City history
Explore the rich and diverse heritage of Nantes, ranging from its ancient Celtic origins to its famous modern mechanical wonders.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Valley"
The name is believed to stem from the ancient Celtic word nanto, which refers to the valley through which the Loire river flows.
Valley
The original Celtic designation for the settlement area.
Nantus settlement
The Latinized version of the city name used during Roman administration.
Nantes
The modern French name used for centuries.
Chapter two
France adopted a unified time standard to facilitate national rail and maritime synchronization throughout the entire country during the late nineteenth century.
France implemented a standardized daylight saving time schedule, which Nantes follows as part of the current European Union directive.
Chapter three
Nantes was a pivotal center of commerce and politics during the French Revolution, serving as a vital maritime port for the Atlantic coast.
In 1944, Nantes was liberated from German occupation, marking a significant turning point in the city's modern history and restoring its independence.
The launch of the Machines de l'ile brought massive mechanical art to the city, featuring giant moving creatures that celebrate industrial creativity.