HOTELS

Radisson Blu

It's hard not to notice this imposing address, which has been housed in the former courthouse since 2012. Interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel has taken on the task of converting it with talent. As soon as you enter the salle des pas perdus, transformed into a lobby, the decor is impressive. The glass roof reinforces the impression of space that emanates from this neo-classical building, which now houses 142 rooms and suites. These rooms are mainly used by business travellers, especially as the latest refurbishments are aimed at meetings, such as the 236 m² plenary room, which has been installed in the former courtroom.
6, place Aristide Briand - Tel: 02 72 00 10 00 - Internet: www.radissonblu.com

Mercure Nantes Centre

As its name suggests, the Mercure Nantes Centre Grand Hôtel - one of the hotel's two representatives in the City of Dukes - enjoys a privileged position right in the heart of the city. The hotel has 162 rooms and twelve meeting rooms, with a maximum capacity of 160 guests. Its EasyWork space can accommodate individual professionals or working groups of up to six people, with specially adapted facilities. The more informal 4.44 bar-restaurant is also ideal for meetings over a drink or lunch.
4, rue du Couedic - Tel. 02 51 82 10 00 - Internet : www.accorhotels.com

Sozo

The Nantes hotel industry is definitely investing in atypical locations. In April 2012, the Sozo took up residence in the intimate setting of a 19th century chapel.^e century, transforming Notre-Dame-des-Anges into a 24-room boutique hotel. The reception area sets the tone, dominated by original stained glass windows in dialogue with contemporary works of art. This mix of genres gives the establishment a unique cachet, with designer furniture by Starck or Ingo Maurer installed under the original vaults. The spiritual coexists with the functional, and the establishment even offers two seminar rooms, for 12 and 20 people.
16, rue Frédéric Cailliaud - Tel. 02 51 82 40 00 - Email : contact@sozohotel.fr - Internet : www.sozohotel.fr

Oceania Hôtel de France

This is one of Nantes' emblematic hotel addresses. Owned by the Oceania group in 2014, the Hôtel de France embarked on an ambitious renovation programme to restore the former 18th-century town house to its former glory. Judging by the large number of regular customers, this metamorphosis has been a success. Ideally located in the historic city centre, between Place Graslin and Place Royale, and bathed in natural light, this 72-room hotel lends itself perfectly to a leisure break.
combining meetings and exploring the city.
24, rue Crébillon - Tel. 02 40 73 57 91 - Internet : www.oceaniahotels.com

RESTAURANTS

Bé2M

For the past few months, Bé2M has been playing the late riser by devoting itself exclusively to dinner. But that doesn't mean it has abandoned what has built its reputation over the years. Fresh produce, original flavours and an encyclopaedic wine list with over 300 references: this is the recipe for success for this restaurant, which also serves as a bar, wine cellar and even a delicatessen. The menu changes regularly, with a dozen or so local producers featured. To make matters worse, the restaurant is ideal for daytime seminars and events, and can accommodate up to 150 people for cocktails.
32 bis, rue Fouré - Tel.: 09 80 77 61 72 - Internet: www.be2m.com

Le Bouchon

Since 1986, Le Bouchon has been the obvious choice for a gourmet break in the Nantes region. The concept of "cuisine du marché" has never been more aptly named: every day, the menu features two new dishes to choose from at a reduced price. The result on the plate commands respect, while the result on the palate borders on the grandiose. It's fine, tasty, aesthetically pleasing... And, as if the quality of the cuisine wasn't enough, the Bouchon even has a tree-lined terrace away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
7, rue Bossuet - Tel: 02 40 20 08 44 Internet : www.le-bouchon-nantes.com

Café du Musée

The reopening of the Nantes Museum of Art has not only been a feast for the eyes, but also for the taste buds, since Michelin-starred chef Éric Guérin opened his third restaurant there. Every day, the Café du musée offers a culinary masterpiece in a unique setting, without being greedy when it comes to paying the bill. It's a great opportunity to sample inventive dishes based on local produce at a reasonable price.
10, rue Georges Clemenceau - Tel: 02 51 12 93 09 - Internet : www.cafedumusee.fr

Les Brassés

Euronantes, the new business district, is still under construction. Nevertheless, a number of good restaurants, such as Les Brassés, have already sprung up at the foot of the office buildings. As its name suggests, this micro-brassery is dedicated to the tasting of a 'mousse' created on the premises. But the restaurant - which its creators present as "locavore, sharing, multigenerational and epicurean"It has also made a name for itself with local customers and business travellers.

5 Mail Pablo Picasso - Tel: 02 28 29 31 01 - Internet : www.lesbrasses.fr