Venue

About Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant city that beautifully blends history, culture, and innovation. Known for its stunning architecture, the city’s crown jewel is the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a magnificent castle that tells the story of Nantes’ rich past. Stroll through the charming streets of the downtown, where medieval buildings and lively cafes create an inviting atmosphere.

Nantes is also a hub of creativity, showcasing a dynamic arts scene with attractions like Les Machines de l’île, where fantastical mechanical creatures come to life. The city is peppered with lush green spaces, such as the serene Jardin des Plantes, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the local specialties, from fresh seafood to delicious galettes.

For more information on the city’s art and culture, explore Voyage à Nantes.

Transportation

How to get to Nantes?

Nantes is easily accessible by plane, train, or car.

• by plane ✈️ : Nantes-Atlantique airport is located 20 min from the city center, and can be reached with KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia, RyanAir, EasyJet, etc. Over 100 regular direct flights, the airport connects to Europe’s major hubs. Airlines with direct flights to Nantes.

• by train 🚋 : With 23 daily TGV high-speed train departures, Nantes is about 2 hours from Paris. High-speed train connections to Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport also make it easy to reach Nantes from various global locations.

• Getting Around 🚗 🚲 🚌 : Tramway, bus and navibus, bikes and car sharing service, walking tours… all of Nantes is accessible to you through its many transportation options, where you can visit the city just about every way imaginable.

Climate

Nantes experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers. In December, Nantes experiences cool, damp weather typical of its temperate oceanic climate. Average temperatures hover around 6°C (43°F) during the day, while nights can drop to about 2°C (36°F). Despite the overcast skies, the city takes on a charming ambiance, especially with festive decorations and holiday markets popping up.

Local Attractions

What are some must-visit places in Nantes?

• The Bouffay district : This district is an absolute must where traces of the Middle Ages can still be seen in abundance on the timber-frame façades. The Bouffay district is also a hotspot for bars and restaurants with plenty of options for enjoying drinks or a good meal at the end of the day.
• The Maillé-Brézé : You cannot say you know Nantes unless you’re familiar with its shipyards and maritime history. The Maillé-Brézé warship, once the star of the French Navy, is now a museum that offers insight into day-to-day life on a vessel during the Cold War.
• The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul : A shining example of the city’s rich cultural heritage is the Nantes Cathedral. This impressive building’s Gothic architecture dates from the 15th century.
• The Pommeraye arcade : The Passage Pommeraye is another of Nantes’ architectural gems. This beautiful arcade covered by an enormous glass roof was built in 1843! It has been a source of inspiration for many artists, including the great Agnès Varda.
• The Japanese Garden on the Island of Versailles : Travel to Japan on a manmade island along the Erdre river in the Heart of Nantes. Rock gardens, waterfalls and a zen garden are among its features, inviting visitors to take a break in a serene environment between sightseeing sessions!
• The Natural History Museum : If you’re planning to visit a museum, head for the Natural History Museum, one of the most reputed in France, where the collections cover every aspect of natural history.

Conference Venue

Where is the conference taking place?

The conference will be held at the University of Nantes, located in the heart of Nantes. The venue is easily accessible by various transportation methods, including tram and bus. Detailed directions and transportation options will be available closer to the event date.