Bouffay, Medieval district in central Nantes, France
Bouffay is a medieval quarter in central Nantes featuring narrow cobblestone streets and numerous timber-framed buildings from the 15th century. The district contains historic structures like the Apothecaries House and Jacobins Hotel distributed throughout its compact layout.
The area was originally the site of a castle from the 10th century under Duke Conan I., which gave the quarter its name. Over the medieval period, the location transformed into an important trading and residential center with merchant and townhouse development.
The district served as Nantes' wine trading hub for centuries, a role reflected in the layout of its narrow passages and merchant buildings. Shop fronts and restored facades today echo this commercial past that shaped the neighborhood's character.
The quarter is easily walkable and located between Verdun Street and tram line 1, forming a pedestrian zone accessible throughout the day. The compact layout makes it simple to navigate while discovering restaurants, shops, and historic sites at your own pace.
Hidden beneath the nearby cathedral lies the Garden of La Psalette, a secluded green space surrounding a 15th-century mansion tucked below street level. This overlooked garden offers visitors a quiet retreat away from the busy streets above it.
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