population: 0.313 million

extension: 65.19 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Nantes and interested in visiting museums, I would recommend visiting the Musée d'arts de Nantes. It's one of the largest art museums in western France, featuring an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from various periods. For similar museum experiences in the area, you might also enjoy the Musée Dobrée, which focuses on archaeology, decorative arts, and ethnography, or the Jules Verne Museum, which celebrates the life and works of the famous writer.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Nantes according to locals are:

1. "Gâteau nantais": It's a classic cake made with almonds, butter, sugar, and rum, typically served as a dessert.

2. "Moules-frites": This dish consists of mussels cooked in white wine with shallots and garlic, served with crispy fries on the side.

3. "Crêpes": These thin pancakes are a popular snack or dessert item in Nantes, often filled with sweet or savory ingredients like Nutella, cheese, ham, or eggs.

4. "Râble de lièvre à la royale": This is a traditional rabbit-based dish that originated in Nantes. The meat is cooked slowly with red wine, foie gras, and mushrooms, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew.

5. "Beurre blanc": This sauce is made with butter, white wine, shallots, and vinegar, and is commonly served with fish dishes like "lotte" (monkfish) or "anguille" (eel).

6. "Curé Nantais": This is a locally produced cheese that's often served as an appetizer or with bread and fruit for dessert. It has a distinct flavor profile and texture that reflects the terroir of the region.

7. "Andouillette de Guéméné": This sausage is made with pork chitterlings and tripe, and is seasoned with onions, salt, pepper, and spices. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's often served with potatoes or lentils.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals in Nantes enjoy:

1. Visit the Machines de l'Île: This is a unique attraction in Nantes that features large mechanical animals and structures that you can ride or explore.

2. Explore the historic city center: Nantes has a beautiful historic city center with narrow streets, charming squares, and impressive buildings such as the Château des ducs de Bretagne.

3. Take a stroll along the Loire River: The riverfront in Nantes is a popular spot for locals to go for a walk, jog, or bike ride. You can also enjoy a picnic by the water or take a boat tour.

4. Discover local markets: Nantes has several markets where you can find fresh produce, cheese, bread, and other local products. The Talensac market is particularly popular.

5. Enjoy the local cuisine: Nantes is known for its excellent seafood, so be sure to try some oysters or mussels while you're here. You can also sample local wines and cheeses at one of the many restaurants and bars in the city.