THIS IS NANTES, the capital of MUSCADET
The city of Nantes lies at a crossroads
Established at the confluence of the Loire, Sèvre and Erdre rivers, it is turned towards both the sea and the upper reaches of the river. Its location determined its role as a port and trading centre, soon surrounded by a network of roads that made it a hub, as well as an ideal starting point for seafaring exploration.
This is reflected in the city’s motto of Favet Neptunus Eunti, adopted in 1816. This Latin expression literally translates as “May Neptune favour the traveller”, but it can also be interpreted as “Neptune favours the bold”!
For Nantes is indeed a bold city!
France’s 6th largest municipality in terms of population, it is part of a conurbation of almost 700,000 inhabitants, the metropolis of Western France. The writer André Breton described it as “the only city in France where I have the impression that something worthwhile may happen to me, […] where the pace of life is not the same for me as elsewhere, where a spirit of adventure beyond all adventures still inhabits certain people”.
Nantes is an approachable, hospitable city that welcomes, creates and leaves its mark. Nantes is renowned for its commitment to sustainable development and for innovation in the digital sector. In recent years, the region has become renowned for the talent of its new culinary scene, centred around inventive chefs who showcase their terroir and vineyards.
Summers in Nantes are mild (18°C on average) and so are winters, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0°C (6°C on average). What’s more, it doesn’t rain that much, either! The weather is even better than in Paris (with 1956 hours of sunshine a year in Nantes compared with 1797 in the capital).
