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Discovering Nantes with Papa Pique et Maman Coud

Last autumn, the PPMC team headed to Nantes to visit Virginie, manager of the Papa Pique et Maman Coud boutique. While we were there, we also explored a little of this charming city, famously known for its giant mechanical elephant rides.

Follow along as we introduce you to Virginie from PPMC, Nantes, and some of our favourite local spots.

Papa Pique et Maman Coud in Nantes

Let’s start our visit to Nantes with the boutique!

Papa Pique et Maman Coud is located at 2 Rue Contrescarpe, right in the heart of the city centre. As soon as we walked through the door, we were welcomed by a radiant Virginie.

She introduced us to her PPMC favourite: the medium tote bag. Super practical because it folds up easily, making it perfect to slip into your suitcase for a sunny getaway. It’s also great for everyday use not too big, not too small with room for all your daily essentials. Plus, it’s waterproof thanks to its coated fabric.

Her second favourite? The companion bag. This versatile design is part of our Sac&Zip range: you start with a plain base and then customise it to match your outfit, mood, or the season, simply by swapping out the removable flap.

The best part: you can attach either a small or large strap depending on the occasion. The small strap works perfectly for carrying it as a chic evening clutch, while the adjustable large strap lets you wear it over the shoulder for daily use.

The Nantes Museum of Arts











Fancy a bit of culture? Let’s head to the Musée d’Arts de Nantes.

Founded in 1801 by Napoleon Bonaparte, at the same time as 14 other French museums, its first collection was built from around forty paintings from the Louvre’s reserves. Over time, the museum’s collection grew so much that expansion and modernisation work became necessary. Today, the museum combines 19th- and 21st-century architecture beautifully.

The Musée d’Arts hosts fascinating exhibitions throughout the year. With collections spanning centuries, it’s a delight both for its artworks and its stunning architecture.

Tip: stop by the museum café for a hot drink, and if you’re in town on the first Sunday of the month, don’t miss their quality brunch!

Where to Eat in Nantes

Nantes is full of great places to eat, sip coffee, enjoy a drink, or indulge in a sweet treat.

For lunch, as true Bretons, we couldn’t resist trying Nantes’ famous galettes. We headed to Heb Ken, a crêperie and tea room serving galettes and crêpes to die for. This Nantes institution has been around since 1976. If you’re in town, stop by 5 Rue de Guérande the décor is just as lovely as the food.

For a more “trendy evening” vibe, try Maria. Located on Place Graslin, Maria serves “cuisine du soleil” hearty Italian dishes made with love. The atmosphere is warm and lively, perfect for a meal or drinks.

Exploring the Island of Nantes

You can’t visit Nantes without experiencing Les Machines de l’Île, an extraordinary artistic project inspired by the worlds of Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci, and Nantes’ industrial history.

While the Grand Elephant is the star attraction, the Carrousel des Mondes Marins is equally magical for children and adults alike, immersing you in a fantastical marine world. Inside the Gallery, you’ll find mechanical creatures brought to life through impressive engineering and artistry.

The Nantes Botanical Garden

The Jardin des Plantes is a must-see. Covering 7 hectares in the city centre, it’s home to over 10,000 plant species, 800 m² of greenhouses, and more than 50,000 flowers planted each season. It’s one of the four major botanical gardens in France and renowned worldwide for its unique camellia collection, cultivation of epiphytic plants, and ongoing efforts to reintroduce rare species.

In every season, the Jardin des Plantes offers a green paradise that will leave you enchanted.

The Passage Pommeraye

In the heart of the city, the Passage Pommeraye is one of Europe’s most beautiful covered arcades. This 19th-century architectural gem enchants visitors and locals alike. Inside, you’ll find shops, eateries, and even residential apartments.

It’s a truly unmissable stop when visiting Nantes.

In Summary

Nantes is a culturally rich, beautiful city that we barely had time to scratch the surface of in a day. If you visit, don’t forget to say hello to Virginie at the PPMC boutique, 2 Rue Contrescarpe. And who knows? You might just fall for a pleated medium tote or a companion bag before heading off to explore more of the region  from La Baule to Guérande and beyond.