Nantes

Occupying a scenic spot on the banks of the Loire River, Nantes is the capital of the Pays de la Loire region, home of a famous castle and the historic home of the Dukes of Brittany. Nantes’ history dates back to Gallic and Roman times, its most spectacular monument, of course, being the Château des ducs de Bretagne, a sprawling fortified castle originally constructed in 1207. Look out over the city from the Tour Bretagne or admire the Gothic cathedral with its Renaissance tombs.