The third edition of Winter Trip to Nantes is fast approaching. And if last year's decorations left you wanting more, know that the city has listened to the critics and is committed to delivering a dazzling Christmas season this year. By taking into account the opinions received, Nantes promises its visitors an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Will she live up to the words spoken?
Controversial creativity in 2023
Last year, Le Voyage enhiver attracted a lot of criticism. The “Venice of the West” wanted to highlight creativity through a light show, but the message was not convincing. The modern decoration of the city has disappointed: residents and visitors have not found the traditional Christmas charm.
Some even called the decorations “ugly,” and many said they felt like “the magic of Christmas was gone.” Several suggested involving residents more by allowing them to decorate their balconies and windows, to recapture the friendly spirit of the end-of-year celebrations.
All these points, Jean Blaise, the organizer, took them into account for the 2024 edition of the Winter Journey to Nantes which will take place from November 23 to January 5.
Nantes intends to shine brightly
This year, the team promises perfect harmony between creativity, heritage and tradition. The city's streets and monuments will be illuminated with traditional, low-consumption garlands.
The artist Vincent Olinet also worked on light sculptures representing the famous mascarons of Nantes, giving the impression that they had come to life for the occasion. Above these works, a Milky Way of LED garlands will zigzag from one building to another, creating an enchanting spectacle.
In addition to the illuminations, church bells will broadcast À Flot d'airain, a work by Dominique Blais. This sound creation, resonating in waves, will be amplified along the Loire and on the bridges, adding a musical and poetic touch to the atmosphere.
More than 200 decorated shops
In an unprecedented initiative, Nantes brought together its traders, including independents, to imagine festive and original windows. According to Gildas Salaün, deputy delegate for shops: “when we add up these windows, the artistic journey, the traditional illuminations, the largest Christmas market in the West, it makes a considerable whole, of which I do not know any equivalent “.
Next to 140 exhibitors are expected at Place du Commerce and Royale for this 27th edition of the Christmas marketwhich will be held from November 21 to December 31, with some new features to discover. Children will also have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus every Wednesday and weekend in the afternoon.
