The end-of-year festivities are fast approaching, bringing that much-anticipated touch of magic to French cities. And Nantes is no exception! For this 3rd edition of the Winter Journey, the city is pulling out all the stops. From November 23 to January 5, every corner of the Venice of the West will be dressed in festive finery, offering markets, entertainment, artworks, and shop displays.
Kick-off the celebrations on November 23 at 5 PM with the inauguration of the Winter Journey in the courtyard of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. For the occasion, the Voyage Choir will showcase 100 Nantes voices through pop, funk, and even punk-folk songs. A magical event, to be enjoyed every Saturday at 4:30 PM and on December 21 at 5:30 PM, at Christmas in the Nefs.
The Winter Journey, Inauguration, Y Birds Choir x The Winter Journey, The Green Line Marching Band © David Galland / LVAN
Creativity for the Holidays
In Nantes, Christmas is celebrated in a unique way! The Winter Journey brings together artists and merchants, blending heritage with contemporary vibes, classic lights with light sculptures, traditional markets with fair-trade markets, parades through the streets and large-scale exhibitions. The artist Vincent Olinet is particularly celebrated here. With his piece At Night I See, he transforms the city by scattering colorful light installations inspired by Nantes’ facades and their decorations. On the walls, in the squares, and on the streets, this...Sculptures follow one another, creating a lovely pathway between the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Muséum d’histoire naturelle. The works are accompanied by stunning light displays that add a dreamlike dimension to the city during this festive season.
La nuit je vois, Vincent Olinet, Le Voyage en hiver 2023 © Martin Argyroglo / LVAN
Present since the very first edition of Le Voyage en hiver, Dominique Blais also offers a work that matches the city, but this time it’s all about sound! With À Flot d’airain, he has set up speakers at the four corners of Nantes to amplify the sounds of Nantes' bells. He adds crackles and variations to the mix. Every day at 13:13, 17:17, and 18:18, special concerts complement these unique chimes. Through this work, the artist “invites the public to stop, take their time, come together, and listen. It’s an invitation for a pause in the city's bustle .”
An Artistic Christmas Also Dedicated to Young Audiences
To bring joy to little ones as well as to the big kids, Quentin Faucompré reinvents the traditional carousel with a snow caterpillar. Titled My Eternal Carousel, this creation brings together various shapes – snowmen, the Loch Ness monster, a mysterious chalet, and a carrot rocket – aiming to challenge the norm of consumerism in our societies. It's a subtle way to rewrite carnival history while delivering important messages.
My Eternal Carousel, Quentin Faucompré, The Winter Journey 2022, The Journey to Nantes © Martin Argyroglo / LVAN
In the Bouffay district, Virginie Barré invites us to meet her Little Christmas Mom, a sculpture that highlights mothers – the everyday heroines who often carry the organization of Christmas on their shoulders. This year, the artisan Alexia Naumovic joins the Journey to Nantes to offer a modern and sustainable doll. Made in France, it will be available for sale at the official Bazaar of the journey, located on Rue des États, and at the bookstore of the HAB Gallery, on the island of Nantes.
Christmas markets celebrating local crafts and gastronomy
In Honor
When we talk about Christmas festivities, we just have to mention the Christmas markets. Head over to the Place du Commerce and Place Royale from November 21 to December 31 to enjoy dozens of chalets featuring 140 exhibitors ready to showcase their products. Whether it’s local crafts or delicious food, you’ll easily find something delightful for yourself or gift ideas to slip under the tree for your loved ones. From November 23 to December 24, Santa Claus will honor us with his presence at the Maison Illustration in Place Royale. There will also be many creative workshops and makeup sessions organized throughout the period. Over at the Nefs, you'll find a magical garden where characters come to life, and sounds and lights create a charming atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy a whimsical moment from 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and until 7 PM on weekends.
La nuit je vois, Vincent Olinet - sketch, photo © 2A organization - Le Voyage à Nantes 2024
In Nantes, there’s a strong focus on solidarity. The other Marché des Ecossolies, the first Christmas market dedicated to the social and solidarity economy in France, will take place from November 29 to December 22 on the Feydeau esplanade. 75 exhibitors will showcase a more responsible and sustainable way of consuming, all in a festive atmosphere. For wandering around, being surprised, or marveling, you’ve got it: it’s in Nantes that the magic of Christmas happens.
The Winter Journey
Nantes, throughout the city
From November 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025
Visit our website for more details!
