0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello, and welcome to Getaways,
0:00:03 > 0:00:07the show where we let YOU tell US where to go.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10This week, we're checking out your recommendations
0:00:10 > 0:00:11for the French city of Nantes.
0:00:11 > 0:00:12Merci.
0:00:16 > 0:00:21We flew direct from Dublin to Nantes in just an hour and 45 minutes.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24But there are ferry sailings to Cherbourg and Roscoff.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27So if you're not in a hurry, you could go by train or take the car.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- Nantes! It looks very pretty so far! - Indeed. You don't even realise...
0:00:35 > 0:00:38I know quite a few people who have been here before,
0:00:38 > 0:00:40everybody that has says, "You're going to love it,
0:00:40 > 0:00:42"it's a really beautiful city, it's very cool, lots of art,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44"a big Jules Verne connection," you know?
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- Apparently, the beaches are pretty nice too.- Yeah.- And the cheese.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Oh, I love cheese.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Coming up, we discover the mechanical giant that roams the city
0:00:54 > 0:00:58and follow the green line to discover Nantes' art trail.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02We head west to the Atlantic coast, where we
0:01:02 > 0:01:05explore the medieval walled city of Gironde.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08I go to the beach for a sailing lesson
0:01:08 > 0:01:10and Joe takes a short break in County Clare.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Nantes is the largest city in the Brittany region of France.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Often referred to as the Venice of the West, it's grown up
0:01:21 > 0:01:24around the intersection of the rivers Erdre and Loire.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31Nantes was built on a tradition of shipbuilding and maritime trade.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35And the industrial heart of the city was the Ile de Nantes,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39a huge island in the Loire River that was home to shipyards, docks
0:01:39 > 0:01:44and manufacturing businesses that became redundant during the 1980s.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Today, the Ile de Nantes Project has transformed the area into
0:01:50 > 0:01:55an urban playground that features some strange and exotic theme park
0:01:55 > 0:02:01attractions inspired by Nantes' most famous writer, Jules Verne.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04The centrepiece of this amazing project is this fella,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07combining creative imagination and engineering ingenuity.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09I'm going to give it a shot.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Le Grand Elephant is a masterpiece of creative engineering.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18Whoo! Hello!
0:02:18 > 0:02:21It stands 12 metres high, weighs 50 tons
0:02:21 > 0:02:25and can carry up to 50 passengers on a 30-minute ride around the Ile de Nantes.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36And anyone who gets in the way, gets sprayed.
0:02:36 > 0:02:37No exceptions.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Don't mess with the elephant.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Anyone can ride the elephant, including babies and toddlers
0:02:49 > 0:02:51and there's disabled access.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53From 40 feet up, it's a great way
0:02:53 > 0:02:55to see the city from a unique perspective.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Another landmark is this giant yellow crane,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05which stands at the western tip of the island,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08a remnant of the city's industrial past.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Brian Smith from Belfast is one of the many people who
0:03:11 > 0:03:13recommended we come along the Ile de Nantes.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16And being a Belfastian, I can kind of see why.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18Except, you know, we've got two of them.
0:03:18 > 0:03:19And they're bigger.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24And if you're wondering what on earth that is
0:03:24 > 0:03:27hanging from the crane, it's one of the many original art installations
0:03:27 > 0:03:29that you'll find here in Nantes.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34As you wander around Nantes, you'll see lots of weird
0:03:34 > 0:03:37and wonderful objects and sometimes it's nice to be surprised,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40but if you don't want to miss anything, follow the green line.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44All the main attractions are on the green line
0:03:44 > 0:03:46and you can actually download an app with a handy map
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and all the relevant information on everything you will see.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56The green line is a ten-mile trail which guides you along the city's
0:03:56 > 0:03:59architectural, cultural and artistic highlights.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04The line is literally painted on the street, so find it
0:04:04 > 0:04:05and you won't get lost.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14A distinctive landmark along the green line is this factory
0:04:14 > 0:04:16with its ornately decorated tower.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20Now, you might recognise these biscuits.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22They are enormously popular here in France.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24And for nearly 100 years, they were made here
0:04:24 > 0:04:26at the Lu biscuit factory. It's now been converted
0:04:26 > 0:04:29into an arts and entertainment centre over the summer.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32And Claudia Headon from County Kildare recommended we come along and check it out.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Inside, the building retains its industrial feel,
0:04:38 > 0:04:40with cool lighting and minimalist furniture.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44There's a bar, a restaurant, a gift shop
0:04:44 > 0:04:47and various exhibitions throughout the year.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51Oh, I'm in luck!
