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| Travel Guide 2 > Europe > France > Towns and Cities > Nantes |
Nantes
Nantes is a city in the Pays de la Loire region of western France. The city is located on the Loire River, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the Atlantic coast. As of 2005, the city's population was estimated at 280,600.
Key Facts about Nantes
Here are some facts about Nantes:
- Nantes is a city in the Pays de la Loire region of western
France.
- Nantes is located on the Loire River, about 30 miles (50 kilometers)
from the Atlantic coast.
- As of
2005,
the population of Nantes was estimated to be 280,600.
- The history of Nantes, as well as the city's name, dates back to pre-Roman times.
A Gaulish tribe known as the Namnetes, are believed to have founded the town in approximately 70 BCE.
- The Romans under Julius Caesar conquered the town in 56 BCE, and renamed the
town Condevincum.
- In the 3rd century, the Romans renamed the town Portus Namnetum.
- Also during the 3rd century, a Gallo-Roman
wall was built around the town. The remains of this wall can still be seen to this day.
- In the 18th century, Nantes grew rapidly, and grew rich, as a result of the city's
participation in the slave trade.
- Nantes industrialized in the 19th century. An omnibus service began in 1826,
railways in 1851, and many new industries came to the city.
- During World War II, the city was occupied by the Germans, and also suffered
some bomb damage from Allied bombing.
- In the 1970s, Nantes' harbor was moved to the mouth of the Loire River at
Saint-Nazaire (it had previously been at Île de Nantes). Although the old
harbor did attract a number of new service sector organizations into the area,
there were economic difficulties. In 2001,
a major development effort began, with the aim of revitalizing Île de Nantes
and Nantes' city center.
- In 2003,
L'Express voted Nantes as the "greenest city" in France.
- In both
2003
and 2004,
Le Point voted Nantes as the "best place to live".
- In 2004, TIME Magazine named Nantes as "the most livable city in all of Europe".
Weather in Nantes
For current weather information, we recommend:
Books about Nantes
Here are some books about Nantes:
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