Discover the Dukes of Brittany fortress in Nantes

Visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne: six centuries of history to discover

Discover the château des ducs de Bretagnea monument marked by six centuries of history. The first château, the Tour Neuve, was built in the 13th century. The Vieux Donjon bears witness to the remains of this medieval past. The monument we know today was built at the end of the 15th century by François II, Duke of Brittany, to assert his rank as sovereign prince.

On his death, his daughter Anne de Bretagne, Duchess of Brittany and Queen of France, undertook the extensive work. She had the Tours du fer à cheval, de la Rivière and du Port built. She also added four Italian-inspired loggias to the Golden Crown Tower. Indeed, the sculpted decorations of the Grand Logis dormers and the coats of arms bear witness to the early influences of the Italian Renaissance.

Classified as a historic monument in 1862, the château was sold by the State to the city of Nantes and became a municipal museum in 1924. Major restoration work began in the 2000s. You'll appreciate the restoration of the façade of the Grand Logis, now immaculately white and worthy of the finest châteaux in the Pays de la Loire region.

Visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne: the Nantes History Museum

Behind this majestic architecture lies a museum of great diversity, well thought out for its visitors. The collections are displayed in a total of 32 rooms, with 1,150 objects on display. The history of the city of Nantes unfolds throughout your visit, from its origins to the present day. Discover Nantes in a different way, through a range of striking themes. The tour takes a thoroughly contemporary approach, with a global perspective on the Atlantic slave trade and slavery, the two world wars and industrialization.

A total of six highly diverse collections are on display, including the Musée d'Art Décoratif, the Musée de Nantes par l'Image and the Musée d'Art Religieux. A rich collection of paintings, sculptures, maps and city plans illustrate the history of Nantes.

Fancy a visit in 3D? That's what makes this museum so special. Your visit is supported by digital technology. A number of features are available, including touch screens with models of the château, archive images and 3D maps. Opt for an interactive, intuitive and modern visit that will appeal to young and old alike.

Discovering the castle continues

After your visit, it's on to the Fraiseraie, a local landmark. Take a seat in the courtyard of the château and sample the house's excellent specialties. The menu includes a wide selection of crêpes and galettes, as well as the famous Pornic strawberry ice cream. Spend an unforgettable moment with family and friends in a unique setting. And to find out more about the museum's major themes, visit the bookshop-boutique. Literature, essays and coffee-table books on the château's exhibitions.

Plan your visit to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne now!