, a flagship of Nantes where the stars on set, Jean Marais, Mireille Darc and Jacques Demy, stayed.
Tired, outdated, bought by the Breton group Oceania, it again deserves its four stars.
Restored, it retains its trademarks, parquet floor, piano in the lobby, imposing chandelier, statues.
Its classicism of good quality, a little conventional in the rooms, matches its environment, Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, old quarters including the very lively Place Graslin and the Passage Pommeraye, shopping mall, dating from 1843 and classified as a Historic Monument.
Good point for Rituals courtesy products.
A piece of advice, even if the breakfast is more than adequate, go and have it next door at La Cigale,
THE Nantes brasserie with its remarkable Art Deco dining room.
It's terrific and turns into a weekend brunch.
Be careful to book at the Oceania Center and not at the airport.
72 rooms from €84.
We fell in love with the 524 on the 5th floor with its large terrace offering a breathtaking view of Nantes.
Oceania Hotel de France Nantes, 4 rue Crébillon, 44000 Nantes.
Such.
: 02 40 73 57 91.
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Radisson Blu Hotel
The Radisson Blu Hotel is located in the former Nantes courthouse.
Radisson Hotels / Photo press
Installed in the old courthouse – 1852 – tottering, transformed by Jean-Philippe Nuel, a Parisian architect, the Radisson Blu has completely changed the situation and the look of this district, causing property prices to soar.
Impressive to climb the steps dominated by the imposing columns and peristyle which led to the audience hall.
In this solemn and somewhat intimidating decor now sits the restaurant l'Assise, while the bar, Le Préambule is spread out in place of the antechamber where the defendants and their counsel waited during the trials.
Spa, hammam and fitness room also share this space.
Opened at the end of 2012, this excellent spot, due to its location, a few minutes' walk from the sites of interest,
is already showing some signs of fatigue which should be remedied.
142 rooms, including 20 suites.
From €116.
Radisson Blu Hotel, 6 place Aristide Briand, 44000 Nantes.
Such.
: 02 72 00 10 00.
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