A trip to the city of Nantes is a journey into art and history. The castle of the Dukes of Brittany reveals the city's past, while the contemporary art trail along the Loire estuary and the Green Line reveals the modern face of the city. Every summer, Nantes stages Le Voyage à Nantes, probably the most unusual cultural summer in France. Artists and creatives, gardeners and chefs, DJs and graffiti artists are invited to interpret Nantes in their own personal way. With happenings and concerts, artworks and exhibitions, temporary and permanent installations.
Le Voyage à Nantes takes art out of museums and galleries and places it in the city. In courtyards, squares, streets, alleyways and passages. Follow the green line: along the way, temporary installations appear in the middle of public spaces. So don't be surprised if you see children playing around a basketball tree, take a walk on the moon in the Parc des Chantiers or come across a giant mechanical elephant in the middle of Place Royale. For a break in between, the "Bird's Nest" with a panoramic view of the whole city or the Cantine du Voyage on the banks of the Loire are ideal. From July to August, performances, concerts, the typical Breton fest-noz, boat trips on the Erdre and world or jazz music festivals are also on the program.
The highlights of the permanent collection of more than 40 art sites in Nantes are joined by new sculptures and exhibitions. Each work of art leads to an unusual place or a remarkable site in the estuary. The art marks fragile nature reserves and contrasts with gigantic industrial buildings. It forms a fascinating open-air museum of art.
July 1 to September 3, 2023
Éloge du pas de côté
In front of the terrace cafés, Philippe Ramette has interpreted Caspar David Friedrich's famous painting "Wanderer above the Sea of Clouds" with a twinkle in his eye in an unusual bronze sculpture for Le Voyage à Nantes. His Éloge du pas de côté shows a man in a suit, his gaze directed towards the horizon. Only one foot rests on the pedestal, the other stumbles into the void. Yet the man does not fall, but remains upright. The sculpture becomes a symbol. And an invitation. Dare to take a step to the side! Leave the norm. Just as Nantes does in culture with Le Voyage à Nantes.
Éloge du pas de côté is the name of the unusual bronze sculpture by Philippe Ramette. Photo: Hilke Maunder
Machines of the Island (Les Machines de L'ile)
Whether you're climbing aboard a life-size mechanical elephant, riding a carousel of fantastical sea creatures or operating a flying machine, a visit to Les Machines de L'île is likely to be unlike anything you've experienced before. Inspired by the creations of writer Jules Verne, Nantes' main attraction is fun for all ages.
The giant wellies in front of the garden are a particular source of amazement for the children. Photo: Hilke Maunder
Colorful supporting program
In addition to the tours, the town offers a colorful supporting program consisting of open-air concerts, exhibitions and street festivals. Culinary delights are also served daily at the Cantine du Voyage on the banks of the Loire. If you want to explore every corner of the city, it is best to follow the green line, which runs for 12 kilometers to all the main sites in Nantes and, of course, to the works of art and the major summer exhibitions.
