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Is Nantes worth visiting? Our 10 reasons

by Julie JOLY , Region Lovers | March 5, 2024 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Looking for a destination for your next vacation? Why not go to Nantes?

Today, this city with its port past is renowned for its cultural dynamism and its fantastic animal machines . But Nantes has so much more to offer: an exceptional heritage , fascinating museums, extraordinary gardens , a surprising program of events, walks on the water and in the surrounding countryside.

In this article, discover 10 good reasons to discover Nantes!

This guide is completely independent , based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Is Nantes worth a visit?

Nantes is definitely worth a visit for several reasons. The astonishing Machines de l'Ile were our first attraction. Perched on the back of the huge mechanical elephant, we admired the Loire. A few steps away, we fell under the spell of the superb Château de Nantes. A journey into the city's medieval past!

During our visit, we felt the strength of the city's cultural and artistic life. Its museums, open-air works of art and curiosities had us on the edge of our seats! Nantes' gastronomy is also a good reason to visit. We enjoyed wandering around the markets and discovering good restaurants. Finally, our footsteps led us through some extraordinary gardens, making our exploration of the city a nature getaway too!

WHERE TO STAY IN Nantes

Would you like to sleep in the heart of Nantes and enjoy its invigorating vitality? We liked it:

• Blu Radisson Hotel - see our article - see photos prices and availability
• L'Oceania - hotel de France - see our article - see photos prices and availability

Near the station

A train to catch at dawn, there's a truly magical address just 2 steps from Nantes train station:

• Le Sozo Hotel - see our article - see photos, prices and availability

On the banks of the Erdre

Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Nantes? 2 addresses on the banks of the Erdre river:

• La Rivière House - see photos, prices and availability
• Le Best Western Plus Hôtel de la Régate - view photos, prices and availability

Reason 1 - For the Machines de l'Ile

You'll be amazed by the wonders of the Ile de Nantes. Between 2 arms of the Loire, these former shipyards are home to some very unusual animals. From the fantastic world of Jules Verne, the city's famous writer, the Machines de l'Ile will impress you with their size and strangeness!

Made of iron and wood, the gigantic elephant is now the symbol of the city. You'll feel very small next to him. It's as tall as a 4-storey building! Join the 52 visitors it carries several times a day. If you're interested in this giant backpacking tour, buy your tickets when you arrive on site. The walk is a great success.

Enter Jules Verne's bestiary in the Galerie des Machines. You'll come across some funny birds and discover the secret of the ingenious mechanisms that drive them. The Carrousel des Mondes Marins will plunge you 20,000 leagues under the sea if you decide to take a ride. For an even more immersive experience, why not try an escape game taking on the extraordinary challenge of Jules Verne ?

Reason 2 - For its Château des Ducs de Bretagne

Nantes is also famous for its castle. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne will impress you with its stature and history. Built in the 13th century, it was made famous by Anne de Bretagne, the duchess who successively married kings Henry VIII and Louis XII, thus ensuring Brittany's attachment to France.

Join us in admiring the defensive structures and walking the walkway. Surrounded by the moat and the keep, you'll plunge right into the Middle Ages! Then enter the courtyard and admire the magnificent royal dwelling. A blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, its facades are beautifully decorated. We particularly appreciated the finesse of the tower and window carvings.

The interiors are not open to the public, but you can continue your visit by discovering the Grand Government and its neoclassical style. Other buildings on the estate include the conciergerie, the petit gouvernement and the harness building.

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Don't be surprised. The city also boasts a rich artistic heritage. In Nantes, many works of art are in the open air. There are over 100 of them! Take a look at the large rings by contemporary artist Daniel Buren that line the Quai des Antilles. Look out, too, for street art and frescoed walls.

Looking for a multi-day itinerary in Nantes? We've put together a number of different routes for you. Read our article on the subject here ! You can also take advantage of the city's many guided tours, each more original than the last. Choose and book your tour now !

Here's a map of the main sights to see and do in Nantes:

Reason 4 - For its many museums

Nantes is not to be outdone in terms of its museums, which are of the highest quality. The choice is yours! We recommend you buy the famous city pass. It gives access to all the city's museums, as well as to the transport network! Avoid queuing on site and book it now here .

We particularly enjoyed visiting the Musée des Arts, one of the most beautiful in France. Its grandiose settings and magnificent collections will blow you away. At the Jules Verne Museum, you'll learn all there is to know about this visionary writer and immerse yourself in his extraordinary world. The Natural History Museum is also well worth a visit! Rediscover the genius of life.

To learn more about the history of the city and of France, visit the Musée de l'Histoire de Nantes and the Mémorial de l'Abolition de l'Esclavage. Are you an engineering enthusiast? The Maison des Hommes et des Techniques and the Musée de l'Imprimerie will meet all your expectations! There's more to come. The city is home to other museums. See our dedicated article to find out more.

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Reason 5 - For its cultural life and sights

A cultural mecca, Nantes offers one of the richest cultural programs in France. It hosts numerous events. Art and film festivals, music and dance festivals, biennials and literary fairs regularly enliven the city's daily life. Find out more about the city's cultural events here . You're sure to come across a special event during your stay. There's always something happening in Nantes!

We have to tell you about the Voyage à Nantes! This event takes place every year in summer. It's an artistic journey that takes in all the city's landmarks. Artists from all over the world take to the streets to display their most astonishing creations, transforming the city into a giant exhibition! The Parcours de L'Estuaire is an extension of the event, inviting you to discover dozens of works along the Loire. Find out more here . Why not plan a trip to Nantes at this time of year?

Throughout the year, the city of Nantes is also brightened up by curiosities. You'll be intrigued, for example, by the Lu Tower, a strange but beautiful art-deco lighthouse. Perched on the 32nd floor of the Tour Bretagne, Le Nid also caught our eye! Home to a huge white bird, this slightly crazy place is a work-bar designed by illustrator and humorist Jean Jullien. As you walk through the streets, you're sure to come across a green line. It's a multi-kilometre route marked out on the ground that allows you to visit the must-see places in the city center! Find out more here .

Reason 6 - For its old fishing village of Trentemoult

Nantes is sometimes so busy that it makes you want to get some fresh air. Take a trip to Trentemoult, a former fishing village, and enjoy the sea air of the estuary. The route itself is a nature getaway!

To reach the hamlet, you'll have to take the Navibus , the sea bus that plies the rivers of Nantes! No risk of seasickness, as the crossing takes just 10 minutes. Take the opportunity to admire the surroundings. You can see the Maillé-Brézé museum boat from the Gare Maritime, the Ile de Nantes and its Hangar à Bananes.

Once there, you'll fall under the spell of this authentic village! Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can stroll through streets lined with pretty houses, or relax on the banks of the river. Pay attention to the works painted on some of the walls and let yourself be lulled by the colors of the village. Don't miss this journey into Nantes' port past! See our dedicated article .

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Reason 7 - For its gastronomy

Nantes is worth it too! Set in a land of many specialties, the town's gastronomic delights can be discovered at its various markets and in its myriad restaurants.

Visit the Talensac covered market, a real institution! Every morning, except Mondays, merchants display fresh, quality produce. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, admire the colors and smell the aromas. A feast for the eyes and the taste buds! Try the local sweets, Rigolettes or Berlingots, and indulge in Curé, the local cheese. The Marché de Petite-Hollande also welcomes you on Saturday mornings on Île Gloriette. It's the city's biggest market. Click here to find out more about the city's other markets.

Nantes also abounds in fine restaurants. Enjoy French gastronomy in renowned restaurants! La Cigale , this magnificent art deco restaurant, will also seduce you with its traditional cuisine. Why not try a Michelin-starred restaurant like Le Roza or Le Manoir de la Régate , which offer elegant, refined dishes? For more ideas, read our tempting selection .

Reason 8 - For its streets and shopping arcades

A major city in western France, Nantes is home to a number of renowned shopping malls and streets brimming with shops. Whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find what you're looking for!

Go to the beautiful Passage Pommeraye for some shopping and a taste of the decor. This shopping mall, founded for the elegant women of the 19th century, embodied the city's success and wealth. The neoclassical architecture is grandiose. We enjoyed strolling through the luminous aisles and admiring the superb glass roof.

Stroll down Rue Crébillon, one of the city's main shopping avenues. You'll feel the pulse of life in Nantes. The Bouffay district, one of the oldest in Nantes, is also teeming with stores, including the famous Galeries Lafayette and other big-name stores. You'll find designer boutiques between Rue de Strasbourg and Cours des 50-Otages.

Reason 9 - For its green spaces

Dotted with green, the city is built around numerous gardens and parks. Don't miss a visit to the Jardin Extraordinaire. Inspired by the novels of Jules Verne, this lush green setting adorns the Bellevue - Chantenay - Sainte-Anne district. You'll marvel at the richness of the plant life and the creativity of the landscape.

The Parc Floral de la Beaujoire is also wonderful. You can stroll among thousands of flowers. The park is home to 14,000 rosebushes and hundreds of magnolias. The view over the Erdre is superb! The Grand Blottereau landscaped park is also worth a visit. We strolled through its large greenhouses and discovered rare exotic species.

The island of Versailles is home to a magnificent Asian-inspired park. These Japanese gardens will charm you with their exoticism. You'll appreciate the zen-like, poetic ambience of the landscape compositions.

Reason 10 - For its location on the Loire and Erdre rivers

As you'll see, Nantes, bordered by the Loire and Erdre rivers, grew up around both. They are an inherent part of the city and its dynamism. Witness to its port past, the rivers are now turned towards culture and pleasure boating.