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Because it just so happens that the current exhibition has a video game theme.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57And retro ones, too.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01With an exhibit tracing the history of computer games
0:05:01 > 0:05:04way back to the days of Pong and the Sega Megadrive.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12And the main exhibition space has been converted into a games room
0:05:12 > 0:05:16where you can just lie back and lose yourself in video game nirvana.
0:05:21 > 0:05:22Here on the north bank of the Loire
0:05:22 > 0:05:27is another art installation, this time with a serious message.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32The pathway along Quai de la Fosse
0:05:32 > 0:05:36is imprinted with the names of slave ships that sailed from here
0:05:36 > 0:05:39during the dark days of the transatlantic slave trade.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45The path leads you to a memorial to the abolition of slavery.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50In the underground passageway beside the river is a 90-metre
0:05:50 > 0:05:55glass plaque with significant quotes about the struggle against slavery.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01With the clever use of water, light and sound, the artist
0:06:01 > 0:06:03has created a space for quiet reflection.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10I asked one of the local guides to give me
0:06:10 > 0:06:13the background to the memorial.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16So, what was the idea behind building this memorial?
0:06:16 > 0:06:20Well, the idea was that we really wanted here to have a monument
0:06:20 > 0:06:22to talk about this and tell the story
0:06:22 > 0:06:27and not to forget about this long period of our history, our economy
0:06:27 > 0:06:30and this place was perfectly chosen just along the river
0:06:30 > 0:06:33and facing the beautiful 18th-century houses.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36These are testimonies of the past, actually.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48One of the streets that caught my eye on the Green Line
0:06:48 > 0:06:49is the Rue Marechal Joffre,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53where the signs above the shops have been reimagined for the summer
0:06:53 > 0:06:55using wooden automats.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58I caught up with the English artist responsible for the project.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59Gavin Pryke.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03So, Gavin, tell me how your installation came about.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07Well, I had this street to do whatever I liked with and I saw
0:07:07 > 0:07:09this couple kissing in this restaurant
0:07:09 > 0:07:10and I got talking to them.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14I drew them and they lived in the street and they do everything in the street.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17And I thought that really talks about the community of the street.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Are all automats based on people who actually
0:07:19 > 0:07:21live on the street or frequent it or work there?
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Yes, it's an actual couple.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- It's the same guy and girl all the way down the street.- Oh, really? OK!
0:07:26 > 0:07:28The girl comes back from her travels and then she sees him.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Then she has a burger, he has fish and chips, they get talking,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35he says he's going to DJ later in the week and she gets a dress,
0:07:35 > 0:07:36he gets his hair cut.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39She doesn't go and see him DJ because she saw the flyer
0:07:39 > 0:07:40and it looked a bit naff. So...
0:07:40 > 0:07:41LAUGHTER
0:07:41 > 0:07:44She calls him and they have lunch then they go for dinner.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46He's got a hangover so he has a bit of a detox before the date
0:07:46 > 0:07:49and then at the end of the street, she is repairing her dress.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- A classic love story, eh? - Yeah, yeah. Classic love story.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55I mean, Nantes is a very creative city it seems a lot of areas
0:07:55 > 0:07:58are geared around creativity and promotion of creativity.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- Would that be right?- Totally. It's the most creative city I've been to.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Artists come from all over the world and there's loads of possibilities.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08So many musicians and different music coming from here.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10It's got a certain vibe about it.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11I really like the place.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18Now, if you come to Nantes by car, then my advice is park it.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22It's a fairly compact city, so walking is probably your best bet.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29Nantes was voted European Green capital in 2013 and it has
0:08:29 > 0:08:33one of the best sustainable transport systems in France.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Keith from Newtonards told us to get one of these, the Pass Nantes.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38The pass is good value.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44It gets you around the city on the buses, trams and the navibus.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49We are in France so you probably won't be surprised to know
0:08:49 > 0:08:51that cycling is a popular way to get around
0:08:51 > 0:08:54and I'm going to take this little bike for a trip
0:08:54 > 0:08:56around the Ile de Nantes.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01The Bicloo bikes are similar to what we have in our cities at home.
0:09:01 > 0:09:02You can hire a bike
0:09:02 > 0:09:05and leave it at many of the bike stations around the city and,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09with a vast range of cycle paths and lanes,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11it's a pretty good option.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17The Green Line takes you past another ambitious art installation,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20The Rings by Daniel Buren...
