Château des ducs de Bretagne

A fortress and ducal residence housing the Nantes history museum. Built mainly in the 15th century, the Château des ducs de Bretagne became the main ducal residence of Brittany under Francis II. An edict signed at the château in 1532 sealed the union of Brittany with France, and it then became a royal fortress.

Listed as a historic monument in 1840 and owned by the city since 1915, it underwent a major renovation from 1990 to 2007 and has housed the Nantes history museum since 2007. The visit reveals a building that was in turn a ducal residence, state prison, barracks and arsenal, and recalls the memory of Duchess Anne, daughter of Francis II.

For groups : Groups of up to 30 people must book in advance, for a self-guided or guided visit. The themes offered cover Nantes and its château, the Atlantic slave trade, Nantes during the two world wars or the history of the LU and BN biscuit makers. Coaches drop groups off at place Foch or rue Gambetta, a few minutes' walk from the entrances. The château is accessible to people with reduced mobility and offers facilities for visual, hearing and intellectual disabilities.

Château des ducs de Bretagne – 4 Place Marc Elder, 44000 Nantes

On request – preferential group rate (please contact us)