Nantes Thurs 5th May

We sailed this afternoon for Nantes where we moored overnight. Upon arrival Brian and I walked across the Loire River bridge to the Chanters Park. As today is Ascension Day and the following 3 days are public holidays, the park was full of holiday makers making the best of the pleasant weather and holiday. This park is on the banks of the river and affords two beautiful carousels, one on the theme of Jules Verne's animal characters and the other on marine creatures and structures. To top off this park is a mechanical elephant, about 3 storeys high and 6 metres wide. This wonderful novelty is driven by an engine from the rear which allows the elephant to walk, move its trunk and spray water at the waiting public who squeal with delight when sprayed. Of course these are the people who wish to be caught in the arc of the elephants' spray.

Tonight after dinner we boarded a small cruise boat to cruise up the L'Erdre where we glimpsed various chateaux.

On our night L'Erdre river cruise

Giant mechanical elephant

Carousel of marine animals