Street signs
Street names reflect a city’s memory. These choices can only be understood in the contexts within which they were born. In France, the “Loi Taubira” (aka, the “Law of May 21, 2001”) qualified the transatlantic slave trade and slavery – perpetrated in the 15th century – as a crime against humanity.
As part of its historical legacy, Nantes has chosen to keep the street names of political or economic figures who were directly or indirectly involved in the slave trade and colonial slavery. In 2023, panels will be added underneath these street names to provide information on the role they played in this human traffic. This itinerary will gradually expand.
Since 2016, Nantes has also chosen to honour individuals who have fought against slavery. In doing so, it remains permanently vigilant against all violations of human dignity.