The entrance to the Manu youth hostel in Nantes.

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F. Brenon / 20Minutes

  • The Manu hostel, managed by Fuaj, is definitely closing its doors.

  • The premises were aging and required substantial work.

  • Other youth hostel projects should emerge in the coming years.

It closed its doors during confinement on March 17 and has never reopened them.

The Manufacture youth hostel, the only one in Nantes, is definitely ceasing its activity, announces the United Federation of Youth Hostels (Fuaj), confirming information from

Ouest-France

.

The lease contract signed with the city of Nantes, owner of the building, will not be renewed beyond November 15, its expiry date.

A decision imposed by the need for rehabilitation work in the premises built in 1983.

“The Manu hostel was aging.

It no longer corresponded to what one is entitled to expect from a youth hostel in a city like Nantes.

Substantial work was needed that the operator could, it seems, hardly take care of, ”explains Eric Gutknecht, director of community life at Nantes town hall.

"It's a shame for our network"

For its part, Fuaj, a member of the Hostelling international network, “regrets this decision”.

"It is true that this building was running out of steam and, given the tourism crisis, Fuaj would have difficulty spending several million euros," answers David Le Carré, general delegate of Fuaj.

But above all we understood that the city wanted to recover the premises.

We did not even try to discuss.

"

The Manu hostel, which employed seven people, welcomed tourists on a budget and groups, especially school children.

It offered 124 beds in dormitories and had recorded 16,000 overnight stays in 2019. “It had experienced an upturn in attendance in recent years,” says David Le Carré.

It's a shame for our network to no longer be present in Nantes.

We remain ready to support the community for another project.

"

At least three projects in the boxes

If it confirms "not to close the door to Fuaj", the town hall of Nantes is already supporting other projects.

The first, carried by the Club loisirs et action jeunesse (Claj), should see the light of day in 2021 in the former baths-showers of the Butte Sainte-Anne: 15 beds in dormitories will be offered.

A much larger structure, initiated by FAL 44, is also due to open in 2022 in the Malakoff district.

It would offer 168 to 188 beds with a majority of rooms for four people.

At the same time, another project, financed by the promoter Giboire and the hotelier Melt, is announced on the island of Nantes, near the Machines.

With a capacity of around 250 beds, this hostel claims to be “innovative”.

“These are interesting projects, notes Eric Gutknecht for the town hall.

It is clear that tourists today are demanding on services such as digital and luggage storage.

However, we will have to be patient.

“This is a sensitive point Pending their opening, Nantes' 0-star hotel offer will not be up to standard.

It is an unfortunate coincidence.

"

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  • Nantes

  • Youth

  • Tourism

  • Hotel