2. Nantes, France
In the 18th century, Nantes emerged as France’s foremost slave-trading port, sending over 1,700 ships to Africa and the Caribbean and amassing vast fortunes for its merchants. The city’s elegant mansions and bustling docks were built on the profits of this trade, casting a long shadow over its heritage. Today, Nantes openly confronts its past with powerful memorials and museums, such as the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery, inviting reflection and remembrance. Learn more at France 24.
