Nantes

What I bought and ate in Nantes.

You've got to go to Nantes to get to Machecoul and the fromagerie Beillevaire and then back to return to Paris. A few hours exploring seemed essential. I wish I'd taken a few days...

There's a Jardin des Plantes adjacent to the train station. Turns out Nantes (Capitol of Atlantique-Loire) has been named one of Europe's most livable cities and ranks 36th globally and 4th best in France. Maybe I should move there?

Time for a quick charge around  town to search out the caramels au beurre sale.

The Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne is easy walking distance from the train station

And a good place for a picnic.

The streets are narrow and full in allyways worth exploring

I meant to visit the cathedrale St.-Pierre St.-Paul to keep A strong Belief in wicker happy but shops full of local products lining the Place St.-Pierre beckoned.

Naturally I'd checked my Atlas of France Gourmand before setting off north, but so far no chickens of Loue, rillettes du Mans or Eels (thank goodness) had crossed my path.

Petit Beurre are everywhere since 1886, when created by Louis Lefevre-Utile in Nantes - more info here about the brand. You can make your own petit beurres at Clotildes.

You'll find them in every form and some are calorie-free.

La Trinitaine called out to me - a haven of biscuits, sweets and savory items.

It's obligatory you buy some salt when you're in Bretagne. Preferably the finely ground 'fleur' de Guerande used for seasoning after cooking. The chunkier salt is used in cooking.

Shelves and shelves of goodies await but how to choose?

I've seen Creme de Salidou on the shelves of G.detou in baking supply haven so how bad could it be? There's none left in case you were wondering....

I wish I'd bought some bath salts but the sweet tooth won out with crepes instead (also now gone..).

I found the grinder for course salt in the train station relay.

A menu in the street looked awfully tempting if one had more time - all seafood.

When buying products in France keep an eye out for these symbols denoting high quality. Have you been to Nantes? Do tell all. Shall I go back? Do take a look at I Prefer Paris' interview of yours truly.