General description
Nantes, located in the north of the Vendée, is a lively and dynamic city, known for its rich cultural heritage and numerous monuments, such as the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the famous Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral. Once a major trading port, Nantes is now a major economic center in the Pays de la Loire region, attracting many visitors and businesses. Nantes-Atlantique airport, located some 10 kilometers southwest of the city center, is the region’s main airport. It is a preferred departure point for local and international travellers, thanks to its wide range of European and Mediterranean destinations. The airport is also well served by public transport and boasts modern facilities to welcome passengers in the best possible conditions. Due to increasing passenger numbers, the project to transfer this airport to Notre-Dame-des-Landes had been considered, although it was finally abandoned in 2018 in favor of a modernization of Nantes-Atlantique. This modernization aims to meet growing demand while reducing the environmental impact of the current airport. Nantes is also recognized for its commitment to ecological transition, illustrated by the “European Green Capital” label obtained in 2013. The city continues to lead initiatives to promote sustainable mobility, integrating the airport into its transport network, and encourages environmentally-friendly development projects.
