The Musée d'Arts de Nantes
The Musée d’Arts de Nantes (Nantes Museum of Fine Arts) is housed in a gorgeous 19th-century building, located less than one kilometer from the conference centre. Founded in 1801, the Musée d’Arts de Nantes is one of the few French museums to have consistently expanded its collection with works by living artists. Over time, this commitment has shaped a rich and dynamic journey through more than 900 paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, and installations, showcasing masterpieces by artists including De la Tour, Courbet, Delacroix, Monet, Picasso, Kandinsky and Soulages.
Le Lieu Unique
Right next to the conference centre stands Le Lieu Unique (“The Unique Place”), a vibrant hub for contemporary culture housed in the former LU biscuit factory along the Canal Saint-Félix. Here you’ll find art exhibitions, concerts, literary gatherings, philosophical debates, and festivals. And don’t miss the chance to climb its 38-meter-high tower!
Photo credit: adapted from “Bretagne_20230721_DSC1842” by Maarten Heerlien, CC BY 2.0
Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique
Located 60 km west of Nantes at the mouth of the Loire River, Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique is one of the world's largest shipyards. It builds a wide variety of vessels, from naval ships to some of the biggest cruise liners ever constructed. Beyond shipbuilding, the company works on the development of offshore substations that connect wind farms to power grids.
Photo credit: Bernard Biger
Passage Pommeraye
The Passage Pommeraye is a historic shopping arcade in the center of Nantes, named after its developer, Louis Pommeraye. It was inaugurated in 1843. Spanning three levels and connecting streets of differing heights with a monumental central staircase, its design is very elaborate and includes Renaissance-style sculptures. The passage, now a protected historical monument, is well known for both its commercial boutiques and its decorative details, making it a renowned architectural and cultural landmark.
Photo license: CC BY-SA 4.0
Jardin des Plantes de Nantes
The Jardin des Plantes de Nantes is a 7-hectare botanical garden in central Nantes, located right next to the railway station. It features over 10,000 plant species within a web of ponds, waterways, and paths. A fine collection of statues, as well as fountains, cascades, pavilions and greenhouse are scattered in the garden. The Jardin des Plantes is well known for its peaceful landscaping, exotic plants, and whimsical art installations. It is free to enter and popular for strolls and botanical exploration.
Photo credit: Make Me Smile
The Grand Elephant
The Grand Elephant, a 12-meter-tall mechanical elephant, is part of Les Machines de l’Île (The Machines of the Isle of Nantes) in Nantes, France. It can carry up to 50 passengers for a slow ride through the exhibition area, while interacting with its surroundings, especially by spraying water from its trunk. The entire venue is located in the former shipyards of Nantes and is inspired by the imaginary worlds of Jules Verne (a native of Nantes), Leonardo da Vinci, and industrial machinery.
Photo credits and copyright: Jean-Dominique Billaud
Château des Ducs de Bretagne
Located in the historic heart of Nantes, this iconic fortress is a must-see. Originally built in the 15th century, with elements dating from the 14th to 18th centuries, the castle served as a ducal residence, a royal fortress after 1532, and later a state fortress following the Revolution. And the best part? It’s just an 11-minute walk from the InterPore2026 conference venue!
Photo credits and copyright: Valéry Joncheray