Take a stroll along the Promenade des Belvédères to admire the riverbanks and the city. We particularly appreciated the artistic structure of the Belvédère de l'Hermitage. Take advantage of the Navibus to get around! This river shuttle will take you to various points in the town and to the village of Trentemoult. The perfect opportunity to take a ride on the water! Take the city pass, which gives you access not only to the boat bus, but also to all the city's public transport and museums !

Nantes is ideally located at the end of the Loire Valley and its famous châteaux! Take advantage of your stay to escape to the region and visit the castles around the metropolis. It's going to be a tough choice!

PLAN YOUR STAY IN Nantes

Itineraries

• 5 thematic itineraries to visit Nantes in 1 day
• Our advice to visit Nantes in 2 days , or in 3 days

• 15 best things to do in Nantes
• 8 best museums to do in Nantes
• Our tips for the elephant and the machines
• Visit the castle of Nantes
• All about the village of Trentemoult

• 12 best hotels to stay in Nantes
• 15 best restaurants to eat in Nantes
• How to rent a car at Nantes airport

Some disadvantages of a trip to Nantes

A lively city.

A victim of its own success, Nantes is a popular tourist destination all year round. Although slightly less busy in winter, the town is still very lively and densely populated. Expect to see a lot of people!

Traffic suffers from this human density. We warn you, it's a real nightmare getting around Nantes by car. Prefer public transport, which is particularly well-developed and makes getting around very easy. Opt for the city pass. It will give you access to the entire network, as well as to the city's main museums and must-see sites! Buy it now and consult the price conditions here .

Visiting the city of Nantes comes at a price. Of course, a number of activities are free of charge. Click here to find out more. But accommodation and restaurants are not cheap. Be prepared. We advise you to book your accommodation as early as possible to benefit from affordable prices. In fact, we've put together a list of pleasant hotels for you to stay at. You can also choose among the best rated accommodations in Nantes here !

Changeable weather

In Nantes, the weather can be capricious. With 89 days of sunshine a year on average, the city often finds itself in the rain. But each day often sees a succession of fine weather and occasional showers. You may hear the locals declaiming the local saying "In Nantes, the weather's fine several times a day!".

Don't forget to bring some protection from the elements. We recommend that you use raincoats rather than umbrellas, which can easily turn over in the wind.

How to get to Nantes

Nantes is within easy reach by car.

• Driving time from Tours: 2h
• Driving time from Angers: 1h10
• Driving time from Blois: 2h50
• Driving time from Orleans: 3h30

You can also fly to Nantes. Its international airport is close to the city center. Click here to find out which lines serve the airport . You can also book private transport from Nantes airport .

The town also has a TGV station , with many daily return services to Paris. The average journey time is 2h10. Allow 40min from Angers to Nantes and 2h to Tours. Book your train now .

PLAN YOUR TRIP IN Loire Valley

The castles of the Loire Valley

• Best châteaux in the Loire Valley
• Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley
• Best family castles
• List with over 100 castles

Other places to explore

• Best things to do in the Loire Valley
• Most beautiful towns along the Loire
• Most beautiful villages
• Most beautiful gardens
• Best things to do in Nantes
• Things to do in Angers
• Best things to do in Saumur
• Things to do in Tours
• Things to do in Amboise
• Hot-air balloon ride

• Where to stay in the Loire Valley
• See our tips for renting a car in Nantes , Angers , Tours , CDG , Orly or Beauvais ...
• How to get to the Loire Valley - article to come
• Itineraries: 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
• Weekends: unusual

HE MADE THE TRIP Manu

SHE WROTE THE ARTICLE Julie

The 10 commitments of region lovers.

• Visit all the places we tell you about.
• For each city, sleep in at least one hotel, visit the ones we recommend.
• For each city, eat in at least one restaurant, visit the ones we select.
• Pay all our bills in full, refuse any partnership or sponsorship.
• Update our articles periodically, with the help of our readers.
• Enrich our articles with our on-site experiences.
• Use 99% of our own photos
• Have a reasoned and transparent use of the AI tool, which we feed with our locally verified information.
• Inform about the traveler/writer pairing that gave birth to the article.
• Tell you what we do, and do what we tell you!

Claire and Manu

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Nantes (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Nantes (France)

Nantes will always be known as the capital of Brittany, even though it’s now in a different region. The Dukes of Brittany ruled their lands from here until the Duchy was united with France in the 16th century and their former seat of power is still one of Nantes most commanding buildings.

The Loire is Nantes’ lifeblood and has brought the world to the city’s doorstep, allowing trade and industry to flourish. Take the city’s Navibus shuttles to ride the marvellous machines on the Île de Nantes or lounge by the riverside in the bohemian village of Trentemoult on the left bank.

Lets explore the best things to do in Nantes :

1. Château des Ducs de Bretagne

The old seat of the Dukes of Brittany is the final château on the Loire before it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

The fortified palace is in the eastern part of the old town, although it’s hard to miss the hefty walls and towers that encircle the refined Grand Logis where the dukes lived.

The castle was built in the 13th century and occupied for 300 years by the Dukes until becoming a French royal residence in the 1500s.

The courtyard and ramparts are free to enter, but you pay to visit the Nantes History, which reveals the different stages in the city’s evolution, from the slave trade to its time as an industrial port.

The green space by the deep moat, the  Douves du Château, is a spectacular spot for an afternoon break in summer.

2. Les Machines de l’Île

The west side of the Île de Nantes is inhabited by whimsical animatronic creatures inspired by Jules Verne’s writings and Leonardo da Vinci’s fanciful gizmos, and brought to life by the artist François Delaroziere.

All these extraordinary machines are interactive: The Grand Éléphant for example is 12 metres tall and carries 52 passengers on its back for a walk in which you can feel the vibration of every step.

The Carrousel des Mondes Marins is a gigantic carrousel with moving marine creatures, and the Arbre aux Hérons is a climbable sculpture with ramps and stairways in the form of a vast tree.

The indoor Galerie des Machines has many more sculptures and shows you how they were designed and built.

3. Passage Pommeraye

Between Rue de la Fosse and Rue Santeuil, this shopping arcade from 1843 isn’t just a sophisticated place to shop but an ingenious piece of architecture and a photo-worthy sight.

The passage was built on a steep slope, and it adapted to the nine-metre height difference with a clever intermediate floor between the two street levels.

Passage Pommeraye is still as resplendent as 160 years ago, with neo-renaissance sculpture and stonework, iron and glass roofs that fill the galleries with natural light, wrought iron lamps and handrails – not forgetting its classy selection of luxury boutiques.

4. Jardin des Plantes

Classified as one of France’s “remarkable gardens”, the Jardin des Plantes packs 10,000 species into its seven hectares.

The gardens are right in the middle of the city, just ten minutes on foot from the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.

It’s no ordinary park: The Palm House here is a fabulous late-19th-century metal and glass structure with plants from tropical America, while the three greenhouses to the sides have orchids from Africa and Asia.

As you tread the paths you’ll see mature trees like the 220-year-old magnolia and two huge sequoias that were planted 150 years ago.

5. Île Feydeau

When you’re exploring Île Feydeau you may wonder why this district just south of the centre is called an island, or why streets have names like Quai Turenne when there’s no sign of water.

Well, it was an island up to the 1930s when one of the arms of the Loire was blocked off.

Before the 18th-century Feydeau had been uninhabitable marshland when a land reclamation project created a dignified quarter for the city’s wealthy merchants to live.

Their flat-fronted homes are beautiful, with iron balconies, mansard roofs and carved stone grotesques.

The ground beneath remains soft, which sets some of these townhouses at an endearing slant.

6. Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle

Nantes’ Natural History Museum has a fine setting in the city’s old mint, and has galleries for every branch of natural science: There are zoological, paleontological, mineralogical, ethnographical and a host of other collections from fields with long names, assembled since the 1700s.

The specimen guaranteed to turn heads is the fin whale skeleton in the zoology gallery, more than 18 metres in length and suspended from the ceiling.

The Vivarium, which was added in 1955, and was refurbished recently, has a set of terrariums with snakes and other exotic reptiles.

7. Nantes Cathedral

Begun in 1434, it took more than 400 years to build the city’s cathedral.

Construction continued through the 1600s in the flamboyant gothic design despite it being long out of fashion by then, because it matched the earlier work.

Another intriguing titbit is that Nicolas Fouquet, the high-living Superintendent of Finances in Louis XIV’s court, was arrested in front of the cathedral by d’Artagnan in 1661. He’d remain a prisoner for the last 20 years of his life.

You have to make time for the Tomb of Francis II, the Duke of Brittany, which is held as a French renaissance masterpiece . It dates to 1507 and has haunting sculptures from white Carrara marble.

8. Cours Cambronne

Part of a new city district built in the 18th century, Cours Cambronne is a magnificent square between two 180 metre-long terraces of neoclassical mansions.

Step along the regal central avenue to see the statue of Pierre Cambronne, a military general born in Nantes and injured in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Sixteen of the glorious pilastered mansions on the square are listed in the inventory of French historic monuments.

One that deserves special mention is Hôtel Scheult,  towards the top by Rue Piron which has a newly restored facade.

9. Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage

It helps to remember that much of Nantes’ Ancien Régime splendour was financed by the slave trade.

Nantes was the first city in France to ship slaves on an industrial scale and during the 18th century  the largest proportion of France’s slave ships departed from this port.

So the memorial commemorating the abolition of slavery next to the Loire on Quai de la Fosse is extra poignant.

