We like to call it "the city of the quarter-hour": Nantes promotes soft mobility through the development of a dense public transport network (tram, bus / free at weekends ). The city is also easily walkable or bikeable, with nearly 600 km of cycling paths. It is a member of the European program “100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities”. Through its Convention Bureau, the city supports the transformation of the event industry with strong collective commitments and innovative experiments.

The first CSR metropolis with 39% of businesses engaged, Nantes blends modernity with social tradition. As the birthplace of trade unions and a fertile ground for solidarity initiatives, the city embodies a collective spirit and a strong commitment to inclusion. Free public transport on weekends, citizen dialogue, and an active network of associations reinforce this inclusive model. 

Nantes is the event destination where you’ll never be bored. It was even named the "loopiest City in France" by the Sunday Times.

Driven by the spirit of Jules Verne, its touch of eccentricity is felt throughout the city, thanks to its open-air art installations. With its offering of unique venues (Machines de l’Ile, reinvented places like the former courthouse, old factories, industrial halls, castles, cultural sites, boats), it can host all kinds of events. Its convention center (La Cité Nantes Congress Centre) is committed to a responsible approach: the venue has been labeled as a Healthy Venue and is ISO 20121 certified, just like Exponantes, its exhibition park and its Convention Bureau.

Nantes is also a true cultural hub with exhibitions, concerts, and festivals all year round (e.g. La Folle Journée, RDV de l’Erdre, etc.).

Thanks to its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its rich agricultural lands, Nantes offers a cuisine that blends land and sea. On the savory side, beurre blanc enhances fish and seafood, while curé nantais cheese and Muscadet wine delight cheese and wine lovers. On the sweet side, gâteau nantais, berlingots, and LU biscuits are must-tries. Nantaise lamb’s lettuce enriches this local cuisine. Between tradition and creativity, Nantes captivates all food lovers with its unique flavors.

The economic dynamism of Nantes is powered by competitiveness clusters and world-renowned industries of excellence (health/biotechnologies, agri-food, composite and metallic materials, sciences of the sea (Marine Renewable Energy), aerospace...): the EMC2 cluster, dedicated to advanced manufacturing technologies, Atlanpole Biotherapies for healthcare/biotechnology, Images & Réseaux for information and telecom technologies, and of course the Brittany Atlantic Ocean Cluster for the maritime economy… 

The destination is home to some 5,000 researchers (public and private establishments), 200 laboratories, universities and specialist schools, including over 60,000 students. Nantes’ modern and vibrant economy is built on the presence of leading world companies such as STX, Vivalis, LU, Airbus, Alstom, Eurofins…

Nantes is the first French destination to successfully engage in the fight against food waste in professional events by integrating the entire event chain, showcasing its ability to innovate together. The network of the Convention Bureau consists of event venues, caterers, event agencies, service providers, accommodations, and more. All have signed a commitment charter aimed at raising awareness among clients and implementing actions to reduce food waste during corporate events. This local synergy allows organizers to benefit from tailored support and effective networking to ensure the success of the event.
 

1. Nantes, amazingly creative and friendly!
A gala dinner in Les Machines de l’Ile with the “Grand Elephant" - an extraordinary mechanical elephant - takes you on an imaginary voyage at the crossroads of Jules Verne’s "invented worlds", Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical world and Nantes’ industrial legacy.

2. Nantes, an environmentally responsible city 
Nantes shows an ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and providing an excellent quality of life. With more than 2,000 Green Key certified rooms, extensively developed soft mobility, local providers committed to organizing more responsible events, and a local policy focused on sustainable cities, Nantes is an ideal French destination to minimize the negative externalities of your event.

3. The Nantes Events hosting Charter 
Nantes stands out with the introduction of the Hospitality Charter, which includes commitments to offering a warm and personalised welcome for your delegates, with free services provided by all local partners.