LU, from biscuit factory to cultural centre

Opened at the end of 1885, the Lefèvre-Utile biscuit factory operated for a century before closing its doors for good in 1989. The site then became an industrial wasteland that hosted various cultural events during the 1990s. In 1998, one of the two 38-metre towers that marked the entrance to the LU factory (the other was destroyed during the bombing raids) was completely restored to its original shape and flamboyant colours, and Nantes can now be admired from its summit. It was the beginning of a transformation. In 1999, at the dawn of the 19th century, under the impetus of Jean Blaise, the Lieu Unique was inaugurated, with its original vocation of offering an alternative venue combining the arts with social spaces remaining intact more than twenty years later.

To mark the opening, the "Attic of the Century" operation was launched. For 3 months, the people of Nantes came to deposit more than 12,000 heterogeneous objects that they judged to be representative of the 20th century, which were then "preserved" in metal tins. On 1 January 2000, the double wall of the façade of Le Lieu Unique was sealed. The "Grenier" is due to reopen at exactly 5pm on 1 January 2100!

A project that celebrates collective memory and togetherness in the image of Le Lieu Unique.

Over the past 2 decades, the Lieu Unique has established itself as an artistic centre at the cutting edge of contemporary creation. Theatre, dance, music, performance and the visual arts all come together in a joyous whirlwind.

If you're passing through Nantes, don't hesitate to take a look at the programme, where you can discover some surprising, avant-garde and often high-quality shows.

Please note: The exhibitions are free and regularly renewed.

Le Lieu Unique also organises one-off events: festivals, debate evenings or film screenings.

And don't forget the Les Bien-aimés bookshop, with its wide selection of literature, comics, art books and children's books.

Getting to Le Lieu Unique 🚌

Located a stone's throw from the train station, not far from the central Bouffay district, Le Lieu Unique is very easily accessible by tramway line 1, stop Duchesse Anne, Château des Ducs de Bretagne.

The Bar: 🍷

Without needing to scour the entire cultural programme, having a drink at Le Lieu Unique is already an experience in itself. Its terrace, with its comfortable deckchairs overlooking the Canal Saint-Félix, will offer you a lovely moment of tranquillity with family or friends. You'll almost feel as if you've left the city. The warm factory atmosphere of the interior is just as pleasant. You could spend a long time reading and watching the comings and goings of visitors.

At weekends, the bar hosts DJ sets until 3am and is transformed into one of the city's most popular party venues. A must if you like to celebrate your Saturday nights with more than a herbal tea!

The restaurant: 🍴

When it comes to Le Lieu Unique's restaurant, you won't be disappointed, whether you're into burgers, carpaccio or seafood. Everything is very good and fresh, at a rather affordable price. The restaurant owners have even had the lovely idea of making a nod to the former biscuit factory's past by including the famous Petit Beurre in several of their desserts. We recommend the LU apple crumble!

⏰ Restaurant opening times: Mondays from 12 noon to 2pm and Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11am to 2pm and from 7pm to 10pm.