The Château des Ducs de Bretagne

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The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a symbol in Nantes which relates centuries of French history. Discover this very beautiful castle of Nantes in Loire Atlantique, a place which has undergone numerous restorations and some changes, to become a cultural place in its own right, to visit during your stay in Nantes. It is thanks to patient work of preservation of heritage that you can stroll in a city overflowing with cultural riches.

The history of the castle

This historic monument is an important figure in the history of the city of Nantes and its urban heritage. In the historic heart of the city, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Saint-Pierre Cathedral are among the emblems of the city. The castle was built at the end of the 15th century by François II,  then Duke of Brittany.
This castle traces more than six centuries of history. It is located in the heart of the medieval district of Nantes, the main entrance overlooking Place Marc-Elder. The castle ramparts, towers, courtyard and moats are freely accessible. It was François II, the last duke of independent Brittany, who at the time wanted the Château des Ducs de Bretagne to be a defensive military fortress as well as the main residence of the ducal court.

This wish comes from the fact that he wanted to protect himself from royal power. His daughter Anne de Bretagne, twice queen of France, will continue and complete its construction. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne became in the 16th and 17th centuries the Breton residence of the kings of France, to later transform into a barracks, a military arsenal then a prison before becoming what it is today, retracing the history of Nantes. The buildings once housed the splendid residence of the ducal family and its distinguished visitors. On the courtyard side, admire the facade of the building which houses beautiful loggias referring to the Renaissance period.

The museum of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne

This contemporary history museum paints a portrait of the city through the centuries to the present day. Here, the public is invited to see global history, and not through the prism of a single country. It is an invitation to take a step back from history to better understand the contours and motivations of the time.
 
Through its 32 exhibition rooms and the 1150 collection objects exhibited, plus the video which invites itself to have a global vision of the city, it is a particular immersion in the past that you will experience by visiting the Nantes history museum of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
 
Thus, different themes are dealt with, such as the period of colonial trade and the slave trade in Nantes. A large exhibition also presents the two World Wars. Finally, the industrial past of the city is also presented.
 
You can take free and guided tours of the interior of the castle museum as well as see exhibitions during the week. The Douves garden, the Courtyard and the ramparts are freely accessible 7 days a week. Find out on the official website for the entrance fees offered. Certain categories of people benefit from free admission all year round (children, people with disabilities, job seekers...) while the museum and exhibitions are free on the 1st Sunday of each month, except in July and August.

The Nantes Museum of Fine Arts also deserves a detour to explore eight centuries of art history. Next to it, the Saint-Pierre cathedral welcomes you with its two beautiful Gothic-style towers. During the day, take the time to admire the facades of the old half-timbered houses in the Bouffay district dating from the 15th century.

Where to sleep in Nantes?

Book a room in Nantes in one of our hotels. Depending on the duration of your stay and your preferences, find all our addresses in the city. Have you planned a weekend in Nantes? It's time to book a room in one of our B&B HOTELS in Nantes and the surrounding area:

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• Want to be in the city center of Nantes ? Stay at the B&B HOTEL Nantes Centre.
• To stay close to the center without being in the heart of the city, our B&B HOTEL Nantes Parc Expos La Beaujoire is very close to the Parc des Expositions, practical if you come for a business trip.
• The B&B HOTEL Nantes Rezé Saint-Sébastien or the B&B HOTEL Nantes Parc Expos La Chapelle
• The B&B HOTEL Nantes Atlantis Le Zénith, further north, near the Zénith de Nantes
• The B&B HOTEL Nantes Aéroport, close to Nantes-Atlantique airport
• Or the B&B HOTEL Nantes Savenay to spend your stay in Nantes in the best conditions, at the best price without forgetting comfort.

All our hotels will allow you to benefit from all our services such as quality bedding, a continental breakfast buffet, unlimited and free high-speed Wifi in all rooms and the entire hotel.

Are you planning to visit Nantes, but also to taste the Nantes specialties? We have prepared several guides to help you make the most of this magnificent city of art and history: 

• The best addresses in Nantes
• Focus on the heart of downtown Nantes
• How to find a restaurant in Nantes
• The monuments in Nantes to see absolutely

Are you wondering which district to choose to stay in Nantes? Many activities in Nantes are available to you and there is always a B&B HOTEL to welcome you near the sector of your choice. 

Want to explore the region? Stay in one of the B&B HOTELS in the Pays de la Loire, it will be an excellent starting point for new adventures. Whether you are organizing a family trip or for a professional event, our hotels will provide you with all the necessary comfort. 

For your meetings, favor hotels with seminar rooms. Finally, for any questions, our advisors are available by phone.