Nantes – Rennes - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Location: Nantes is a city located in western France, in the Pays de la Loire region, while Rennes is the capital city of Brittany, situated in the northwest of France.
- 2. Population: Nantes has a population of around 309,346 inhabitants, making it the sixth-largest city in France, while Rennes has a population of approximately 221,272 residents.
- 3. History: Nantes has a rich history dating back to Roman times, and it was once a major port city involved in the slave trade. Rennes has a history dating back to the Roman era as well and has been the capital of Brittany since the 16th century.
- 4. Architecture: Nantes is known for its stunning architecture, including the medieval Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the unique mechanical elephant at Les Machines de l'île. Rennes boasts a mix of medieval and modern architecture, with highlights such as the medieval Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the contemporary Les Champs Libres cultural center.
- 5. Economy: Nantes is a major economic hub in western France, with a diverse economy focused on industries such as aerospace, renewable energy, and digital technology. Rennes is also an important economic center, with a strong focus on the technology and telecommunications sectors.
- 6. Transportation: Nantes has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a bike-sharing program. Rennes is known for its efficient public transportation system, which includes buses and a metro system.
- 7. Culture: Nantes is a vibrant cultural city, with a range of museums, art galleries, and music venues. Rennes is also known for its cultural scene, including the annual Trans Musicales music festival and the Théâtre National de Bretagne.
- 8. Universities: Nantes is home to several universities and higher education institutions, including the University of Nantes and Audencia Business School. Rennes is also a university city, with institutions such as the University of Rennes 1 and Rennes School of Business.
- 9. Gastronomy: Nantes is known for its delicious seafood dishes, including moules marinières (mussels in white wine) and beurre blanc (a white wine and butter sauce). Rennes is famous for its traditional Breton cuisine, such as crêpes and galettes (savoury buckwheat pancakes).
- 10. Festivals: Nantes hosts a range of festivals throughout the year, including the famous La Folle Journée classical music festival and the Les Rendez-vous de l'Erdre jazz festival. Rennes is known for its vibrant festival scene, with events such as the Les Tombées de la Nuit arts festival and the Yaouank Breton music festival.