World War II shell discovered near Nantes airport

A World War II shells was discovered near Nantes airport, which had been dormant for 80 years near the runways. Weighing 250 kg, the explosive device was unearthed by workers on a construction site. The area, already known to potentially contain other remnants of the war, was immediately closed to the public for safety reasons. This is not an isolated case, since between 1940 and 1944, almost 4,500 bombs were dropped in the area by the Allies.

An unexpected encounter on the construction site

On the Nantes Atlantique airport site, the constant hum of backhoe loaders and trucks has been momentarily interrupted by a discovery that seems straight out of the pages of history. On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, workers engaged in a renovation project unearthed a shell from the World War IIweighing no less than 250 kg. Buried for decades, it sent shockwaves through the surrounding neighborhood.

An 80-year silent vigil

Special precautions were immediately taken to deal with this sensitive discovery. Officially, it is a shell dropped by an Allied bomber during the Second World War, which seems to have chosen this site near the airport as its eternal resting place. A discreet but not inconsequential vigil, the device was waiting to be awakened by the chance blow of a mechanical shovel.

Enhanced safety measures

The area in the immediate vicinity of the airport, which is partly off-limits to the public, is known to potentially contain unexploded ordnance dating back to the Second World War. The local authorities reacted immediately, setting up a security perimeter and carrying out rigorous checks with the help of demining experts. Colas, the company in charge of the site, took the necessary measures to guarantee the safety of its workers and local residents.

A far from isolated phenomenon

The discovery of this shell is a reminder of a past fraught with consequences. Between 1940 and 1944, the city of Nantes and the surrounding region were the target of numerous bombardments. Over 4,500 bombs and shells were dropped during this period of conflict. As a result, this evidence of the past frequently resurfaces during construction or renovation work.

Other similar discoveries in France

Nantes is not the only city to face these unexpected resurgences from the past. Recently, five shells were discovered in Lormont near Bordeaux, prompting a major demining operation. Similarly, a mortar shell was found at sea off the coast of Menton, necessitating the evacuation of the area as a precautionary measure. In short, the reappearance of these relics of war underlines the importance of vigilance and preparation in the face of the unexpected.

World War II shell discovery comparison

Category	Description
Place of discovery	Close to Nantes airport
Discovery date	February 4, 2025
Weight of shell	250 kg
Origin	World War II
Gear type	Aerial shell
Zone concerned	Airport construction site
Security	Perimeter closed to the public
History	A region marked by Allied bombing
Intervention	Deminers on site

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