Office of Intergovernmental Relations
600 Fourth Avenue, 5th Floor
P.O. Box 94746
Seattle, WA   98124-4746
(206) 684-8055

Seattle International Sister City:
Nantes, France
(Sister City established in 1980)

Population: 474,000
Religion: Roman Catholic
Language: French
Industry: Shipbuilding, Dyes, Aircraft and Naval equipment
Exports: Wine, Food products
Climate: Mild and wet

Nantes, one of France's regional capitals, is a major seaport near the mouth of the Loire River in northwest France. The city grew around the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne where the Edict of Nantes was signed in1598 granting religious freedom to French Protestants.

The city is a center of the high-tech and aeronautics industries, food-processing, and fisheries. The region's vineyards produce wines of international repute such as Muscadet and Gros Plant. The city is home to the University of Nantes, a highly ranked Ecole de Commerce, and many research institutions. Nantes is a center for horticulture with many beautiful parks and gardens. A fine arboretum, the Jardin des Plantes, contains collections of rare plants covering 18 acres.  There are also many museums and lively arts and music festivals. The population of the greater metropolitan area of Nantes is over 600,000.

Throughout the year, the Seattle-Nantes Sister City Association conducts exchanges in the fields of education, art, music, athletics, and trade.  These exchanges provide members with an opportunity to meet people from France and make lasting relationships, especially through hosting homestays for students and professionals. One long-standing exchange enables runners from Seattle and Nantes to participate in each city's annual marathon event. The SNSCA also organizes participation in community events, such as Worldfest, and publishes a newsletter four times a year.

Related Links:

City of Nantes Web Site

Sister City Association Contact Info:
Bunny Schmidley
5901 Phinney Ave. N, #301
Seattle, Wa 98103-5867
(206) 784-9866
bunny@seattle-nantes.org
Seattle-Nantes Sister City Association

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Content contact: Kristine Kertson

Page last updated: September 21, 2005