Since the end of the 20th century the city has started confronting this chapter in its past, and in 2012 it unveiled a sombre and austere memorial.

In an underground corridor you’ll read about the many expeditions made from Nantes, and even the names of the ships involved.

10. Musée de l’Imprimerie

Nantes has had a long relationship with the printing press since publishing its first title, Les Lunettes des Princes by the Breton poet Jean Meschinot, in 1493. This museum was founded in 1986 by master printer Sylvain Chiffoleau and typesetter Robert Colombeau, and has built up an astonishing collection of manual and mechanical printing presses.

There are also intaglio plates, lithography plates, dyes and historic typesetting moulds.

And if all that sounds baffling to you then you can take the tour to get the inside track on the printing industry in Nantes, and see how all this arcane equipment was used.

11. Place du Bouffay

This square is at the centre of Bouffay, the oldest district in Nantes.

The place names, “Place du Pilori” (pillory) or Rue de la Juiverie (Jewry), give you an sense of the age of this district.

On the pedestrian streets you’ll come across half-timbered houses from the 1400s side by side with restaurants, crêperies and some of the city’s liveliest nightspots.

The square as you see it now is from the 1700s, but there are evocative remnants of a more distant past: On the  corner of Rue des Échevins there’s a gothic fireplace poking right out of the wall and dating to the 15th century.

12. Jules Verne Museum

Jules Verne was born in Nantes in 1828 and spent most of his first 20 years around the city, although he didn’t hold the place in the highest esteem after a woman he courted in his late-teens was married off by her parents to one of Nantes’ rich landowners.

The museum devoted to Jules Verne is in a large bourgeois mansion from 1878 and though it has no connection to Verne it isn’t far from where his parents lived in Bas-Chantenay.

In the galleries you can inspect an engaging jumble of books, games, manuscripts, portraits, documents belonging to the writer and bequeathed to the museum by his heirs.

13. Trentemoult

On the left bank of the Loire, Trentemoult is a former fishing village belonging to the town Rezé.

It’s only a few moments from the centre via the Navibus ferry, and many hipsters, artists and well-off families from the city have settled in Trentemoult.

You can navigate the maze of scurrying streets with brightly painted cottages from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The houses have a curious design, set over three floors, with the lowest used only for storage as the Loire would burst its banks regularly.

On the quayside are trendy vintage shops, restaurants and crêperies with terraces next to the river.

14. Tour Bretagne

At 144 metres Tour Bretagne is one of France’s tallest buildings outside the capital.

It’s just north of Nantes’ Centre-Ville and the unapologetic rectangular outline is visible almost anywhere you go.

The tower clashes with old Nantes and hasn’t always been a popular addition to the skyline, but the vistas from the top are superb.

If you have the Nantes Pass you can go up to the panoramic bar and outdoor observation deck for free; if not it only costs €1. You can pause there for a little while to identify all the landmarks below.

The bar, Le Nid (The Nest), is a nice surprise with seats and tables designed like eggs and a soft sculpture of a kind of stork-heron hybrid snaking through the space.

15. Food and Drink

The cuisine in Nantes can be quite difficult to pin down because the city is at a meeting point between Brittany and the Loire Valley, and is both inland and served by the Atlantic Ocean.

But without a doubt seafood and fish should be part of you plans: Mussels, lobster, crabs, king prawns, mullet and seabass are all as fresh as can be.

The oysters in Nantes are divine, and even better when paired with a light Muscadet, which is produced in the countryside outside the city.

For afters, Gâteau Nantais is a soft pound cake made with a decadent measure of rum.

15 Best Things to Do in Nantes (France):

• Château des Ducs de Bretagne
• Les Machines de l'Île
• Passage Pommeraye
• Jardin des Plantes
• Île Feydeau
• Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle
• Nantes Cathedral
• Cours Cambronne
• Mémorial de l'Abolition de l'Esclavage
• Musée de l'Imprimerie
• Place du Bouffay
• Jules Verne Museum
• Trentemoult
• Tour Bretagne
• Food and Drink

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9 Reasons To Visit Beautiful Nantes, France

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• Destinations

Nantes, France, is located along the Loire River about 2 hours by train from Paris. It has a rich history: It was once the seat of the Dukes of Brittany, was home to the only woman who served as queen of France twice, and was the birthplace of Jules Verne, who was inspired by the city’s bustling harbor and shipbuilding industry. It then fell on hard times, but it has since risen from the ashes to even greater heights than before.

When Nantes’s shipbuilding industry declined, the city put serious effort and money into its art scene. The city’s art museum underwent six years of extensive renovation and reopened with a new wing for contemporary art.

Then there is Le Voyage a Nantes, the annual arts festival in which everyone — from professional artists to amateurs — can participate. On an island in the Loire, the fantastical Machines de l’Ile look like they jumped straight from the pages of a Jules Verne novel, bringing together craftsmanship, imagination, and fun. Think gigantic caterpillars and elephants you can ride on, a three-story carousel, submarines and planes — you get the idea.

And what connects all these attractions? The Green Line, helpfully drawn on the pavement by the city of Nantes to guide visitors to the city’s best sights, cafes, and shops.

Are you intrigued? Read on for more reasons to visit this lovely French city.

DaLiu / Shutterstock

1. The Chateau Des Ducs De Bretagne Is Gorgeous

The Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne , or the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, dates to the 1200s and is picture-perfect, complete with a moat, several towers, and a stone sentry walkway. It’s conveniently located between the train station and the city center.

It was once the home of the independent Dukes of Brittany, who needed a fortified seat to protect them from the kingdom of France. After Brittany was integrated into France in the 1500s, it was home to the only woman who served as queen of France twice: Anne of Brittany, who was married to both Charles VIII and Louis XII.

Now restored to its previous splendor, the castle houses a museum on Nantes’s history, with a particularly interesting exhibit on the slave trade that once existed in the city.

vvoe / Shutterstock

2. The Bouffay District Is Fun To Explore

The old center of Nantes, made up of winding lanes and half-timbered houses dating to the 1500s and 1600s, is mostly pedestrianized and invites you to saunter. You’ll find individual restaurants and bars and little boutiques and shops selling fashion, decor, and those famous Nantes candies, the Berlingots and the Rigolettes . The pretty churches and other historic sites make the area fun to explore.

Pro Tip: Get your candy at Les Rigolettes Nantaises , and have a glass of wine at Le Select Cafe-Bar , preferably sitting outside at night.

3. The Annual Arts Festival Is A Delight

Le Voyage a Nantes is the city’s annual summer arts and performance festival, an initiative that resulted in the Green Line. The Green Line is a self-guided walking tour taking in the most important sights of the city, ranging from the castle to unusual art installations outside shops.

As part of the annual arts festival, shop facades are redecorated by local artists. You may find, for example, a variety of animals in wigs outside a hair salon, or a giant lucky cat outside an Asian restaurant.

The Green Line takes you past churches, plenty of art installations, and quirky sites such as Le Lieu Unique , a beautiful former biscuit factory that’s now a popular art venue, cafe, and restaurant.

Pro Tip: Le Voyage a Nantes takes place every summer in July and August and offers art, music, classes, and much more. Most of it is free.

Thomas Dutour / Shutterstock

4. You Can Go For A Ride On The Fantastic Machines De L’Ile

Nantes was once home to one of the world’s leading shipbuilding ports, but when the shipbuilding industry went bust in the 1980s, the city decided to put all of its effort and funding into art. This resulted in utterly unique projects such as Le Lieu Unique, Le Voyage a Nantes, and Les Machines de l’Ile , a merger of art and mechanics heavily inspired by Jules Verne’s fantastic creatures.

The best known of the Machines de l’Ile is the gigantic mechanical elephant visitors can ride. There is also a three-level carousel — the levels representing animals under the sea, on land, and in the air — and you can visit the artists’ laboratory. This is where creatures not just for Nantes, but for events all over the globe are built, and to watch the gigantic mechanical creatures is fascinating.

Pro Tip: Ride the dragon. You can make it puff smoke.

5. The City’s Art Museum Is Worth A Look

Nantes’s art museum is a perfect blend of old and new. The old building houses works dating from the 13th century to the 21st century, and a modern extension called The Cube holds some 10,000 works of contemporary art. Even if you were to disregard the art, both buildings are remarkable architecturally. Have a proper look at the thin window on the stairs of The Cube — it is actual marble, very finely cut to allow light through. Just stunning.

Pro Tip: Nearby you will find the pretty Nantes Cathedral and part of the old city wall with the gate still intact.

saiko3p / Shutterstock

6. The Passage Pommeraye Rivals The Passages Of Paris

The Passage Pommeraye , dating to the 1840s, is not unlike the covered passages of Paris , with its elegant floors and ceilings and beautiful shops. But unlike the passages of Paris, this passage covers three floors, and magnificent staircases connect the levels, each one full of great individual boutiques and photo opportunities. This is a superb place to look around and do some shopping.

Pro Tip: Exit near Place Graslin, go to the art nouveau Cafe La Cigale , and try the decadent champagne with three or four little cakes or sweets.

csp / Shutterstock

7. It Was The Birthplace Of Jules Verne

You’ve likely read some of Jules Verne’s adventures or seen a film or two based on them. Around the World in Eighty Days , Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea , and Journey to the Center of the Earth are classics.

Nantes is where Jules Verne was born and raised, and the city’s museum dedicated to him provides incredible insight into his life and work. From beautifully illustrated books to pictures of Verne and his family plus a great souvenir shop, this is a little gem.

