Nantes Castle - Exploring the Castles of the Loire Valley #1 (Visiting Nantes #1 - The Castle)

The gate of Nantes Castles where the royal palace and the museum of Nantes are housed.
The Castle is with the Cathedral one of the oldest building in Nantes.
Nantes is a very interesting city and what certainly makes it special is the unique mix of styles that you can easily admire walking in the town.

The Castle of Nantes is doubtless one of the most iconic monuments of the town.

Its medieval walls, so strong, large and imposing protect more recent buildings in typical French Flamboyant style.

Inside, the castle also contains a little museum about the history of Nantes.

The museum is not extremely rich of information, but it gives you a general understanding of the history of the town.

It is certainly interesting to visit the castle and the museum as in this way you have the chance to explore the white rooms of the castle with its imposing thick walls.

The history of the castle is deeply related with the story and the life of the Duchess Ann.

The Duchess Ann became during a symbol of the history of Brittany and of France and we will follow her life in our posts along the Loire Valley.

The statue of the Duchess Ann in front of Nantes Castle.
The Duchess is the most famous actor in Nantes history and it is still popular today (click here to read more) 


Here some photos of the castle.


(You can visit the castle walls and courtyards everyday and for free. The museum about the history of the city of Nantes is hosted in the castle and it is free the first Sunday of the month).

We hope you enjoy the photos.

The strong walls and the moat are wonderfully well preserved.

The huge medieval towers defending the walls of the castle.

The gate of the castle as seen from the road.

One more sight of the gate, note the depth of the moat!

The French flamboyant style of the royal palace. You will also notice it in many more Loire's castles façades.

The large internal courtyard of teh castle.

The courtyard and the Cathedral behind.
Click here to read about Nantes Cathedral.

The Castle's surrounding and the Cathedral where the famous tomb of the parents of the Duchess Ann of Brittany is situated.


A view of the courtyards from the walls of the castle.

The impressive flamboyant style of the façade.

The walls as seen from the tower.

The walls are opened everyday from morning to dusk. Entrance is free.

You can plan a pick-nick in the castle's courtyard.

Admire the French Flamboyant style...

... and the beautiful windows.


This post has been made thanks to Nina Latouille from Nantes. 

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