Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery
A profound, often underground, memorial acknowledging Nantes' role in the slave trade, honoring victims and abolitionists.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission, always open
Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery
Best Time
Free admission, always open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A profound, often underground, memorial acknowledging Nantes' role in the slave trade, honoring victims and abolitionists.
"Found this memorial simple but powerful. The history of the abolition of slavery was very interesting."
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this powerful memorial without any cost. A truly accessible historical experience.
Combine with Museum Visit 🏛️
For deeper context, visit the Musée d'histoire de Nantes nearby.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Passageway
Along the Quay de Fosse
Walk through a powerful, often confined, space that evokes the feeling of being on a slave ship.
Pavement Engravings
Leading to the memorial
Subtle yet impactful quotes and messages embedded in the pavement, hinting at the history.
Human Statues
Various points within the memorial
Realistic and detailed statues honoring both abolitionists and the enslaved.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Impact
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this powerful memorial without any cost. A truly accessible historical experience.
Combine with Museum Visit 🏛️
For deeper context, visit the Musée d'histoire de Nantes nearby.
Accessible Design ♿
Features a lift for those with mobility issues, ensuring everyone can experience it.
Evocative Underground Space
The underground design enhances the emotional impact of the memorial.
Monument honoring abolition of slavery unveiled in Richmond two weeks after Robert E. Lee statue was removed
So glad the artist chose to go with realistic, detailed human statues and nothing abstract.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Enjoy this powerful memorial without any cost. A truly accessible historical experience.
Combine with Museum Visit 🏛️
For deeper context, visit the Musée d'histoire de Nantes nearby.
Accessible Design ♿
Features a lift for those with mobility issues, ensuring everyone can experience it.
Evocative Underground Space
The underground design enhances the emotional impact of the memorial.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery for its powerful and educational impact, highlighting its moving underground design and free admission. Many appreciate the city's acknowledgment of its historical role in the slave trade. Some suggest combining the visit with the local history museum for a more comprehensive understanding.
"Very educational! Convenient location. Loved the layout and the concept of it. And admission is free!"
Michelle S.
"Found this memorial simple but powerful. The history of the abolition of slavery was very interesting. I felt that it was underground added to the impact to the famous quotes about slavery."
Thurso Lass
"Very beautiful memorial underground with some work also embedded in the pavements leading to it, subtle but powerful message.
There are two entryways, the starting point is by the Pont Anne de Bretagne (or the Chantiers Navals stop if taking tram #1), and there is a lift for those having mobility issues.
For in depth understanding of this there is recommendations to got to the musée d'histoire de Nantes, located in the Château des ducs de Bretagne."
Yeephang Wong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is located along the Quay de Fosse. If you're taking the tram, the Chantiers Navals stop (Tram #1) is convenient. It's also near the Pont Anne de Bretagne.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, the area is accessible by public transport, which is recommended.
Yes, it's situated along the riverfront, making it a pleasant walk if you are in the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery is completely free, making it an accessible experience for everyone.
The memorial is generally accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor and underground public space.
Yes, the memorial is designed to be inclusive, with a lift available for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The memorial serves as a powerful tribute to the victims and abolitionists of the Atlantic slave trade, acknowledging Nantes' historical role.
You'll find an underground passageway designed to evoke the feeling of being on a slave ship, pavement engravings with quotes, and realistic statues.
Allow at least 30-60 minutes to fully absorb the atmosphere and read the inscriptions.
Photography is generally permitted, but always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Nantes is a vibrant city with many restaurants and cafes located along the riverfront and in the city center, close to the memorial.
As it's an outdoor and public space, consuming food and drinks is generally acceptable, but it's always best to be tidy and respectful.
📸 📸 Photography
The underground passageway offers a unique, atmospheric shot, and the pavement engravings can also make for compelling photos.
While photography is allowed, it's important to maintain a respectful demeanor given the memorial's subject matter.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit