A weekend in Nantes: The French city has much to offer fans during Rugby World Cup
![A weekend in Nantes: The French city has much to offer fans during Rugby World Cup A weekend in Nantes: The French city has much to offer fans during Rugby World Cup](/cms_media/module_img/7421/3710605_17_articlesmall_iStock-458329393.jpg)
The main entrance of the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, in Nantes.
When we think of France, the first image that inevitably springs to mind is the Eiffel Tower.
However, France is far more than one iconic tourist attraction in Paris, a reality that was brought home by a recent visit to Nantes, a gem of a spot that perhaps would not immediately cross your mind as a potential holiday destination.
![Locals and tourists walking around and shopping at Passage Pommeraye, which is one of the earliest shopping centers in France. Locals and tourists walking around and shopping at Passage Pommeraye, which is one of the earliest shopping centers in France.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7421/3710599_17_articleinline_iStock-1476158884.jpg)
On a decidedly lighter note, the Marine World’s Carousel at the former shipyard would make even the biggest cynic smile. It features three floors of merry-go-rounds with weird and wonderful-looking sea creatures and is well worth a visit.
![Les Machines de l'île, Nantes. Pic: Romain Peneau / LVAN Les Machines de l'île, Nantes. Pic: Romain Peneau / LVAN](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7421/3710602_17_articleinline_Les_20Machines_20de_20l_27_c3_aele_2c_20Nantes_20_c2_a9_20Romain_20Peneau_20_20LVAN.jpg)