Discover Nantes

Centrale Nantes in the heart of an super-sized metropolis.

On one hand, a wood and steel 12 meter-high elephant on whose back tourists ride to discover Nantes. On the other hand, the first sailing of the world's largest ship built in Saint-Nazaire, which made the front pages of all the international media.

Two “super-sized” images summing up the new prominence of Nantes Saint-Nazaire. One represents the dynamism of an urban area where cultural and creative industries have strong growth potential. The other symbolises the positive outlook for shipbuilding in the Loire estuary, and more broadly, a local industry boosted by advanced technology.

These contrasting images are reflected in the characteristics of the local economy. Nantes Saint-Nazaire has succeeded in preserving an industrial beating heart, with sectors of global excellence ... This has not, however, proved any obstacle to extensive “tertiarisation” of its economy, particularly with regard to the digital sector. Nantes Saint-Nazaire is experiencing the highest growth in digital employment in France

A vibrant region with a strong industrial fabric and excellent quality of life


Nantes is the 6th largest city in France with a population of 600,000. It is situated in the heart of the Pays de la Loire region in the west of France. With a population of 3.7 million inhabitants, the region is growing with around 30,000 people settling here every year.

The Pays de la Loire has the highest employment rate in France, with 66% of the working age population in the workforce. The region boasts 4 universities and 39 higher education establishments. Nantes itself regularly tops the French city rankings for quality of life with its thriving cultural scene and family-friendly environment.

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Published on March 25, 2019 Updated on April 9, 2019