Place Royale (Royal Square), Nantes
Located at one of the lowest points in central Nantes, Place Royale is a striking example of 18th-century urban planning and classical architecture. Designed by architect Mathurin Crucy in 1786 and laid out in 1790 after the demolition of the medieval ramparts, the square forms a key part of a harmonious ensemble of buildings. Its distinctive 鈥渢oilet mirror鈥� shape鈥攃ombining a rectangular and semicircular layout鈥攊s paved entirely in granite and bordered by nine streets, making it a prominent crossroads in the city. Despite the grandeur implied by its name, Place Royale has never hosted a statue of a monarch. Instead, it has functioned as a civic space deeply connected to commerce, culture, and community life.
At the center of the square stands its most iconic feature: a monumental fountain inaugurated in 1865. Designed by city architect Henri-Th茅odore Driollet, the fountain is a visual homage to Nantes鈥� maritime identity and its ties to the Loire River. Its pyramidal structure comprises three granite basins and a series of bronze and marble allegorical sculptures. The city of Nantes is personified by a crowned woman in white marble, holding a trident and overseeing the square. Around her are representations of the Loire and its tributaries, each portrayed by reclining figures pouring water from amphorae.
In addition to honoring the rivers, the fountain features sculpted genies symbolizing industry and commerce. These mythic figures blow water through shells while riding dolphins that spout water through their nostrils鈥攁n artistic nod to the economic importance of Nantes鈥� historic port. These sculptures were crafted by artists Daniel Ducommun de Locle and Guillaume Groota毛rs, with bronze casting by Jean-Simon Voruz, also known for his work on the city's famous Pommeraye Passage staircase.
Place Royale has weathered dramatic events over the centuries, including extensive damage during World War II, after which it was carefully restored between 1945 and 1961. In the early 21st century, a renovation transformed it into a fully pedestrianized zone, enhancing its role as a vibrant gathering space for artistic, festive, and political events.
At the center of the square stands its most iconic feature: a monumental fountain inaugurated in 1865. Designed by city architect Henri-Th茅odore Driollet, the fountain is a visual homage to Nantes鈥� maritime identity and its ties to the Loire River. Its pyramidal structure comprises three granite basins and a series of bronze and marble allegorical sculptures. The city of Nantes is personified by a crowned woman in white marble, holding a trident and overseeing the square. Around her are representations of the Loire and its tributaries, each portrayed by reclining figures pouring water from amphorae.
In addition to honoring the rivers, the fountain features sculpted genies symbolizing industry and commerce. These mythic figures blow water through shells while riding dolphins that spout water through their nostrils鈥攁n artistic nod to the economic importance of Nantes鈥� historic port. These sculptures were crafted by artists Daniel Ducommun de Locle and Guillaume Groota毛rs, with bronze casting by Jean-Simon Voruz, also known for his work on the city's famous Pommeraye Passage staircase.
Place Royale has weathered dramatic events over the centuries, including extensive damage during World War II, after which it was carefully restored between 1945 and 1961. In the early 21st century, a renovation transformed it into a fully pedestrianized zone, enhancing its role as a vibrant gathering space for artistic, festive, and political events.
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Place Royale (Royal Square) on Map
Sight Name: Place Royale (Royal Square)
Sight Location: Nantes, France (See walking tours in Nantes)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nantes, France (See walking tours in Nantes)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nantes, France
Create Your Own Walk in Nantes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nantes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Nantes Introduction Walking Tour
Dubbed 鈥淭he Sleeping Beauty of France,鈥� Nantes is a city that found rebirth through culture and creativity. Straddling the Loire River in western France, its history stretches across two millennia. The city's name comes from the Namnetes, a Celtic tribe that made their home here before the Romans arrived. The latter incorporated the settlement into their empire in the 1st century BC,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles