Nantes History Museum

Who this place suits

With family

9/10

As a couple

9/10

With friends

9/10

Solo

10/10

With a dog

1/10

Reduced mobility

8/10

These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.

About

The Nantes History Museum occupies the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a major monument in the city centre and the former residence of the Dukes of Brittany. Behind the ramparts, a contemporary route of 32 rooms traces the evolution of Nantes from its origins to today’s metropolis. About 1,150 objects are on show in the permanent route, from a collection of nearly 40,000 pieces. The museum was designed around a historical narrative rather than only around the collections available. The first rooms tell the story of the castle, Nantes and Brittany up to the 17th century, then the city’s relationship with the Loire, the estuary and the ocean. A major section is devoted to the Atlantic slave trade and colonial slavery. Nantes was the leading French slave-trading port in the 18th century. The museum holds more than 700 objects and documents linked to this history. The route then covers the French Revolution, followed by the colonial and industrial port of the 19th century. The biscuit factories, shipyards and big industries show how the modern city was built. The two world wars also have important rooms. A large collection drive launched in 2008 brought about 1,500 objects and archives into the collections. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Entry to the collections and exhibition costs €9 full price.

What you will see

• 32 rooms in the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
• About 1,150 objects on show, from nearly 40,000 pieces held.
• The history of the castle, the dukes and Nantes.
• Nantes and its relationship with the Loire, the port and the Atlantic.
• A major section on the Atlantic slave trade and colonial slavery.
• More than 700 objects and archives linked to the slave trade and slavery.

Practical information

Address

Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Place Marc Elder, 44000 Nantes

Pets

Animals not allowed in the rooms, except guide or assistance dogs.

Accessibility

A museum with the Tourisme & Handicap label, with an adapted route and lifts.

Frequently asked questions

Stay in Nantes

Places to stay that are still available, with current prices, compared across the main booking platforms.

Partner link: a booking made from this map may earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.