Pro Tip: The Heron Tree , another project by Les Machines de l’Ile, is being built near the museum. It will debut in 2022.

Guy Banville / Shutterstock

8. The Suburb Of Trentemoult Is A Dream

Just a ferry ride across the Loire from the Jules Verne museum lies the former fishing village of Trentemoult, an Instagrammer’s dream of narrow winding lanes and colorful houses with tiny gardens. Lining the Loire are plenty of good restaurants, some with terraces by the water, each more picturesque than the last.

Pro Tip: Take the Navibus N1 from near the Jules Verne museum. The Nantes Pass gives you free access to all local transport, including the ferry.

9. You Can Tour A Le Corbusier Structure

Controversial but ingenious architect Le Corbusier envisioned a life that could be lived entirely within apartment blocks. The Maison Radieuse is an example of one of his functional tower blocks; it was intended to be a self-contained community, with a school, leisure opportunities, shopping, and living quarters all in, on, and underneath the block.

The tour is mostly in French, but you can ask for an English-speaking guide. It covers the architect’s approach and ideology in great detail and is a must for architecture enthusiasts.

Pro Tip: For another modern architectural sight in Nantes, head up the tall Tour Bretagne for views across the city and the rather interesting bar Le Nid , which features a large sculpture of a stork with its nest. It serves great cocktails.

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

Getty Images/Hemis.fr RM

You can take Nantes out of Brittany (as when regional boundaries were redrawn during WWII), but you can't take Brittany out of its long-time capital, Nantes (Naoned in Breton).

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Les Machines de l’Île de Nantes

Nantes' quirkiest sight is this fantasy world – a serious and seriously wacky workshop with mechanical contraptions galore displayed in plant-filled…

Château des Ducs de Bretagne

Forget fusty furnishings – light-filled rooms inside the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany house multimedia-rich exhibits detailing the city's history. Look…

Musée d’Arts de Nantes

A six-year renovation job by London architects Stanton Williams has done wonders for Nantes’ art museum, open again since 2017 inside the historic Palais…

Musée Jules Verne

Overlooking the river, this is a magical museum with 1st-edition books, hand-edited manuscripts and cardboard theatre cut-outs. Child-friendly interactive…

Jardin des Plantes

Opened in 1860, this exquisitely landscaped park is among France's most interesting botanical gardens. Century-old magnolia and mulberry trees, Japanese…

Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage

Down by the water, 2000 brick-sized glass plaques embedded in the quay-side pavement scream out the names of slave-trading ships that regularly set sail…

Cathédrale St-Pierre et St-Paul

Inside Nantes' Flamboyant Gothic cathedral, the tomb of François II (r 1458–88), Duke of Brittany, and of his second wife, Marguerite de Foix, is a…

Le Cale 2 Créateurs

Edgy temporary art exhibitions, events and happenings fill this old industrial slipway, shaped like a wedge of cheese at the foot of Île de Nantes'…

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Nantes: Jewel of the Loire Valley

History, Good Eating, Scenic Rivers Define City

Nantes, France, like countless other cities, has long been known as the Venice of the West for its prominent water features. The River Loire courses through the center of the city, and the River Erdre, a tributary to the Loire, also runs through Nantes; it is reputed to be one of the most beautiful rivers in France and is the scene of romantic dinner cruises. Nantes, the capital of the Pays de la Loire region of northwestern France, was named by Time magazine as the most livable city in Europe in 2004. Nantes was the capital of Brittany until boundaries were redrawn during World War II, but it still retains much of its Brittany identity.

Nantes is the sixth largest city in France and is considered one of the most desirable places to live in the country. It especially holds appeal for young professionals who enjoy the arts and culture. For the traveler, this means the nightlife in Nantes is quite lively.

Getting There

Nantes is easy to get to on the train or plane. It is served by many train lines, including the high-speed TGV line from  Paris Montparnasse  train station; this trip takes about two hours. The  Nantes Atlantique Airport  also serves the area, and you can fly there from Paris, London, and many other cities in France and the U.K. A shuttle connects the airport with the city center and Sud railway station; the trip takes about half an hour. Cabs and buses also will take you from the airport to the city center. You'll find several hotels near the train station, with botanical gardens as a pleasing backdrop.

Eating and Drinking

Nantes is full of interesting restaurants, bars, bistros, and cafes, as you would expect in a city its size. The region's vineyards produce wines such as Muscadet and Gros Plant, both excellent with fish and seafood. Try oysters with the local Muscadet. Fromage du cure nantais is a cow's milk cheese developed by a priest near Nantes and is also excellent with Muscadet.

Near the Passage Pommeraye and the Place Royale is the Maison des Vins de Loire , the Loire Valley Wine Center, located in the former "wine port" of Nantes, where you can buy the local wines of the Loire Valley . 

Fish and seafood, from the sea or from the Loire (pike, perch, and eels) is a local specialty, often swimming in beure blanc, a regional treatment for fish. Also try a gateau nantais , a cake that's a mixture of sugar, almonds, butter, and Antilles rum.

Getting Around

The historic center of Nantes is easily walk-able or if your hotel is close to the train station, you can just hop a tram; a ride is extremely affordable.

Nantes has an oceanic climate, which means it rains throughout the year but has mild summer temperatures, so if you're looking for a summertime vacation spot you probably won't swelter in, Nantes might just be the place. For details on the weather, take a look at website Nantes Weather and Climate.

What to See

On top of the must-do list is lunch at La Cocotte in Verre on the Ile de Versailles, followed by a relaxing boat trip down the River Erdre, with its gorgeous scenery and famous mansions on both sides.

Other things to see include the below:

• City Center: Nantes is a very old city, and in the city center you'll see examples of the architecture of its medieval past, along with more recent 19th-century architecture. This area is bursting with brasseries, bistros, and cafes and a great place just to stroll around and get a feel for the city.
• St. Pierre and St. Paul Cathedral: Begun in 1434, the Gothic cathedral wasn't finished until the end of the 19th century. After a 1972 fire, the interior was restored. Inside the cathedral's 11th-century crypt is a museum of religions.
• Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany): Nantes' castle has recently undergone restoration and is the second oldest building in Nantes after the cathedral and one of the famous castles of the Loire Valley. The inner courtyard is built in the Renaissance style with blistering white tufa, and the Nantes History Museum is inside. Nearby is the Place du Commerce, a largely pedestrian area that offers a good array of restaurants. 
• Passage Pommeraye : A passage between two streets with different elevations, the rue Santeuil and rue de la Fosse, begun in 1840, now is home to interesting shops and cafes.
• Jules Verne Museum and House: If you like the writing of Nantes' own Jules Verne, don't miss this museum with multimedia exhibits.
• Jardin des Plantes de Nantes:  This botanical garden is a tranquil spot not far from the train station in the city center.
• Musee des Beaux-Arts:  The highly celebrated fine arts museum is built around an airy courtyard and features works ranging from Italian primitives to modern art from such giants as Kandinsky, Monet, and Picasso.
• La Tour LU: This picturesque tower was built in 1905 and restored in 1998 near the entrance of a former Lefevre-Utile (LU) biscuit factory. Go inside to see a panoramic view of Nantes.
• Ile de Versailles: This is an island in the Erdre with a Japanese garden you can easily reach by foot. You can also take boat rides down the Erdre to the Ile de Versailles and the garden.

Related Articles

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Nantes Tourism official website

A journey to nantes.

All year long, our artistic itinerary will take you throughout our city.

From the Château des ducs de Bretagne to Passage Pommeraye, and from the Musée d’Arts to the Galerie des Machines, Nantes reveals its historical, architectural and artistic heritage through a public collection of more than 100 artworks… Nantes both surprises and enchants visitors, when nature rubs shoulders with the urban, the result is art that excites the imagination. The painted path leads pedestrians and cyclists to lively places all throughout town.

Have a nice holiday in Nantes!

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Visiting Nantes

Expect the unexpected in this fantastically creative French city. By Rick Jordan.

Squinting in the sunshine, my nose pinkening in the surprising spring heat, I take in the view. To my left are elegant, metal-framed warehouses and a huge yellow crane, like the fist of Ted Hughes's Iron Man dropped - crash! - from the heavens. On the other side, a grass-fringed slipway descends into a river whose opposite bank holds shoals of grey-capped townhouses. My view is a little bumpety, however, for beneath me is an elephant. Not one of flesh and blood, but of leather and wood, steel and oil. I'm 12 metres off the ground, being carried along in a canopied howdah. Engines thump, gears clank, ears flap, and between the beast's tusks a varnished trunk snakes around, sights its target and sploshes foaming water towards a pack of children who scream with delight and scatter.

One inhabitant of Nantes described it to me as a 'city of the unexpected'. To be honest, I had no particular expectations, and until recently, neither did many French people, who would steer past this capsized shipbuilding port on their way to holidays on the Ile de Ré or the Biscay beaches. But Nantes has been cannily reimagining itself as a place of contemporary art and startling invention - not to mention an enviably relaxed urban lifestyle - and now it's worth at least a week of anyone's time.

Pictured: Le Grand Elephant at Parc des Chantiers on Ile de Nantes

Nantes in context

The city is set on the Loire; not the aristocratic Loire of willowy meadows and fairy-tale châteaux, but the strong-wristed, blue-collar river of hard slate and bone-white tufa stone. Here, 48km from the Atlantic, the river starts to turn maritime and there's the tang of salt in the air, a sense of the world beyond. Its waters and sailing ships are keenly observed by the young Jules Verne, who was born here in 1828 and would send his heroes on voyages extraordinaires to the moon, the centre of the earth and around the world. I suppose we're all descendants of Phileas Fogg, that early adopter of globalisation. While Verne's frock-coated adventurers were equipped with sextants and lantern-jawed determination, I have a three-day travel pass and a crumpled map, but what I discover would have made his eyes boggle.

