Parc des Chantiers, Urban park on Île de Nantes, France
The Parc des Chantiers is a large urban park on the island of Nantes that stretches along the Loire River, mixing former industrial buildings with open green areas. Pathways guide visitors through zones of grass, trees, and restored structures where craftspeople work.
This land was once a working shipyard that helped build Nantes' reputation as a port city, operating until the 1900s. When the shipyards closed, the land was reinvented as a public space combining green areas and creative workshops.
The site hosts contemporary artworks and mechanical sculptures that people encounter while walking, created by local craftspeople as moving installations. Visitors gather for performances and exhibitions throughout the year, making it a living cultural space.
The park is accessible from Boulevard Léon Bureau with nearby tram stations making it easy to reach by public transport. The flat terrain is comfortable for walking, with plenty of open space where visitors can move freely and rest.
A visitor center was built from salvaged greenhouses and houses a cafe serving local products, with vegetable gardens surrounding it. This shows how the site brings together local food production and craft culture in a working space.
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