conference

Nantes
Nantes, the former capital of Brittany, is the sixth largest town in France (population 500 000), recently ranked number one for quality of life in Europe by TIME magazine, Located on the famous Loire river, Nantes is the economic, cultural and educational capital of the west of France. Just 50 km from the Atlantic coast to the west and 90 km from the historic town of Angers to the east, Nantes and its region offer many and diverse cultural and tourist opportunities.

Nantes has a particularly rich cultural heritage with its medieval castle, cathedral, museums, art gallery and historic buildings. Near the castle, the medieval quarter of Bouffay has retained all its charm. Its half-timbered facades, some from the 15th century, will carry you back to the past. The 18th century was the golden era for the people of Nantes; it was the main port trading with the colonies, and its ships would come in from the islands with cargoes of spice, coffee, sugar, cotton and indigo. The richest shipowners constructed buildings on the l'île Feydeau, many of which have since been converted into pubs, cafés and restaurants. You will be able to appreciate their fine freestone facades trimmed with ironwork and ornamented with figureheads.

Nantes is a town of contrast for it is at the same time a resolutely modern city. It is a city of creativity, in which every artistic trend is given full expression with its theatres, concerts, opera, festivals and crazy cultural projects such as the ‘Island of Machines’ featuring a giant mechanical elephant walking in the city.

Discover Nantes on foot, by tramway, or by riverbus and of course enjoy the famous French gastronomy in one of the many restaurants of the city. And if you have time, beyond the city, discover the vineyards, the towns of Angers, St Nazaire and La Baule with the longest fine sand beach in Europe. You won’t be disappointed. There is something for everyone!

Highlights
Cathedral
Plaza de Santa Ana
Castle of the Dukes of Brittany
Tour Lu Arts Centre
Quartier Bouffay
Ile Feydeau
Passage Pommeraye: a splendid 19th century shopping arcade
Théâtre Graslin
The Island of Machines

Conference and Exhibition venue
Located within a stones-throw of the historic city centre, Nantes International Congress Centre provides an ideal environment for the conference venue. Its elegant architecture, ease of access and dedicated facilities make it a an attractive and welcoming venue within walking distance to most hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist attractions.

Access
Access to Nantes is easy either by train – two hours from Paris by high-speed train (TGV), or by air. Nantes Atlantique airport has daily flights to many cities in Europe, including London, Madrid and Amsterdam. Access from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport by air or TGV train (two and a half hours to Nantes and two hours to Angers).

The ‘Conférence des Grandes Ecoles’ and all the higher education establishments of the Pays de la Loire Region look forward to welcoming you to Nantes for the the 22nd EAIE Annual Conference. We promise you a memorable experience.