Flybe / June 2018

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52 JUNE
CONCIERGE BREAK TIME
the Loire, carrying up to 50 people on its back as
it walks to the Sea World Carousel, a merry-go-
round on three levels dedicated to the sea and the
creatures that live in it, including a giant squid and
submarines.
The masterminds behind these mechanical
delights have an ambitious new project underway.
L’Arbre aux Hérons (The Heron’s Tree) is set to be
the largest hanging garden built since ancient
Babylon, spanning over 160 feet in diameter and
reaching 114 feet into the sky and located on the
banks of the Loire. The sketches and mock-ups for
the project show a giant steel tree topped with two
herons that each carry 20 passengers on circular
flights. Half of the tree’s 22 branches can be
traversed on foot by visitors, and all of the
branches will support hanging terraces of plants
and gardens to create a lush ecosystem. The tree
itself will be set in an old granite quarry on the
cliffs of Brittany. The goal is to open The Heron’s
Tree in 2022.
Le Voyage à Nantes represents the culmination
of a sustained cultural regeneration programme
begun in the early 1990s. The organisation is
publicly funded, and its Director Jean Blaise, is
widely recognised as an inspirational innovator
in contemporary culture. Le Voyage à Nantes
engages all its cultural institutions, local businesses,
universities, museums, and all aspects of the
city to make a unique event for residents and
visitors to enjoy. This bold approach to culture has
yielded extraordinary results; tourism has grown
by over 50 per cent while Nantes has become an
increasingly attractive place to live, with resident
numbers increasing by 6-7,000 a year. By uniting all
the elements of the city, Le Voyage à Nantes has
created a unique approach to art that demonstrates
its value every day.
Hotel Sozo
16, rue Frédéric Cailliaud
This boutique designer hotel was
originally a 19th-century chapel,
evidenced by the filigree work, carved
arches and stained-glass windows.This
is contrasted by the contemporary art,
designer furniture and high-tech
equipment in the 24 rooms and suites.
Oceania Hôtel du France
24, rue Crébillon
www.
Recently refurbished, the hotel has 72,
spacious, individual rooms ranging in
style from contemporary to Art Deco.
Each has an Oceania concept bathroom
and views of the Place Graslin and its
theatre.
La Pérouse
3, Allée Duquesne
Another renovated hotel, La Perouse
was awarded listed status for its
architecture in 2011.The 46 bedrooms
are all minimalist calm, with
comfortable queen-size beds.The
original desks and bedside tables made
by carpenters at the former Chantiers de
l’Atlantique shipyards and basins
crafted by a local glassmaker have been
beautifully restored.
Hotel Voltaire Opera
10, rue Gresset
www.hotelvoltaireoperanantes.
com
This charming, good-value hotel is in an
excellent location, near the Graslin
Theatre.The 38 rooms are decorated in
shades of gold, chocolate and beige,
with contemporary bathrooms.
Breakfast includes homemade jams and
artisan honey.
Where to sleep
FLY Flybe has flights to Nantes from Birmingham, Manchester and Southampton
Nantes Pass
It’s worth buying a Nantes Pass, which
allows free admission to 30 attractions,
including the Château des Ducs, Machines
de l’Ile,Arts Museum and Jules Verne
Museum, plus visits and tours, bike rental
and cruises.You can also travel free of
charge on public transport, and there are
discounts on shopping, entertainment and
leisure.There are 24-, 48- and 36-hour
passes, at €25, €35 and €45 respectively,
less 10 per cent if you book online.