My base camp is the Hôtel La Pérouse, well-positioned between the dense, medieval district of Bouffay and the grands palaces of the 18th century, and on the banks of a river. Or rather, what was once a river that ran here, the Erdre, until its waters were banished underground between the wars. Now it is a broad boulevard down which flow cars, bicycles and trams. You can see this vanquished riverscape on a Lilliputian diorama in the Château Musée. I conquer the castle on my first afternoon. It's bulging with brickwork and has a proper moat filled with water; these days, eight centuries after ground was broken, the château has relaxed its guard and allows people to picnic on its grassy banks. Inside, there's a sugar-white ducal palace which now holds the city's history. I spiral up the stairs and pick rooms at random to find ships' figureheads suspended from the ceiling, German machine guns and carnival grotesques. In one painting, a powder-wigged fat cat looks out, paunch straining his silver waistcoat, one hand on a coffee spoon and the other passing a lump of sugar to his lapdog. In another room, a century-old box of biscuits sits, undunked, behind glass. The two are inextricably linked, for trade brought chocolate and coconut, vanilla and sugar to Nantes, and with other ingredients like that you can make delicious petits fours.

Pictured: The Château Musée in the old town of Nantes

Discovering the new Nantes

The old LU biscuit factory, with its strawberry-sundae tower, is just opposite, on the other side of the tracks that carry the Paris-Saint-Nazare express. If the chateau is the medieval heart of Nantes, LU is its 21st-century cortex, since it reopened as Le Lieu Unique cultural centre. Its rough-edged aesthetic has been preserved; the loos, down bunker-like steps and coated with graffiti, remind me of the warehouse clubs of my youth, except here the hand-driers actually work. I go exploring and find an amphitheatre set for a string quartet, its patchwork ceiling made out of pieces of Loire fishing boats. The programme skips from outsider art to modern magic and pulsing techno nights; but locals are just as likely to come here for a light lunch or a steam in the hammam. I wander outside, plonk myself in a deckchair and order a panache.

The idea of transforming blighted, industrial landscapes is nothing new, but in Nantes it's being done on a remarkable scale. Le Lieu Unique showed that it could be done, and tilted the city on its axis a little. A few hundred metres further south is the Ile de Nantes, and this is a work in progress: once a furnace of shipbuilding yards, chemical plants and sugar refineries, it now has a new, white-hot sense of purpose.

Pictured: Le Lieu Unique

The regeneration of Nantes

I almost don't notice the zebra crossing, but hang on a minute: this is France, and Belisha beacons don't belong here. Actually, it's an installation work by the artist Angela Bulloch, playing with notions of rules and codes. There's no traffic, so I can't see if drivers play with the notion of mowing me down as I stroll across.

If the isle has a Prospero, it's Jean-Marc Ayrault, the former mayor of Nantes (and now the French PM), whose vision halted the city's decline after heavy industry ran out of steam in the 1980s; if it has an Ariel, it's Jean Blaise, a slightly enigmatic figure with a Cheshire Cat smile, who for the past five years has been spiriting artists to Nantes to create a series of outdoor works. The zebra crossing is one such piece, and there are many more along the banks of the Loise, all the way to Saint-Nazaire. One of the most striking is Daniel Buren's Les Anneaux: 18 steel hula hoops by day, by night glowing haloes of green, red and blue. I stand by one, sight the Jules Verne Museum opposite and move about until it fits neatly within the circular frame.

Pictured: Les Anneaux by Daniel Buren on quai des Antilles in Nantes

The attractions of Nantes

The five-kilometre-long island is excellent for a meandering Sunday walk or bike ride, using old crane tracks as a path. You might start at the School of Architecture, which has the most unusual student union bar I've ever seen: a fibreglass blob that resembles something from Barbapapa . Further west is a dark pavilion that looks like a Berlin museum of contemporary art but is, in fact, the city's courthouse, a piece of architectural noir by Jean Nouvel with a polished, jewel-box interior. The warehouses contain towards the isle's western tip once ripened bananas, but now contain restaurants, bars and clubs, and further galleries. At one former shipyard, however, sparks still fly. Big enough to house an airship, this is the home of my elephant and a whole mechanical menagerie, Les Machines L'Ile. A huge slow-worm inches along its branch: a monstrous flea whirrs overhead carrying two be-goggled pilots. There's a genuine sense of wonder, and a slight whiff of danger, a feeling that the creatures might just start thinking for themselves. The latest grand projet was unveiled last summer, the Marine Worlds Carousel: a pimped-up merry-go-round, three storeys high, in which you can pilot your own manta ray, pirate fish or tentacled squid.

Pictured: street art in Nantes

The Château du Pé

Twenty minutes' drive along the Loire, in the village of Saint-Jean-de-Boiseau, is an 18th-century chateau with a revolutionary agenda. I've been to art hotels with provocative sculptures in the lobby before, but at Château du Pé six creative couples have been let loose to reimagine its whole interior. One room is empty save for a chair, but press panels set in the wall and you'll find two beds and shelving for clothing. In La Grande Question room the virginal walls are covered with bas-reliefs of reproductive organs, contraception devices and more. One for the honeymooners, perhaps? My favourite is downstairs, a corner room with parkland views in which black nocturne paint oozes down the walls and box-frames hold hairy-legged spiders and bejewelled butterflies. The stuff of dreams, or nightmares.

A few minutes' drive away is another outdoor artwork. On a quiet, leafy bank of the Loire, a single-masted fishing boat is trying to wriggle its way over a lock wall and into open water. It was created by Austrian artist Erwin Wurm, and has real personality, full of yearning: just one more heave of its stern, a twist of its propeller, and the little boat will reach the river.

Pictured: a bedroom at Château du Pé

The Nantes quayside

Freedom is the message behind the most recent arrival on the Nantes quayside. The city's sweet tooth had a rotten core, for the boats that set sail didn't just bring back sugar and spice but financed almost half the country's slave trade. Opposite the Palais de Justice, a pathway of tiny glass ships - each representing a vessel that sailed to Africa - glints like fish scales and leads me to steps cut into the quayside. Below deck is a concrete walkway, with river water splashing on one side, and a chorus of voices - Bob Marley, Abraham Lincoln, Toni Morrison - etched on the other. At first I find the memorial too wordy, but then I'm aware of distant shouts and creaks, the soundtrack of the Atlantic several lifetimes ago, and with the gloom about me and the concrete timbers above, the fathoms of time are reduced to shallows. One line by the St Lucian poet Derek Walcott catches my eye: 'Where are your monuments, your battles, martyrs? Sirs, in that gray vault. The Sea. The Sea is history.'

Pictured: La Fabrique on Ile de Nantes

Les Chants d'Avril

Sometimes, though, you want nothing more profound than a nice glass of Muscadet and a menu. A short walk from Le Lieu Unique, on a street enjoying a weekend lie-in, I find Les Chants d'Avril. It's dressed in the cosy bistro uniform of wood pannelling and leather banquettes, and chef Christophe Francois describes his food as bistronomique . 'We wanted to create a real sense of terroir,' he tells me. 'We're in a region with really fresh produce: fish caught at night is in the kitchen by morning. You don't play tricks with the ingredients.' Sitting beneath a 1950s mural of the city's old transporter bridge - which would ferry workers over the river - I'm brought a menu myst è re, which reveals itself to be cod in a creamy sauce with black Korean garlic, then deliciously light tempura langoustines and mackerel; the trio of mini desserts, the café gourmand,[/i] includes a chocolate brownie sporting a Nantes biscuit.

Pictured: a cool public space at La Fabrique

The old town of Nantes

With traffic-free boulevards and magnolia-filled squares to roam, Nantes is a fine place for the would-be flâneur .[/i] When your feet tire, there are trams to hop on, criss-crossing east and west along the Loire, and north to south along the Erdre. The brown-and-white timber buildings and narrow streets of the Bouffay area I save for nocturnal forays: I walk round in cirlces on my first night, but by the third I'm taking short cuts, guided by the illuminated bell tower of Sainte-Croix, where an angelic quartet blows silently on silver trumpets. In the magical way of Old Towns everywhere, you can find yourself in a deserted square with the clamour of voices just out of sight, like a theatre audience before curtain up; turn the corner and it's as if the whole town is there, drinking and debating outside bars and cafes.

If you haven't seen the 1961 film Lola by Jacques Demy, watch it before you go, for the footage of dockside cranes still pulling a wage, and for the beautiful, feline Anouk Aimee, raincoat thrown over her black cabaret basque, hurrying through the Passage Pommeraye. This ornate shopping arcade, built in 1843, is unchanged, its neoclassical statues leaning nonchalantly against iron lights. And you should start one morning with breakfast at La Cigale, an Art Deco brasserie where you feel as if you're eating inside a Toulouse-Lautrec painting. The walls look sugary and edible, iced with colourful mosaic tiles and mirrors; at night it's twinkly and bright, and the steak-tartare trolley enters stage left for a table-side serving.

