Nantes (France)

Nantes is a Loire River cruise port and large city in western France (Loire-Atlantique department, Pays de la Loire region), located approx 50 km (31 mi) from the Atlantic coast. By population (around 620,000, metro over 910,000) the city is ranked France's 6th largest - following Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice.

Brittany's biggest city is strategically located along Loire River and near Biscay Bay. The most popular tourist attractions are a medieval castle (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) and the Saint Pierre cathedral. The Musee des Beaux-Artes and the University of Nantes (1460-built, re-established in 1961) are also here.

Near Nantes is Angers with its twin-spired Saint Maurice cathedral (built 12th-13th century). Also significant are Logis Pince (Renaissance mansion) and the Hospital of Saint-Jean (12th-century built by Henry II of England, now a museum).

In the 9th century, the dukes of Brittany fought over Nantes with the Franks. By the 14th century, the town was established as a successful port harboring around 1300 ships. The port town prospered under the 15th-century rule of Duke Francois II. In the 18th century, sugar cane was imported into France via the port. The introduction of sugar beet and the abolishment of slavery resulted in the town's decline.

Today, the port is managed by Nantes–Saint Nazaire Port Authority (also operating port St Nazaire). The port's total area is nearly 1650 hectares (4077 acres / 16,5 km2).