0:09:21 > 0:09:23..and you can stop off at La Cantine,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25an industrial warehouse converted into
0:09:25 > 0:09:28a simple outdoor restaurant with a limited menu,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30but a bit of a festival atmosphere.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40Niall from Dublin recommended we visit
0:09:40 > 0:09:43the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50The first castle of the Dukes of Brittany was constructed
0:09:50 > 0:09:53in the 13th century and was built to house...?
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Anyone? Anyone?
0:09:55 > 0:09:58That's right, the Dukes of Brittany.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01It later became Breton residence of the French royal family,
0:10:01 > 0:10:06but now it has been converted into a museum that traces the history of
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Nantes and the ramparts are a perfect place
0:10:08 > 0:10:10to get a panoramic view of the city.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12This is Angelique, a guide here at the chateau.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Angelique, the thing I noticed when I came in,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17very different styles of architecture in different areas.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Yeah, that's what most of the visitors think
0:10:19 > 0:10:21when they come here in the courtyard.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26The first castle that you see was built at the end of the Middle Ages.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- This is Gothic.- Yeah.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32But when the Duchy of Brittany became French in the 16th century
0:10:32 > 0:10:37and they had a Renaissance building and also at the end of the 18th
0:10:37 > 0:10:42century, this military building over there was used as a storehouse.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44And the chateau has undergone quite an extensive restoration
0:10:44 > 0:10:46project for tourism, hasn't it?
0:10:46 > 0:10:51- Exactly. It reopened in 2007 after 17 years of restoration work.- Wow!
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Back in the day, this entire moat would have been filled with water
0:11:00 > 0:11:02channelled from the Loire.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Now they've incorporated like a walkway and a cycle path,
0:11:04 > 0:11:06but still living in the water, which is really cool,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09they have ducks and turtles. Brilliant!
0:11:12 > 0:11:15And in keeping with the city's passion for public art,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18the moat provides the perfect space to display this piece
0:11:18 > 0:11:21by renowned American artist Patrick Dougherty.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27The centre of town has some beautiful, historic squares
0:11:27 > 0:11:29where you can watch the world go by
0:11:29 > 0:11:33in one of the many cafes or go for a shopping expedition.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Nantes isn't necessarily known for its shopping,
0:11:37 > 0:11:40but if you're looking for a shopping trip with a touch of history,
0:11:40 > 0:11:45Maggie Hayes from Belfast suggested we take a look at this place.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49BUSKER SINGS
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Built by Louis Pommeraye in the 1840s, the Passage de Pommeraye
0:11:53 > 0:11:56links two shopping streets on different levels.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59The Renaissance sculptures
0:11:59 > 0:12:02and elaborate designs of the shop fronts give the shopping mall
0:12:02 > 0:12:06a touch of class, a pleasant hangover from the Belle Epoque.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12I reckon a classy joint like this...
0:12:12 > 0:12:14I might just find something Joe would like.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22Now, we all know Joe has a bit of a thing for a stripe,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26so I got him the real deal - an authentic Breton fisherman's shirt.
0:12:26 > 0:12:27Lovely!
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Now, a lot of you recommended that we should try the food.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Hey! Quelle surprise!
0:12:39 > 0:12:42It is France, so where better than the Talensac farmers' market?
0:12:44 > 0:12:47This is where the restaurant and cafe owners around the city come
0:12:47 > 0:12:51to get the freshest produce so you know it's going to be good quality.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56These salted caramel treats are a local delicacy in fashionable
0:12:56 > 0:12:58restaurants and cafes all over France.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03The local wine is the Muscadet,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05so-called because of its musky flavours.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09Cheers! Very drinkable, but it's a bit early in the morning!
0:13:13 > 0:13:16This place has been going since 1937 and is open every
0:13:16 > 0:13:20day except Mondays from seven in the morning until lunchtime.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24Sunday is the big day when the locals descend so it can get busy.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28My favourite part of any meal is the end.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31That's when you break out with the fromage.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33This one is goat's cheese.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- Goat's cheese? - Yes. It's made here by us.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39Oh, yeah!
0:13:41 > 0:13:43One of the top treats you recommended we try
0:13:43 > 0:13:47is the galette, a bit like a crepe but with a Breton twist.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50And galette-maker extraordinaire Madeleine
0:13:50 > 0:13:52is willing to let me try my hand at it.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Well, how hard can it be?
0:13:55 > 0:13:58As they say in France, petits gateaux. Wee buns.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05She's giggling. That's not a good sign.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07HE LAUGHS
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Oh! There we go.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Half price crepe, everyone! Half price crepe!
