Usine des Batignolles de Nantes

The usine des Batignolles is an industrial complex in Nantes featuring six large halls designed by architects in the early 1900s. The buildings served to manufacture and repair locomotives for French railways.

The factory was established in 1917 during World War I and began locomotive production in 1920. Its workforce evolved over time, reflecting the economic and social changes of the era.

The factory shaped the district by creating worker neighborhoods with houses, gardens, and social facilities for employees and their families. Walking through the area today, you can still sense how industry and community life were deeply connected.

The site can be explored on foot to appreciate the scale of the industrial operation and how the buildings relate to one another. The layout is straightforward to navigate and visitors can move freely between the different halls and structures.

The buildings received historical monument status in 2022, officially protecting the site and its industrial heritage. This recognition marks how the location remains important to understanding French manufacturing history.

Location: Nantes

Inception: 1917

Architects: Roland Bechmann, Charles Friesé, Lucien Bechmann

Official opening: October 16, 1920

Address: rue du Ranzay

GPS coordinates: 47.24799,-1.52566

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08