The Passage Pommeraye in Nantes: an architectural masterpiece

As unmissable as the Parisian galleries, the Pommeraye passage in Nantes welcomes many visitors each year. Between past and present, this place houses incredible architecture as well as intimate boutiques, but also with international renown. Head for a hidden and secret place: the Pommeraye passage in Nantes.

The Pommeraye passage: an architectural gem

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At the origin of this project: Louis Pommeraye. A young notary from the Nantes region, he wishes to restore all its luster to the

Graslin district, then infamous and unsanitary. Far from suspecting that the construction of the passage would be so difficult, Louis Pommeraye, accompanied by renowned architects, Buron and Hippolyte, embarked on this crazy project in 1840.

He then encountered many difficulties: a difference in level of more than 9 meters, residents not very enthusiastic about the creation of this new place, he was even sued countless times.

Despite these hardships, the Pommeraye passage came into being to the delight of the local bourgeoisie.

Inaugurated in 1843, the Pommeraye passage is modeled on the Parisian galleries, welcoming many luxury boutiques and wealthy visitors. It is also the symbol of the nascent industry in France and Europe. The tufa stone walls, the wrought iron vaults, the colored stained glass windows, or the sculptures give the place an enchanting atmosphere.

Built on three levels and articulated around a huge staircase, the Pommeraye passage was at the time a revolution for the people of Nantes. Little used to seeing shops with shop windows, they witnessed the creation of a whole new type of trade.

In addition to strolling through the neo-classical and Renaissance-style aisles, they can also admire stoles, shoes and other luxury boutiques as they stroll. The passage becomes a place frequented by the upper bourgeoisie, and even witnesses scenes of flirting...

However, a few years later, during the economic crisis of 1846-1847, the Pommeraye passage turned into a real financial abyss. Hard hit by a poor cereal harvest and a financial crisis, France suffered an unprecedented increase in prices. It was not until the end of this dark period that the passage regained its full grandeur. It even escaped the bombings of 1943 and has now become an unmissable place in Nantes!

The shops of the Passage Pommeraye: intimate and trendy

Nestled in the heart of Nantes, the Pommeraye passage occupies a privileged place in the historic city center in the middle of the lively alleys with their many bar-restaurants and terraces. Located between rue de la Fosse and rue Santeuil, it is a stone's throw from Place Royale and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.

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Easily accessible, it is served by various bus lines and stops: Commerce, Saint-Nicolas, or the Médiathèque.

Many car parks are also nearby as well as self-service bicycle access.

In its beginnings, in the 19th century, the Pommeraye passage mainly housed shops dedicated to a wealthy clientele. Clothing designers, fine leather goods, jewelry, contemporary art are also still present in the passage. Other brands have also appeared over time. Many exhibitions and ephemeral sales are organized to highlight the work of young designers.

Other boutiques, such as specialized bookshops, delicatessens or artisan chocolate shops have taken place in the Pommeraye passage. We find in particular the following boutiques (non-exhaustive list):

• Coton Doux: clothing store
• Byblos: fashion jewelry
• Alice Délice: kitchen equipment
• Pylônes: decoration and gift shop
• Nature et Découvertes: wellness store
• Hermès: luxury leather goods
• Berthe aux Grands Pieds : lingerie boutique
• Le Comptoir de Mathilde: delicatessen

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Between tradition and modernity, the Pommeraye passage has preserved its heritage, while renewing itself to offer a unique shopping experience.

Stroll through the galleries of the Fosse, Régnier, or that of Santeuil, while enjoying a setting

exceptional. Take some photos of the places, admire the countless statues of dreamy teenagers or the architectural details and the motifs hidden in the decor.

Decoration which served as a filming location for Jacques Demy's film "Lola" and "Une chambre en ville". Settle down in one of the tea rooms of the passage to enjoy a Tea time and some pastries, before continuing your way through the most beautiful districts of downtown Nantes.

B&B HOTELS: Your hotel in the center of Nantes

Ideally located in the city center of Nantes, our B&B HOTEL welcomes you all year round 24/7. Equipped with an underground car park (paying), our establishment is easily accessible by car or via public transport (SNCF station nearby). A stone's throw from the Palais des Ducs de Bretagne, our hotel allows you to easily reach the main points of the city, such as the famous Île de Nantes or the convention center.

Enjoy the comfort of our air-conditioned rooms including ultra comfortable bedding signed Bultex, a flat screen TV with a complete TV package and unlimited Wifi connection. On a business trip for one night, a romantic weekend getaway or a visit with the family, our individual to family rooms can accommodate up to 4 people. Our establishment also offers comfortable PMR rooms.

Feeling peckish? Feel free to use our microwave to heat your dishes or consult our selection of restaurants located in the center of Nantes. And to enjoy a complete breakfast: head to our unlimited buffet. Composed only of French products, we make it a point of honor to offer our customers a complete and balanced breakfast. Hot drinks, dairy products, pastries, fruit juices, fill up on vitamins before starting your day!

So, ready to enjoy your trip to Nantes? Book at B&B HOTELS, and benefit from our low prices, all year round.