0:14:25 > 0:14:29Nantes is quite a low-level city, but the Tour de Bretagne
0:14:29 > 0:14:32is a landmark bid building that is physical all over town.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36Perfect for a rendezvous with a friend.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38A bit like Joe, this building is tall,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42it was made in the '70s and I'm told it has a great view of the city.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49The bar on the 32nd floor of the building is popular with
0:14:49 > 0:14:54visitors and locals and it opens late every day in the summer.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57It's called Le Nit, which means the nest,
0:14:57 > 0:15:00and it features a giant bird that stretches around the bar,
0:15:00 > 0:15:01protecting her hatchlings.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- Bon soir, Monsieur. - Bon soir, mon amie. Sit down.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- Welcome to my lair in the air. - I'm very egg-cited to be here.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14I thought you might be. I poached us a couple of drinks.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- Nice! I like this little yolk. - Ha-ha! Egg-cellent!
0:15:18 > 0:15:21This is a Muscadet. A very popular local white wine.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25This is the kir Breton, which is cidre et cassis.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26Basically, cider and blackcurrant.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28We call it snakebite and black back home.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- Fancy! - I'm that classy!
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- How did you find the Green Line? - I love it.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33Got around it on a bike,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36saw everything I needed to see really quickly.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37Fabulous!
0:15:37 > 0:15:39It's a great way to get around and also you're constantly
0:15:39 > 0:15:41surprised by new pieces of art.
0:15:41 > 0:15:42- Totally.- Cheers!
0:15:45 > 0:15:49And, of course, from up here you get a bird's eye view of the city.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52But hopping on a plane isn't the only way to escape it all,
0:15:52 > 0:15:55and Joe is off on a short getaway to County Clare.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04First stop on my visit to County Clare is the dramatic
0:16:04 > 0:16:06cliffs of Moher.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Rising over 200 metres above the sea
0:16:08 > 0:16:10and stretching five miles along the coastline,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14these cliffs attract around one million visitors every year.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18But to really get the impression of their size,
0:16:18 > 0:16:20you need to get out on the water.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26From a distance, you might think the grey
0:16:26 > 0:16:28streaks across cliffs are a geological feature,
0:16:28 > 0:16:32but it's only on closer inspection that you realise it is in fact
0:16:32 > 0:16:34guano or sea bird droppings.
0:16:36 > 0:16:37And a lot of it.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39It's like a bird hotel.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Apparently, they only do it on this side because on the other side,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45the waves come and wash them off.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48Around 30,000 pairs of sea birds find shelter on the cliffs.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Puffins, guillemots and razorbills
0:16:50 > 0:16:53nest between April and July every year.
0:16:57 > 0:16:58Up on dry land,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02there are protected pathways to explore the cliffs on foot.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06And there's a visitor centre on site
0:17:06 > 0:17:09with exhibitions and interactive displays
0:17:09 > 0:17:13explaining the geological heritage and history of the area.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18A few miles inland from the cliffs is the Burren.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20The dramatic grey rocky landscape
0:17:20 > 0:17:23is home to some rare and important flora and fauna.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28But I'm going beneath the surface to explore the Aillwee Cave.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31It's one of the oldest caves in Ireland
0:17:31 > 0:17:33and I'm told it featured in an episode of Father Ted.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36AS VICTOR MELDREW: But I don't believe it!
0:17:36 > 0:17:37Sorry.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44Each time it drips, it leaves behind a few more calcite crystals.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47There are guided tours through the caves, where you learn about
0:17:47 > 0:17:49the formation of these stalagmites and stalactites,
0:17:49 > 0:17:53and some of the significant artefacts that were discovered down here.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58The bones that we see here were probably left behind by bears
0:17:58 > 0:18:01that have used the cave as a hibernation den.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03When they excavated the cave,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06they found these remains of a European brown bear,
0:18:06 > 0:18:08an animal now extinct in Ireland.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09There we go.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11There's proof they were once here.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Above the caves is another visitor attraction,
0:18:17 > 0:18:20where you learn about these incredible creatures.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Lily is going to hit this with a little bit of a thump.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27There were go. Circles round and lands on our prize.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28Good girl, Lily.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31The Birds Of Prey Centre has three daily shows
0:18:31 > 0:18:34where visitors can experience for themselves
0:18:34 > 0:18:36the ancient art of falconry.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Wow! Ah!
0:18:39 > 0:18:42'And you might get a chance to get up close to the birds.'
