Château des ducs de Bretagne - Musée d'histoire de Nantes

Set in the historical heart of Nantes, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is one of the key-monument representing the heritage of the city, (as well as the St. Pierre Cathedral). Built in the 13th century on the - still visible - Gallo-Roman rampart of the city of Namnètes, the first ducal castle disappeared in the 15th century to make way for the current building. From 1990 to 2007, the castle was substantially renovated and has since become a new museum dedicated to the history of Nantes. The musée d'histoire de Nantes (Nantes history museum) occupies 32 rooms of the renovated castle. Equipped with multimedia devices, the museum exhibits more than 850 collectibles. The castle and its museum fit into a contemporary vision of heritage and patrimony, by offering a reading of the city’s history that put the past, the present and the future into perspective. From the 17th to the 19th century, the slave trade played a vital role in the trade in Nantes and enriched the city. The Nantes History Museum presents this section of history in its permanent exhibition. In view of the collections and historical work conducted on this theme, the museum is internationally recognised as a reference site. Source: website of the Château des ducs de Bretagne