Perched on the banks of the Loire River in the Pays de la Loire region of western France 50 kilometers from the Atlantic coast, the city of Nantes is the sixth largest in the country. Often called the “Venice of the West,” the city offers tourists access to a wide variety of museums, churches, castles and other historical places, making it a popular tourist destination.

While visiting Nantes, be sure to check out the stunning Chateau des ducs de Bretagne, which dates to the 13th century and was the former residence of the Dukes of Brittany. Also of note, the Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul dates to the 14th century and features a relatively plain exterior, when combined to the intricate interior decorations. The historical market is still in use today, so be sure to visit Le Marche de Talensac (Talensac Market) if you want to get a glimpse of where the locals shop.