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Batty here is a Bateleur eagle
0:18:48 > 0:18:51'and Jamie Bailey is one of the falconers at the centre.'
0:18:51 > 0:18:53What an amazing creature.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54He is, absolutely amazing.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57How do you train the birds? Is it quite a long process?
0:18:57 > 0:19:00It can be long, depending on the bird itself.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02All of the birds have their own characteristics
0:19:02 > 0:19:04and everything we do is based on falconry.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08So falconry has been around for over 4,000 years.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Initially it was a method of hunting with these guys.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14Everything we do, we are just taking it to that step
0:19:14 > 0:19:18before you'd go hunting with them, so you're learning trust.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Trust is the key thing with everything.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21You must have quite a bond
0:19:21 > 0:19:24because Batty is happy as Larry just sitting there, isn't he?
0:19:24 > 0:19:25He's happy.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29He's done his day's work and he's got a relaxing time now.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36The cliffs and the Burren are popular tourist attractions,
0:19:36 > 0:19:40so there are plenty of places to stay.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Doolin is a great place to base yourself
0:19:42 > 0:19:44to explore the cliffs and the Burren.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47It has a good range of hotels and lots of B&Bs
0:19:47 > 0:19:49and, er... some great pubs.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59We're on a gateway to the French city of Nantes.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02I've taken a ride on Le Grand Elephant
0:20:02 > 0:20:06and we've taken in some of the art on the city's Green Line.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12For the next part of our getaway,
0:20:12 > 0:20:16we're heading west from the city of Nantes to the Atlantic coast.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20And along the banks of the Loire are yet more quirky art installations.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Like La Maison Dans La Loire,
0:20:24 > 0:20:26which is sort of self-explanatory.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Then there's the Salvador Dali-inspired
0:20:29 > 0:20:34yacht hanging over the lock gate,
0:20:34 > 0:20:36and the Serpent Of The Ocean,
0:20:36 > 0:20:40which lies at the point where the Loire flows out into the Atlantic.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47And an hour's drive west of Nantes brings you to the
0:20:47 > 0:20:49resorts on the Atlantic coast.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Annalise Mohan from Dublin
0:20:51 > 0:20:53told us to visit the seaside town of La Baule.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59La Baule became a popular holiday resort in the late 1800s,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02bringing tourists from Nantes and Paris.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05These days,
0:21:05 > 0:21:07La Baule remains a popular seaside destination
0:21:07 > 0:21:09for French tourists who flock here
0:21:09 > 0:21:12during the peak holiday season in August.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18There are lots of accommodation options along the massive
0:21:18 > 0:21:21stretch of beach, which is great for swimming,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23beach games and for families with children.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27But today, I'm going to have a go at some sailing.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33The coastline here is ideal for all types of watersports
0:21:33 > 0:21:35and the sheltered bay
0:21:35 > 0:21:37and stiff breeze coming in from the Atlantic
0:21:37 > 0:21:40makes it the perfect place to learn to sail,
0:21:40 > 0:21:43and I'm getting a lesson on sailing a catamaran.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45My sailing instructor, Benoit,
0:21:45 > 0:21:47is literally showing me the ropes
0:21:47 > 0:21:49for ten minutes before we set off.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53I wouldn't call myself a sailor
0:21:53 > 0:21:56but it doesn't take long to get the hang of it.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02And before long, I'm steering the boat by myself.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30This bridge marks the end of the Loire
0:22:30 > 0:22:32and the shipbuilding port of Saint-Nazaire.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35This is where the great French ocean liners
0:22:35 > 0:22:40like the Ile De France and the SS Normandie were built.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43But during the Nazi occupation of France, this coastline
0:22:43 > 0:22:47became an important strategic location for the German navy.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52The dry dock here was chosen because it was able to service
0:22:52 > 0:22:56the biggest German battleships like the Bismarck and the Tirpitz
0:22:56 > 0:22:59and the port here became home to the largest German U-boat fleet.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05This massive concrete structure was built to service
0:23:05 > 0:23:08and repair the German submarines that sailed from here
0:23:08 > 0:23:11to wreak havoc on the Allied merchant shipping
0:23:11 > 0:23:13during the Battle of the Atlantic.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16That roof is nine metres thick, with layers of concrete,
0:23:16 > 0:23:20steel and granite and to this day, it remains virtually indestructible.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26So now it has been cleverly converted into a tourist attraction.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Fittingly, part of the base is now used to house
0:23:31 > 0:23:34a decommissioned French submarine, the Espadon,
0:23:34 > 0:23:36a museum exhibit which is open to the public.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Although this submarine was built after the Second World War,
0:23:43 > 0:23:48its dimensions are similar to the German subs that were kept here.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51I'll tell you,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54this is no place for a six-foot-four big unit like me.
