Château des Ducs de Bretagne

Description:

• Between the cathedral and the Loire is Nantes's second major sight, where the Edict of Nantes was signed. The castle was constructed in the 9th or 10th century, enlarged in the 13th century, destroyed, and rebuilt into its present shape by François II in 1466. His daughter, Anne de Bretagne, continued the work. Large towers and a bastion flank the castle, which contains a symmetrical section (the Grand Gouvernement) built during the 17th and 18th centuries. The duchesse du Berry, royal courtesan, was imprisoned here, as was Gilles de Retz ("Bluebeard"), one of France's most notorious mass murderers. The castle's rich collections were shaped into a museum of the history of Nantes from the 17th century to the present. About 30 rooms are devoted to a depiction of the history of one of France's most important ports. Included are many evocative objects, including scaled-down models of the city during different eras. The museum charges admission, but you can visit the courtyard of the château and parade along the ramparts for free.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010