Nantes

Outside, by the river, Le Carrousel des Mondes Marins (a gigantic funfair carousel) whisks you under the sea on the back of giant crabs, octopuses and other strange sea creatures. — Lonely Planet

Computer terminals allow you to tour the old medieval city, juxtaposed with images of today. — Lonely Planet

More than 400 works by such masters as Rubens, Corot, and Picasso mingle with pretty landscapes from the local Gauguin-inspired Pont-Aven school in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, next to the cathedral. — Fodor's

This 15th-century house was once the abode of the bishops of Nantes. — Fodor's

The Jules Vernes museum, housed in a 19C house, contains many souvenirs of the life of the celebrated Nantes writer: autographs, furniture, objects, portraits, posters. — Michelin Guide

This hugely enjoyable museum has been designed as a seven-stage journey through the history of Nantes. — Michelin Guide

Erected in 1843, this is an elegant shopping gallery in the 19th-century part of town. — Fodor's

This unusual park in the island of Versailles contains rocailles, waterfalls and lanterns. — Michelin Guide

Inside, heavy hexagonal pillars support the cupola and are decorated with stained-glass windows and frescos. — Michelin Guide