Nantua


Nantua is a commune and subprefecture in the Ain department in eastern France. The usual demonym for its inhabitants is Nantuatien; however, they are also sometimes called Catholards, after a needle used by leatherworkers. Indeed, Nantua has long been a town of tanners and shoemakers.
It is located in the Haut-Bugey region, among the southern foothills of the Jura Mountains, and is famous for its fresh-water fish and crayfish.

History

The town grew up around a Benedictine Monastery founded in 671 by St. Amand and the church of St Peter where the body of Charles the Bald was initially buried.
The Priory of Nantua was sacked and burned in 1230 by Etienne I of Thoire-Villars. Later, Boniface of Savoy, Archbishop of Canterbury was selected Prior of Nantua in 1232.

Population

Climate

Nantua faces a small lake on its west side and is protected by high cliffs on its landward sides which gives rise to a relatively mild continental climate.

Twin towns — sister cities

Nantua is twinned with: