PRACTICAL
INFORMATION
Nantes
Nantes, the capital of the Pays de la Loire region, is located in the heart of a dynamic metropolis of more than 600,000 inhabitants, the main one in the great west of France. With its friendly atmosphere and numerous green spaces, this sixth largest city in France offers more than 100 parks and gardens. Constantly expanding, Nantes stands out for its commitment to major collaborative urban projects.
Renowned for its rich artistic and cultural heritage, it houses the famous castle of the Dukes of Brittany, various museums, and regularly hosts major cultural events such as Le Voyage à Nantes, a summer tour highlighting ephemeral or permanent works of art. Labeled French Tech Metropolis since 2014, Nantes attracts many companies that contribute to its economic growth. The city actively supports innovation and positions itself as a laboratory of ideas and experiments for urban transitions and the challenges of tomorrow.
Nantes Island & the Creative District
The Island of Nantes has undergone profound changes over the centuries. Originally an archipelago of islands, it was gradually merged until the 20th century, witnessing economic activity that began as early as the 17th century. In the 19th century, naval and industrial activities heavily shaped the territory. However, by the end of the 20th century, naval activity had deserted the island, leaving behind vast industrial wastelands.
The beginning of the 21st century marked the start of the revitalization project for the Island of Nantes, guided by ambitious political objectives: to create a dynamic metropolitan center, reconnect with the Loire River, and make the city accessible to all. This project is based on constant dialogue among various stakeholders (institutions, professionals, citizens…) with the aim of shaping together a sustainable island, tailored to its inhabitants, while challenging the traditional urban model.
In the span of fifteen years, the western transformation of the Island of Nantes has transformed this area into a true hub of creativity and innovation. While preserving its identity linked to the river and its industrial past, a space known as the « creative district » has been developed as a cluster. This has encouraged the emergence and concentration of a network of cultural and creative industries. This district, home to the L’École de design Nantes Atlantique, fosters collaboration between entrepreneurs, higher education and research institutions, thereby facilitating exchanges.
The creative district has become one of the emblematic sites of industrial memory, housing the famous « Machines de l’Île » as well as the former Alstom hangar/warehouse rehabilitated to accommodate schools, startups, and businesses.
Les Halles 1&2
Since May 2023, this building gathers 10 event galleries, and about 30 other rooms dedicated to creative activities. Halles 1&2 spreads around 3400m2. We will attend the general assembly in this place.
Nantes Convention City
Since its opening, over 30 years ago, la Cité des Congrès de Nantes has been the reference in hosting international events (either concerts or festivals or conferences), especially thanks to its auditorium (800 seats, 2000 seats for the biggest). The opening conference and keynotes interventions will take place here.
Travelling to Nantes
By plane
Thanks to its proximity with all European metropolises (less than 2 hours) and its 4 daily rotation between Paris CDG and Orly, the International Nantes Atlantique Airport enables you to facilitate your trip.
Shuttles Naolib (public transportation society of Nantes) are available from the exit of the airport, straight to Nantes’ downtown (in about 20min). Average cost : 10€
By train
Nantes’ train station is just 2 hours away from Paris in high speed train and 21 daily HST trips between Nantes and Paris are planned. Furthermore, it is located very close to Nantes’ downtown. Once you step out of the train, you just have to walk 10 min to find the town center.
Consult the map
Click here to see all the locations for the Cumulus spring conference 2025 in Nantes, including hotels, restaurants, and more
Connections in Nantes
Public transportation & rental bikes
Nantes public transportation services, Naolib, enables you to move all around the urban area, by providing several means of transport : 3 tramways lines, more than 60 bus lines and a thousand self-service bikes.
A weekly ticket will be provided to you upon your arrival. Check out this link for more precision.
parking facilities
Nantes’ downtown has about 2000 parking spots. Further from the centre, there are also places where you park your car before taking any means of transport (bike, bus, tramway).
Food and lodging in Nantes
Restaurants
As a French city, Nantes is known for its culinary culture.
We recommend the website Les Tables de Nantes, which will help you to find a restaurant, according to your preferences (french food, gastronomic, veggie…).
Here are some restaurant, next to the school, that could give you ideas :
- Les Funambules – brasserie
- Le Zed – burgers
- Broussaille – local french food
Different ranges of hotels/hostels
Discover a captivating array of accommodations in Nantes, between the 8000 rooms offered, which caters to all budgets and preferences (comfort, proximity from the school)
Find out below, a map gathering hotels in Nantes’ downtown, which allows you to get to the school in about 10 min by bike, or less : consult the map
For students, some hostels are located next to the school (Fusion, Le Spot), offering nights for less than 50€ per person.
If you are looking for some better rooms, Nantes has many four or three-star hotels, such as the Mercure Nantes Centre.
If you are looking for more independence, Nantes also benefits from a great AirBnb offer.
Cultural Environment in Nantes
Discover nantes with conference attendees
On Saturday June the 7th, it will be possible for some conference attendees (with charged reservation) to discover Nantes, by taking part in one of the following cultural programs that will be proposed : Art, History, Food & Wine, Machines de l’Île
Visit Nantes by yourself
You can also check out the Voyage à Nantes Website, if you want to visit the city by yourself.
