On account of its favourable geographic position at the mouth of a river, this town was never subject to attack from the sea and was considered to be one of the safest sea ports in the kingdom. Its wealth, attributable to overseas trade, triggered a flurry of building activity; rich traders settled here and built warehouses. The most important sights include the flamboyant gothic-style cathedral and Château Ducal, an impressive fortress dating from the 15th century. Passage Pommeraye, a stylish shopping arcade, and Rue Crébillon are the perfect place to do a spot of shopping. Place Royale has a fountain with statues symbolising the Loire and its tributaries. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, with around 2,000 works of art, is one of the largest museums in France.