0:24:01 > 0:24:0430 minutes away, on the Atlantic coast,
0:24:04 > 0:24:06the medieval walled city of Guerande
0:24:06 > 0:24:10is a stark contrast to the concrete and steel of Saint-Nazaire.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Guerande is one of the few walled cities in France
0:24:16 > 0:24:19where the walls remain intact all the way around
0:24:19 > 0:24:23and you can take a stroll around almost all of the ramparts.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Inside, the walls, the streets
0:24:28 > 0:24:31and buildings have been preserved in traditional Breton style,
0:24:31 > 0:24:35with traditional shops and restaurants and even the musicians.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43There's a big Celtic connection with this part of France
0:24:43 > 0:24:45and each year in August,
0:24:45 > 0:24:48there's a festival that celebrates Brittany's Celtic roots.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50So you'll feel right at home.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55The area surrounding Guerande
0:24:55 > 0:24:59also has some interesting and varied places to visit.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02And I'm starting with the Pays Blanc, or the white lands
0:25:02 > 0:25:04of the Guerande Salt marshes.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10The salt marshes take advantage of the very low flat area
0:25:10 > 0:25:12along this part of the Atlantic coast.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Sea water is naturally evaporated from these tidal pools
0:25:15 > 0:25:17to leave behind salt deposits
0:25:17 > 0:25:20that are harvested as a prized cooking ingredient.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24And this is what they come here for.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28Fleur De Sel, the creme de la creme of salt.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33Gourmet chefs not just in France but round the world swear by this stuff.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36White gold. White gold.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38COCK CROWS
0:25:38 > 0:25:39While Joe is on the coast,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42I've headed inland to Briere Natural Park
0:25:42 > 0:25:45to visit a perfectly preserved Breton village.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Kerhinet was once a working farming community
0:25:51 > 0:25:53but now it's an open-air museum
0:25:53 > 0:25:57with traditional thatched cottages and a little auberge
0:25:57 > 0:25:58where you can stop for lunch
0:25:58 > 0:26:01or stay in one of the cute rental cottages.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06But if you want to keep the kids amused on a rainy day
0:26:06 > 0:26:08or even a sunny day, for that matter,
0:26:08 > 0:26:11then a good option is the Ocearium in nearby Croisic.
0:26:13 > 0:26:14A big attraction for the kids
0:26:14 > 0:26:17is the penguin show at feeding time.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21And inside, you can wander through Le Tunnel.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23That's French for "the tunnel".
0:26:23 > 0:26:25We got up close and personal
0:26:25 > 0:26:29with the weird and wonderful aquatic residents of Davy Jones's locker.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31But the highlight for me
0:26:31 > 0:26:34is the one-million-litre shark tank, which is mesmerising.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44In Nantes, we based ourselves at the Oceania Hotel De France,
0:26:44 > 0:26:46which is in the centre of town
0:26:46 > 0:26:49and makes an ideal base if you want to explore the city.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01If you want to be near the beach in La Baule,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04then a week at the Hotel Villa Cap D'Ail has double rooms...
0:27:09 > 0:27:11But you might want to check availability
0:27:11 > 0:27:14during the French holiday season in early August.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20If you like the great outdoors but you also like the big city vibe,
0:27:20 > 0:27:23then Nantes Camping has the best of both worlds.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Located near the city centre, this area of urban parkland
0:27:28 > 0:27:32is a short bike ride to the centre of town.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35The site gives you options ranging from pitches for caravans
0:27:35 > 0:27:37and motor homes, there are chalets, tents,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40and static caravans all available to rent...
0:27:47 > 0:27:50We flew from Dublin to Nantes with Aer Lingus...
0:27:52 > 0:27:55A return flight costs, on average, around £140.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58For more information, check out our website...
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Well, Joe. Did you enjoy our Brittany adventure?
0:28:06 > 0:28:09You know what? Spending time between Nantes and the Atlantic coast,
0:28:09 > 0:28:12that takes in everything I love about France.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Speaking of which, what a lovely new top you have.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15Very Breton.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17I like to embrace my surroundings.
0:28:17 > 0:28:18Don't worry.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21I got you a little something.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24You did not. You wee treat! Look at that. The classic.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26See! Tres Breton!
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Tres jolie!