Pictured: looking at the old town of Nantes through Les Anneaux

Nantes from the river

On my last afternoon in Nantes, I step onboard a river bus and we chug westward, following the same course ast he boats watched by Verne. After days walking its banks, I'm glad to be on the river at last. Ten minutes later, I step ashore in the South of France (which, according to French weather forecasts at least, begins on the Loire's southern banks. Trentemoult is where herring fishermen and sea captains lived, but its clapboard houses are now popular with artists, and the shutters and doors are bright with paintbox colours. Children play in the narrow lanes, cats yawn and stretch under lavender bushes. I peer into a window and an elderly neighbour wanders by and tells me she's 90 years old, and her father - or maybe her grandfather, I don't quite hear - was the last captain to work on the Pacific route. I have a table reserved at one former seaman's house, a restaurant called La Civelle, and order fat Breton oysters and Loire eel, sizzled in butter and served in a saute pan with potatoes. Outside, tables are set precariously on the bank of the river; as daylight fades, more wine is poured and the conversation grows louder.

The next morning I leave Nantes, and as the taxi heads toward the station, we pass a multi-storey car park. It's unlovable and ugly, and one imagines it will be that way forever. But you never know. Next time I visit, it will probably have been transformed into something quite wonderful.

Pictured: on the river

Where to sleep, eat and drink in Nantes

WHERE TO STAY Hôtel La Pérouse Combines a strong architectural statement with genuine comfort. Nifty black-out curtains ensure a good sleep; the shaving mirror is the most user-friendly I've tried. 3 allee Duquesne. Doubles from €74 ( www.hotel-laperouse.fr )

Hôtel Pommeraye Modern rooms with balcony windows in a 19th-century building near the classic arcade. 2 rue Boileau. Doubles from €59 ( www.hotel-pommeraye.com )

Sozo Hotel So close to the Jardin des Plantes you can hear the leaves rustle, this former nunnery now sports a groovy white interior and Ron Arad chairs, but has kepte its stained glass and stonework intact. Room 208 has the best view. 16 rue Frédéric Cailliaud. Doubles from €97 ( www.sozohotel.fr )

L'Hôtel Smallish rooms, but well-located for the Old Town. Book room 50 to get an eyeful of the château, or a room with a terrace. 6 rue Henry IV. Doubles from €95 ( www.nanteshotel.com )

Le D'O Cleverly converted 1930s bateau mouche with a bed that slides out of a kitchen unit. 5 quai Henri Barbusse. Doubles from €160. ( www.actlieu.com )

Château du Pé Cutting-edge rooms on an 18th-century estate. Saint-Jean de-Boiseau. Doubles from €75 (www.chateaudupe.fr)

Radisson Blu Hotel , Nantes The city's largest hotel opened in late 2012 in Nantes' grand 19th-century courthouse, complete with spa and a contemporary restaurant in the former court rooms (the trial judge section is now a wine cellar). 6 Place Aristide Briand (00 33 2 72 00 10 00; www.radissonblu.com )

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK La Cigale Old-school Art Deco treasure; go for breakfast or for a lunchtime seafood platter. 4 place Graslin. About €35 for two ( www.lacigale.com )

La Civelle Bag a table on the water's edge and feast on oysters, lobster and more. 21 quai Marcel Boissard, Trentemoult. About €45 for two ( www.lacivelle.com )

Les Chants d'Avril Fifties-style bistro with on-trend seasonal cooking. 2 rue Laënnec . About €45 for two ( www.leschantsdavril.fr )

Le 1 Smart-suited riverside restasurant serving artful Breton reinventions. 1 rue Olympe de Gouges. About €50 for two ( www.leun.fr )

Crêperie Heb-Ken Nantes was once the capital of Britanny, and its taste for crepes remains. If you are ravenous, go for the potato, lardon and Reblochon option. 5 rue de Guérande ( www.heb-ken.fr )

Au Chien Stupide Indie-chic bar with anglepoise lights and a good choice of wines by the glass. Open till 2am. 4 rue des Carm**é lites

Maison des Vins de Loire Book a wine tasting with English-speaking Solène Franquet; you can buy, too. Try La Domaine de Bellevue from rising star Jérôme Bretaudeau. 15 place du Commerce ( www.vinsdeloire.fr )

Le Lieu Unique One-stop shop for food, culture and more. Quai Ferdinand-Favre ( www.lelieuunique.com )

Le Stakhanov Hip music venue in Bouffay district with well-curated live acts and DJs. 7 rue de la Bâclerie ( www.stakhanov.fr )

La Provence Great list of wines by the glass. On small street just behind Place Royale. 3 rue de l'Echelle (00 33 2 40 48 78 71)

Café de Orangerie Lovely brasserie in the Jardin de Plantes, with artfully placed pots of herbs and vegetables outside. Menu from €10.50. Pont Général de la Motte Rouge (00 33 6 64 53 61 23)

Song Saveur & Sens Glamorous Vietnamese restaurant beloved by the city's movers and shakers. 5 rue de Santeuil (00 33 2 40 20 88 07; www.restaurant-song.fr ).

Le Lait de Mai Classic bistrot fare on Quai de Versailles on the River Edres. 22 quai de Versailles (00 33 2 40 35 65 97).

Le Bouchon Gleaming white tablecloths within; courtyard tables outside beneath a large magnolia tree. 7 rue Bossuet (00 33 2 40 20 09 44).

WHERE TO SHOP Traditionally, rue Crébillon was the city's smart shopping street, but the traffic-free streets around Rue Santeuil in the Graslin are better, with boutiques such as Marie Rebérat ( www.marie-reberat.com ), Le Faubourg des Demoiselles and Sur la Pas d'Emma

Gautier-Debotté Chocolate treasure trove with exquisite Victorian interior. 9 Rue de la Fosse

Ferré Perfect displays of fruit and vegetables, with freshly made salads to take away - handy for a picnic in the grounds of the Natural History Museum. 22 rue Racine ( www.ferre-lefruitier.fr )

Fromagerie Beillevaire Also has a stall at the Marché de Talensac (while you're there, visit We Love Sushi for the best California rolls in town, Vincent Guerlais for pretty patisserie and La Petite Boulangerie)

WHAT TO SEE Jules Verne Museum Has some marvellous models of Verne's fantastic machines, and great views over the river. <span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Q7g&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&q=jules+verne+museum+nantes&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDgwAHsxKXfq6-gUlORnxWkgNjrdjF3R8u8r89L3C5W1TT3THT0v0_AG_2ulEtAAAA"> 3 Rue de l'Hermitage (<span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Q7g&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&q=jules+verne+museum+nantes+02+40+69+72+52&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDgwAHsxKXfq6-gUlORnxWkgOjeR3vZ-sldWm7yvfPEddbF5HyTvM2ALcVREEtAAAA"> 00 33 2 40 69 72 52; www.nantes.fr )

GETTING THERE Flybe ( www.flybe.com ) flies to Nantes from several UK airports. See www.nantes-tourisme.com for details of many of the places mentioned, as well as a useful food guide.

Pictured: Le Stakhanov

Published in Condé Nast Traveller January 2013.

12 Best Things To Do In Nantes, France

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: June 4, 2020  - Last updated: September 20, 2022

Situated by the Loire River in the Upper Brittany region of western France, Nantes is home to the brilliantly restored Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the fascinating Les Machines de l’Île de Nantes museum.

The city also has a long history as a port and industrial center, its attractions a wonderful mix of the old and the new.

From historic centers to lush green parks and unique museums, most sights in Nantes are within easy walking distance.

If you’re planning to visit the city, make the most of it with this guide on some of the best things to do in Nantes, France .

Things you'll find in this article

1. Admire the Château des Ducs de Bretagne

2. visit the nantes cathedral, 3. stroll through the jardin des plantes, 4. see the nantes arts museum, 5. meet the huge metal elephant at les machines de l’île de nantes museum, 6. wander around quartier bouffay, 7. relax in the jardin japonais, 8. watch opera at theatre graslin, 9. shop in passage pommeraye, 10. wander around talensac market, 11. sample some nantes wines, travel tips and resources.

An important historical monument and one of the most visited Nantes attractions is the stunning Château des Ducs de Bretagne (The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany ).

This beautifully restored castle was built around the 14th century and it’s one of the most beautiful castles in France . The ramparts and other buildings were added until the 18th century.

Located in the heart of the city, the castle is home to the Nantes History Museum.

Visitors can visit and have a closer look at the rooms in the castle, but another must-see is the 500-meter path at the top of the ramparts. This area provides a stunning view of the castle as well as the city of Nantes.

The main church in Nantes, the  Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes, is another important historic monument.

Comparable to the size of the Notre Dame in Paris, the cathedral has a distinct white facade surrounded by 2 huge towers. It also has a terrace on top that offers panoramic views over the city.

The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is one of the most interesting places to visit in Nantes.

Some of the must-see parts of the church are the Romanesque crypts that house the cathedral’s treasures, an exhibition about the cathedral’s history, and the great pipe museum.

Within easy walking distance from the chateau and the cathedral is the picturesque Jardin des Plantes.

At seven hectares, this is among the largest gardens in France . This is among the best attractions in Nantes that’s ideal for a relaxing stroll, in between exploring the city’s historic sites.

The lush gardens are home to an 800-square meter greenhouse that are filled with colorful seasonal flowers. There are also fountains set throughout the gardens which add to its relaxing atmosphere.

You can’t miss the Nantes Arts Museum, as it’s along the promenade between the cathedral and the Jardin des Plantes. The museum recently underwent a renovation that lasted for six years.

The museum was created in 1801 and registered as a historical monument in 1975.

A visit here is one of the best things to do in Nantes, as it houses an impressive collection of art.

