This hugely enjoyable museum has been designed as a seven-stage journey through the history of Nantes. From the time of François II to the present day, it provides an insight into the life of the estuary and sailors on the Loire, moving westwards to the Atlantic and the slave and sugar trades. The industrial aspect of Nantes is also covered via models, posters and information on demographic changes. The remaining rooms are devoted to the city's modern-day renaissance.