The French town that looks more like Italy – with Roman buildings and huge music festival
Clisson, located in the Loire-Atlantique department of western France, is home to only 3,000 people but is a hidden gem not to be missed.
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An idyllic river meanders through the town
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Clisson is known for its Italian-inspired architecture
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The French town is often compared to Italy, sitting at the crux of two rivers in the Loire-Atlantique region.
The village underwent a radical transformation in the the early 19th century, following devastation caused by the French Revolution.
When rebuilt by the Cacault brothers, who had fallen in love with Tuscan design whilst on their travels, Clisson gained its Italian feel.
As a result, the town features unique Italian architecture compared to neighbouring French towns.
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Perhaps the most apparently Italian-inspired attraction in the town is the Domaine de la Garenne Lemot.
This neo-Palladian villa is surrounded by pristinely landscaped gardens with an plants and classical statues reminiscent of Roman countryside homes.
Another exquisite example of architecture in the town is the Château de Clisson which dominates the town's skyline.
The 13th century Château towers over the Sèvre Nantaise River and is surrounded by other Mediterranean-inspired buildings.
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The Sèvre Nantaise River weaves through the town, which makes it a popular place for paddle-boarding, kayaking and riverside wandering.
Many of the walks along the edge of the river also boast shady spots, perfect for admiring the town's architecture whilst enjoying a picnic.
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The Pont de la Vallée, a bridge stretching over part of the Sèvre Nantaise, is also iconic to Clisson.
In particular, it is unique due to its wooden structure, which often makes it a favoured spot for pictures.
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In the town itself, visitors can enjoy the Halles de Clisson, which is a covered market
dating
back to the 14th century.
Clisson also sits at the heart of the Muscadet wine region, where it is surrounded by vineyards that produce crisp white wines.
Many of the wineries remain uncrowded, offering more intimate tastings, where visitors can really get to know the vineyard, its wine and winemakers.
For travellers who find themselves in Clisson in June, the town bustles with a festival that juxtaposes its picturesque image.
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Each June, the town hosts a metal music festival called Hellfest
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Hellfest is one of Europe's biggest metal music festivals and each year over 180,000 people gather to enjoy a rock music from a range of artists.
One of the headline acts this year will be Muse - the creators of 'Supermassive Black Hole'.
For holidaymakers visiting the city of Nantes, Clission is the ideal day trip or weekend getaway, as well as a pretty holiday destination in its own right.
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The town is only 30-minutes from Nantes
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