Nantes opens new wooden belvedere on Anne-de-Bretagne Bridge

The new wooden belvedere on the Anne-de-Bretagne Bridge in Nantes has opened to the public as of Friday, October 23. The structure, measuring nearly 9 meters wide, offers pedestrians a unique view of the Loire river. The belvedere features a surface made of robust robinia wood sourced from sustainable French forests, with corundum-filled grooves to ensure the surface remains non-slip.

The bridge, which has become the widest in Europe, will also incorporate 1,270 square meters of vegetation. A 145-meter linear garden, designed by Atelier UP+, is scheduled for planting in November. This greenery will include a mix of local Loire flora and Mediterranean species, such as spindle, privet, cistus, and pomegranate.

As part of the ongoing transformation, the original bridge will close for renovation on the morning of October 26. While pedestrians and cyclists can now use the new section, vehicular traffic is expected to begin using the new deck from the Île de Nantes toward Quai de la Fosse in late November. The full completion of the bridge project is anticipated by the end of 2027.