Here, you’ll see galleries and exhibitions featuring paintings , photographs, and installations of ancient to contemporary art.

You won’t always meet a huge metal elephant walking around a city, but this is exactly one of the best things to see in Nantes.

Founded by Francois Delaroiziere and Pierre Orefice, the impressive Les Machines de l’Île de Nantes Museum is a must-visit in Nantes.

This place is also a laboratory and carousel park that both kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy. You may even ride the metal elephant if you want, just book your ticket in advance.

Being in Quartier Bouffay is like walking into the city of Nantes from centuries ago. This medieval quarter is the area around the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.

Here, you’ll find maze-like cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses. You will also encounter structures that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, starting with the Porte Saint-Pierre.

This 13th-century monument pretty much ushers in visitors into the old-world charms of Quartier Bouffay, which is one of the most fascinating places to see in Nantes.

You can also enjoy some delicious treats from a bakery, enjoy a crepe, relax in a cafe, or savor a meal in a traditional restaurant.

You can even do a bit of shopping, as the streets around Place du Bouffay is home to quaint little shops and authentic local goodies.

Situated in the picturesque Quai Henri Barbusse neighborhood in Nantes, the charming Jardin Japonais is another must-visit. This garden park may be small, but it offers an idyllic respite from exploring grand and quirky structures around the city.

Stroll along or stop and relax by the ponds, see the rock gardens, waterfalls , and exotic plants, mostly of Oriental origin.

Jardin Japonais is a lovely place to visit in Nantes all year round, but especially during spring when the cherry blossoms create a colorful canopy on certain areas of the park.

Built in the late 18th century by the renowned architect Mathurin Crucy, the imposing Theatre Graslin was inaugurated in 1788.

However, it was destroyed by a fire shortly after its opening. It underwent reconstruction and restoration in 1811, and again in 2003.

Along with the Grand Theatre d’Angers, it is the most popular opera house in Nantes.

Designed with Roman and Greek influences, the facade of Theatre Graslin features eight imperial columns. This Nantes attraction is one of those places that look amazing in photos, aside from offering some must-see opera performances.

One of the best places to visit in Nantes, Passage Pommeraye offers a unique shopping experience. This vintage shopping mall is in the heart of Nantes, in Rue de la Fosse, and was built in the mid-19th century.

How many times can you find yourself in a Renaissance-style mall? Definitely not always, so a visit here is a must. It has three floors and houses twenty-five elegant shops.

Classified as a historic monument, the Passage Pommeraye features beautiful marble staircases and a glass ceiling.

This is the place to go if you’d like to shop for some accessories, clothes, jewelry , or simply want to admire the enjoy the vintage atmosphere.

While in any French city. It is a must to shop at a genuine French food market .

In Nantes, the place to go is Talensac, which is located close to the city center. Talensac hosts over 200 stalls in three different sections.

Here, you can buy everything from fresh produce to local delicacies , as well as cheeses , chocolates and different wines. There are also clothes and souvenir products, so make it a point to stop by.

Nantes is in the Loire which us a recognized wine region, therefore you cannot leave the city without sampling some wine.

Enjoy a few sips at the cool wine bar, such as La Comédie des Vins in Rue Suffren. Be sure to sample some white wine which Nantes is famous for.  Two of the most recommended are Muscadet and Gros Plant.

Here and in most wine bars in Nantes, you’ll surely learn more about the local and regional wines from their friendly and knowledgeable staff.

12. End the day at Le Nid

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Le Nid Nantes (@lenidnantes) on Jun 4, 2017 at 12:44pm PDT

How about having wine in a rooftop bar? Going up to the towering Tour de Bretagne ( Brittany Tower) gives visitors a 360° view of Nantes.

Here, you’ll find the rooftop bar Le Nid, with its great selection of drinks as well as stunning views over the city from 144 meters up.

Located in the heart of the city, this is among the best things to do in Nantes at night.

Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing .

What To Wear: If you want some ideas on what to pack for France, check out this packing list guide for France .

Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here .

Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here .

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Nantes

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 24, 2023

A wealthy medieval trading port and formerly the capital of the Brittany region , Nantes immerses visitors in its fascinating history. Walking around the old town's cobblestone streets feels like a stroll back in time.

Cultural attractions abound, especially in the historic center of Nantes. Always teeming with activity, the Quartier Bouffay encompasses several must-see attractions: the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Palais des Beaux-Arts, and the Jardin des Plantes. The Quartier Graslin is another inviting neighborhood where tourists will enjoy browsing elegant shopping streets or stopping for a traditional meal.

Nantes also has a modern side. It's a vibrant metropolis with an industrial economy and large university-student population. The city's happening social scene includes a dazzling opera house, trendy restaurants, bustling cafés, and lively squares.

To truly discover the city, tourists should wander around and explore at leisure. The city center delights visitors with its elegance and sophistication. Even though Nantes is one of France's largest cities and definitely has an urban feel, there are many beautiful gardens that provide refreshing spaces for relaxation.

Learn about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Nantes.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul

Château des ducs de bretagne, musée d'arts de nantes, quartier bouffay, quartier graslin, île feydeau, musée jules verne, eglise sainte-croix, musée thomas dobrée, jardin des plantes, les machines de l'île, mémorial de l'abolition de l'esclavage, aire de jeux, planète sauvage, where to stay in nantes for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in nantes.

Flamboyant Gothic style finds perfect expression in the ornate facade and soaring vaulted interior of this 15th-century cathedral. The height of the nave is 37.5 meters, which is higher than the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

The Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul houses a Renaissance masterpiece of funerary art, the tomb of François II and Marguerite de Foix . Another treasure of the cathedral is the 11th-century Romanesque crypt, which displays an exhibition of the cathedral's history.

A well-known moment of history in Nantes occurred here on April 13th, 1598, when King Henry IV signed the Edict of Nantes . The edict guaranteed freedom of religious practices to French Protestants, the Huguenots. One of the first decrees of religious rights in Europe, the Edict of Nantes ended the over 30-year Wars of Religion between Protestants and Catholics in France.

Note: The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul was damaged by a fire in July 2020 and is currently closed to the public. The city is planning to renovate the cathedral with the goal of restoring it to its former state.

On a nearby side street (5 Impasse Saint-Laurent) is the Parc de la Psallette , a verdant courtyard that overlooks the cathedral. Fringed with leafy trees, this quiet hidden garden is a pleasant spot to relax for a moment.

Address: Place Saint-Pierre, Nantes

At the heart of Nantes, this monumental medieval fortress was founded by Francois II in the 15th century. The imposing construction testifies to the building's defensive purpose, ensured by seven crenellated towers, 500 meters of sturdy granite ramparts, and a deep moat that was once filled with water.

In contrast to the rough exterior, the inner courtyard reveals the refinement of early Renaissance architecture with its white stone walls and sculpted details.

By the 15th century, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) became the residence of French kings when Brittany was integrated into France. Later the castle was used as a prison, arsenal, and military barracks. During the Second World War when the Germans occupied France, they built a bunker on the castle grounds.

Today, the château houses the Musee d'Histoire de Nantes (Museum of History) within its grand Flamboyant Gothic halls. The museum focuses on the history of Nantes, presenting chronological and thematic exhibits about the city's heritage.

The Château des Ducs de Bretagne has a boutique that sells history books; château-themed notebooks and souvenirs; and candies including Berlingot Nantais , a specialty of Nantes. Tourists can also sample local flavors at the castle's ice-cream shop, La Fraiseraie , which serves frozen treats made from strawberries grown in the region.

Entrance to the château interior and museum requires a ticket. Opening hours of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne are from 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday year-round. In July and August, the château is open every day from 10am to 6pm.

The castle's courtyard, outdoor space, and ramparts are open to the public free of charge every day (from 8:30am to 7pm year-round and until 8pm in July and August). Visitors will enjoy exploring the moat gardens, as well as taking a walk along the ramparts.

Address: 4 Place Marc Elder, Nantes

Official site: http://www.chateaunantes.fr/en

In 1801, Napoléon Bonaparte founded the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts) in Nantes with a small collection of artworks donated from the Louvre . Nearly a century later (in 1891) Nantes created the Palais des Beaux-Arts to house the museum's enhanced collections. In 1989, the museum enlarged its space by converting the 17th-century Chapelle de l'Oratoire (located next to the Palais) into additional gallery space.

Since renovations in 2017, the museum has expanded its exhibition area with the sleek 2,000-square-foot " Le Cube ," four levels of galleries that display artworks to the best advantage in natural lighting. A raised walkway connects "The Cube" to the Palais des Beaux-Arts building.

The museum displays over 900 works of art, including an exceptional collection of European paintings. The assortment of 13th- to 18th-century French, Italian, Flemish, and Dutch paintings includes many noteworthy masterpieces.

Not to be missed are David et Isaïe ( David and Isaac ), a classic piece of religious art by Le Pérugin ; Apparition d'Ange à Saint Joseph ( Apparition of Angel to Saint Joseph ) by Georges de La Tour ; and the richly detailed Portrait de Madame de Senonnes by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres . Other highlights are paintings by Peter Paul Rubens , Philippe de Champaigne, Jean-Antoine Watteau, and Tintoret .

Impressionist and modern art is also well represented. Outstanding works include Les Nymphéas à Giverny ( Water Lilies in Giverny ) by Claude Monet , Le Phare d'Antibes ( Lighthouse at Antibes ) by Paul Signac , and Le Port du Havre ( The Port of Le Havre ) by Raoul Dufy . In addition, the museum is considered to have one of the best collections of contemporary art (from the 1980s to the present) in France.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts temporary expositions on various themes.

