Parc des Chantiers, Urban park in Ile de Nantes, France
Parc des Chantiers is a sprawling park along the Loire River on the Nantes riverfront, offering gardens, playgrounds, and walking routes throughout its 17 hectares. Industrial cranes, launching structures, and other shipyard equipment remain in place, woven into the garden design rather than removed.
This was an active shipyard until the 1980s, then gradually converted into public space and opened to visitors in 2006. The transformation was part of a larger effort to revitalize the riverfront and make the island a destination for residents and travelers.
The park hosts art shows, concerts, and theater performances year-round in converted industrial buildings and outdoor spaces. Visitors can experience these events as they walk along the water and through the gardens, making culture part of the daily landscape.
The park connects to public transit stops, including Chantiers Navals and Prairie au Duc, making it easy to reach from across the city. Bicycle parking areas are available at main entrances and exits for visitors arriving by bike.
Four themed gardens line the riverbank, each incorporating restored ship-launching ramps and industrial remnants into their design rather than hiding them. This unexpected blend of plants and industrial history creates a singular experience that sets the place apart from typical urban parks.
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