Nantes - St Donatien

The Origins of Nantes Saint-Donatien

Saint-Donatien is one of the districts located east of downtown Nantes. Its history is long and rich, intertwined with that of the Basilica of Saint-Donatien.

The Basilica of Saint-Donatien is a significant Catholic church in Nantes, located in the neighborhood named after it. It is dedicated to Saint Donatien and Saint Rogatien, two martyr brothers of the 3rd century, who are considered the patron saints of the city of Nantes. The first church built at this location dates back to the 5th century, constructed to house the relics of the two saints. Over the centuries, this primitive church was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.

The current basilica was built between 1872 and 1889 in the neo-Gothic style, under the direction of the Nantes architect Joseph-Fleury Chenantais. The church was consecrated in 1891 and received the title of minor basilica in 1889 by Pope Leo XIII. This papal recognition is an honor given to certain churches due to their historical, spiritual, or architectural significance. Unfortunately, the basilica suffered a severe fire in June 2015, which destroyed a large part of the roof and framework. However, the structure of the church was preserved, and restoration efforts began almost immediately after the fire. The basilica was reopened to the public in 2019, after several years of work.

The Basilica of Saint-Donatien remains an important place of worship in Nantes and an emblematic monument of the city. Today, the multifaceted district of Saint-Donatien is located near the city center, between the Loire Valley and the Erdre Valley.

The Highlights of Nantes Saint-Donatien

The district of Saint-Donatien is a historic yet vibrant neighborhood offering many attractions. You can discover the Church of Saint-Donatien-and-Saint-Rogatien here. This church, lending its name to the district, is a true architectural gem.

The district is bordered by the Erdre River, which offers beautiful walks along its banks. The banks of the Erdre are also the site of the famous nautical festival "Rendez-vous de l'Erdre." Moreover, it is also very pleasant to simply stroll around the Saint-Donatien neighborhood, admire the beautiful old houses, visit the small local shops, and enjoy the peaceful and friendly atmosphere of this Nantes district through its small avenues.

Living in Nantes Saint-Donatien

Living in the Saint-Donatien district of Nantes offers many advantages. Indeed, Saint-Donatien benefits from a strategic location, close to the city center of Nantes, while being slightly away from its hustle and bustle. Many families, younger and older, and retirees mainly live in this district known for its beautiful old houses and picturesque streets. This residential district is characterized by a mix of styles, including 19th-century houses, Art Deco buildings, and modern apartment buildings. You can find homes with beautiful gardens, apartments with city or Loire views, and even modern lofts in renovated buildings.

Shops and Restaurants

The Saint-Donatien district hosts the Talensac market, one of the most popular markets in Nantes, as well as many small shops, restaurants, and cafes. Go for lunch at the Bistro des Enfants Nantais, offering traditional cuisine or at Le Grenier. The restaurant L'Abelia will delight you with its menu of fresh products directly from the market. All convenience stores are present such as the Crèmerie St DO or the famous Boulangerie Catherine and the fruit and vegetable shop Le Verger de St Do.

The district also houses the Mellinet Barracks, a former military site undergoing transformation to become a small city neighborhood. Already present is a collaborative manufacturing site housing about fifty craftsmen, artists, entrepreneurs, and independent designers within its shared workshops set up in the old stables of the barracks. A business hotel managed by Nantes Métropole Aménagement will be located in the B19 building, emblematic of the military heritage of the barracks.

Educational Institutions

The Saint-Donatien district in Nantes is home to many nearby schools, ranging from nursery and primary schools to secondary institutions.

Transport

The Saint-Donatien district in Nantes is well served by various modes of transport, making it easy to get around the rest of the city and beyond. Saint-Donatien is served by several bus lines of the TAN (Transports de l'Agglomération Nantaise) network, which allow easy access to the city center of Nantes and other districts. There is no tram line that directly crosses the district, but line 2 is accessible a short walk away.

Nantes is known to be a very bike-friendly city, and Saint-Donatien is no exception. There are several bike paths that cross the district, and the Nantes Bicloo bike-sharing service has several stations in the neighborhood. The district is easily accessible by car, with several major roads running through it, including Boulevard des Belges and Boulevard Jules Verne. It should be noted, however, that parking in some parts of the district can be difficult.