Nantes: the Quai de Versailles is transformed into a pedestrian zone to protect the banks of the Erdre
IN BRIEF
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In a bold move to give pedestrians access to emblematic places again, the city of Nantes recently pedestrianized the quay of Versailles, as well as adjacent streets such as rue Châteaubriand and rue Saget. This project aims to create a more friendly and accessible space while protecting the banks of theWander. The changes made help to beautify this historic area, thus encouraging walking and contact with nature.
In Nantes, the Quai de Versailles is beginning a new era with its transformation into a pedestrian zone. This ambitious project, initiated by Nantes Métropole, aims to provide a space for relaxation and conviviality while preserving the natural beauty of the banks of the Erdre. The pedestrianization of this area promotes smoother traffic and encourages Nantes residents and visitors to enjoy the enchanting setting of these new developments.
A reinvented space for pedestrians
The recent pedestrianization work, carried out between September and December 2024, concerns the Quai de Versailles, as well as Rue Châteaubriand, Rue Saget and Place Châteaubriand. The ambition of Nantes Métropole is clear: to create a more accessible and friendly environment for pedestrians. This new vibrant decor makes walking along the banks of the Erdre a pleasant experience, where walks take place in a secure environment, far from vehicles. The deputy mayor of Nantes, Tristan Riom, welcomed this change which will help beautify the area over the years.
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A desire to adapt to public spaces
This initiative is part of a strategic pedestrian plan developed by Nantes Métropole. The objective is to rethink the city and adapt public spaces to encourage walking. By reducing car traffic, the Quai de Versailles becomes a privileged place for strollers, joggers and families, thus allowing citizens to rediscover the banks of the Erdre in a new light.
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Creation of relaxation spaces
To improve the pedestrian experience, seating will be installed along the platform, providing rest and meeting areas. This will allow walkers to linger at the water’s edge, enjoy the view and highlight the friendly character of this newly developed space. Simon Citeau, deputy mayor, stressed the importance of protecting the banks of the Erdre for pedestrians, thus reinforcing the need for a peaceful environment that respects nature.
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Regulated access for cyclists
To avoid any confusion between users, specific guidelines have been put in place regarding the circulation of cyclists. Denis Tallédec, municipal councilor, asked cyclists to favor old roads in order to provide free access to pedestrians. The Public Space Brigade will also be mobilized to ensure that this space remains mainly dedicated to pedestrians while allowing access to emergency vehicles and essential services.
A major project for the city
The pedestrianization of the Quai de Versailles resulted in the removal of 48 parking spaces, freeing up more than 3,000 m² for pedestrians and creating a vast pedestrian space of one hectare. These new configurations also lead to the creation of planted beds, promoting biodiversity and the visual beauty of the area. Thresholds at entrances and exits to the sector will be installed to signal the change in status of the space, contributing to safe and pleasant circulation.
Future prospects and similar projects
This pedestrianization will not be an isolated case. After the transformation of the Quai de Versailles, other areas of the center of Nantes, such as the Joffre and South Cathedral sectors, must also become pedestrianized by the summer of 2025. The budget allocated to these projects amounts to nearly 2.915 million euros, demonstrating Nantes Métropole’s desire to improve sustainable mobility and encourage environmentally friendly modes of transport.
With these reforms, Nantes is positioning itself as a model city in terms of sustainable urban development, offering its residents and visitors a healthier and more friendly living environment. These initiatives guarantee not only the well-being of pedestrians, but also the preservation of local natural heritage and a better quality of life for all. To find out more about the challenges of pedestrianization in Nantes, discover this article on the importance of sustainable mobility projects.
FAQ on the pedestrianization of the Quai de Versailles in Nantes
Q: Which streets have been pedestrianized around the Quai de Versailles? Châteaubriand and Saget streets, as well as Place Châteaubriand, have been pedestrianized to create a more welcoming space for pedestrians.
Q: What are the objectives of these changes? These developments aim to make the area more open to people, encourage walks on the banks of the Erdre and beautify the area over the years.
Q: What is the budget allocated for this pedestrianization project? The total budget allocated for these pedestrianization projects is 2.915 million euros.
Q: How many parking spaces have been removed? In total, 48 parking spaces were removed, thus returning more than 3,000 m² to pedestrians in a pedestrian area of more than one hectare.
Q: Are there any additional facilities planned for pedestrians? Yes, seating will be installed along the quay to encourage pedestrians to use the space and to protect access to the banks of the Erdre.
Q: How are cyclists affected by this new pedestrian zone? Cyclists are advised to use the old road so as not to disturb pedestrians and must ride at walking pace if crossing the pedestrian zone.
Q: What will be the next steps in terms of pedestrianization in Nantes? After the Quai de Versailles, the Joffre and South Cathedral sectors will also be permanently pedestrianized before summer 2025.
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