The Musée d'Arts de Nantes is open from 10am until 7pm every day except Tuesdays. On Thursdays, the museum is open late, until 9pm. The museum has a café , as well as a boutique that sells books and art-related gift items.

After visiting the Musée d'Arts de Nantes, tourists can take a short walk to the nearby Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden).

Address: 10 Rue Georges Clemenceau, Nantes

Official site: https://museedartsdenantes.nantesmetropole.fr/en/home.html

To discover the old-world charm of Nantes, tourists should explore the area around the Château des Ducs de Bretagne . This medieval quarter, known as the Bouffay district, is a maze of winding cobblestone streets lined with quaint half-timbered houses, as well as 15th- and 16th-century buildings.

The area also includes the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes , which should be prioritized on a tourist itinerary.

The best place to begin a tour of the Quartier Bouffay is at the Porte Saint-Pierre , which is a few steps away from the cathedral. During the Middle Ages, when the entire town was surrounded by defensive walls, the Porte Saint-Pierre was the entrance point; it is the only remaining vestige of the town's ancient fortifications. By walking through this 13th-century gate, visitors are transported into an enchanting medieval world.

It is a delight to wander the quarter's narrow pedestrian lanes. Tourists will be tempted to stop for a treat at a small bakery, take a break at a little café, or dine at a traditional restaurant.

The streets around Place du Bouffay are packed with retail shops and a wide variety of restaurants catering to all tastes. Visitors will find many authentic crêperies, as well as trendy restaurants; cozy bistros; and ethnic cuisine such as Japanese, Chinese, and Indian.

Boutique browsing is another way to while away some time, especially on the Rue de Verdun , which is dotted with specialty shops including La Boulangerie d'Antan , a typical French bakery; Les Rigolettes Nantaises , which sells old-fashioned candies, fine chocolates, and other confections; and Pâtisserie Saki Création , a purveyor of fancy French desserts.

After visiting the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, it's worth going a bit out of the way to discover an exquisite chapel. From the château, Rue Premion and Rue Henri IV leads to a cobblestone alleyway (Rue Malherbe). At the end of this pedestrian path in a quiet courtyard is the Chapelle de l'Immaculée (open Wednesdays from 2pm until 6pm). A gem of Gothic architecture, this 15th-century chapel is still used as a place of religious worship.

The Quartier Graslin owes its fashionable ambience to elegant city planning of the 18th and 19th centuries.

A prime example of this graceful urban design is the Passage Pommeraye ; access is from Rue de la Fosse. Listed as a Historic Monument , this arcaded passageway (open Monday to Saturday from 8am until 8pm and Sunday from 9am until 8pm) is filled with upscale retail boutiques.

Steps away from the Passage Pommeraye (via Rue de la Fosse) is the pedestrian-only Place Royale . This spacious square impresses visitors with its emblematic marble fountain, which symbolizes the Loire River and the maritime vocations of Nantes.

The streets around Place Royale are packed with shops, restaurants, and cafés. Rue Crébillon in particular has many chic fashion boutiques.

A short walk from the Place Royal leads to the Place Graslin , a bustling square that is a hub of social activity. Presiding over the square is the Neoclassical Théâtre Graslin , a gorgeous 18th-century theater that presents opera, dance performances, and music concerts.

Tourists should be sure to take a jaunt from the Place Graslin to the Cours Cambronne , an immaculately manicured tree-lined garden courtyard which centers around a statue of General Cambronne.

A short walk from the Cours Cambronne is the Musée Thomas Dobrée , a museum of art, archaeology, and history. Although the museum is currently closed for renovations, the property's lovely gardens are still open.

Many of the quarter's commercial streets are designed for pedestrians, which makes the area a good place to stroll and admire the stylish storefronts. While exploring the area, tourists will be enticed by the sidewalk cafés, crêperies, and restaurants.

Facing the opera house is the most famous establishment in the Quartier Graslin, La Cigale (4 Place Graslin), an elegant brasserie that dates to 1895. This institution of classic French cuisine merits a reservation just to see the exquisite Art Nouveau interior.

For casual meals, visitors can try the authentic Breton crêpes at the Crêperie Heb-Ken (5 Rue de Guérande).

This historic quarter was once an island in the Loire River that flows through Nantes. A landfill project (completed in the 1940s) joined the island to the rest of Nantes. However, the quarter has retained its 18th-century character. The main street of the Île Feydeau is the Rue Kervégan.

During the 1700s when Nantes was one of the most important ports in Europe, local shipowners became extremely rich from maritime trade. Opulent houses reveal the shipowners' extravagant lifestyle. Visitors can admire the facades of these grand mansions on Allée Duguay-Trouin, Place de la Petite-Hollande, and Allée Turenne.

This museum is dedicated to the work of celebrated author Jules Verne, who was born in Nantes in 1828. His novel Le Tour du Monde en Quatre-Vingts Jours ( Around the World in Eighty Days ) is one of the most-often translated French books. The collection is displayed in a 19th-century bourgeoise mansion on a hillside overlooking the Loire River.

Designed to take visitors on a "Vernian" journey, exhibits are presented in a creative way with multimedia presentations, posters, and representations of the author's fictional descriptions (for instance, a model airplane). Also on display are autographed manuscripts and objects of the author's daily life. The exhibits are presented in French, however non-French speakers will still appreciate the visual aspects.

The museum is open year-round Wednesday through Monday from 2pm to 6pm and closed on Tuesdays. On Saturdays, the museum is also open in the morning from 10am to 12pm in addition to the afternoon hours. During July and August, the museum extends its hours and is open every day from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm.

Address: 3 Rue de l'Hermitage, Nantes

Found in a small square in the Quartier Bouffay, the Eglise Sainte-Croix is admired for its handsome 17th-century Baroque facade and vibrant stained-glass windows in the sanctuary.

The Eglise Sainte-Croix is one of the parish churches of Nantes. Mass is celebrated here Tuesday through Sunday; services begin at 12:15pm on Tuesday and Thursday; at 11:15am on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; and at 11:30am on Sunday.

Address: Place Saint-Croix, Nantes

Wealthy 19th-century shipowner and merchant Thomas Dobrée amassed an exceptional collection of art objects during his lifetime. Dobrée also created a splendid neo-Romanesque palace (designed by architect Viollet-Le-Duc) on a former episcopal estate, which became his private residence.

In 1894, Dobrée donated his home and his wide-ranging archaeology collection to the city. In the grand rooms of the Dobrée palace, visitors can admire ancient Greek and Etruscan pottery and Egyptian archaeological finds, as well as medieval and Renaissance art that belonged to Dobrée. The museum also displays the collections of the Archaeological and Historical Society of Nantes.

Note: The Musée Thomas Dobrée is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in 2023. The museum continues to host temporary expositions , and the gardens of the palace remain open to the public year-round from 8am until 6:30pm (and until 7:30pm in July and August).

Address: 18 Rue Voltaire, Nantes

Shaded by towering trees and manicured with thousands of flowers, the Jardin des Plantes is listed as a " Jardin Remarquable " ( Remarkable Garden ). In fact, the seven-hectare green space is one of only four botanical gardens in France to be awarded the prestigious label.

Visitors will appreciate the walking paths and benches that allow for leisurely enjoyment of the tranquil setting. There are also whimsical landscaping exhibits, such as a giant manicured bush that resembles a sleeping cat.

Within the garden, the Café de l'Orangerie (15 Rue Gambetta) serves lunch and refreshments in a cheerful dining room or on the pleasant outdoor terrace.

The Jardin des Plantes is open to the public free of charge on afternoons (12:30pm - 5pm) Monday through Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm (9:30am to 6pm March through July). Guided tours are available.

Address: Rue Ecorchard or Place Sophie-Trébuchet, Nantes

Seemingly born from fantastical tales, the surreal world of Les Machines de l'Île delights children and adults alike. This incredible amusement park is found on the banks of the Loire River, across from the attractive Quai de la Fosse , a riverside embankment lined with handsome 18th-century houses.

Unbridled creativity and the technical savvy of machinists are the source of the park's amazing attractions. An enormous 48-ton mechanical steel elephant, the Grand Eléphant transports passengers on an exciting half-hour walking itinerary.

The magic of machines continues in the Galerie des Machines . which presents a giant spider, an enormous ant, and an aviary with flying birds, all skillfully crafted from machines.

Les Machines de l'Île earned a 2014 Thea Award for its Carrousel des Mondes Marins , which means it is considered one of the most original children's attractions in the world. An impressive three-level structure, the carrousel takes visitors on a spin through a marvelous ocean-themed scene. The carrousel seats feature artistically rendered sculptures of marine creatures, fish, sailboats, and seashells.

The Mémorial de l'Abolition de l'Esclavage (Abolition of Slavery Memorial Museum) is dedicated to sharing the legacy of slavery, which is intertwined with the history of Nantes.

Covering 1.73 acres along the banks of the Loire River, a memorial walking path commemorates over a thousand slave ships that departed from Nantes. Below the riverside esplanade, an underground passageway displays the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Abolition of Slavery Memorial Museum presents exhibits on the history of slavery, with a special focus on the slave trade in Nantes from the 17th century until the mid-19th century and the 18th-century abolitionist movement in North America.

The museum is open every day from 9am to 6pm (until 8pm from mid-May through mid-September). There is no charge to visit the museum or the outdoor memorial space.

Address: Quai de la Fosse, Passerelle Victor-Schoelcher, Nantes

Official site: http://memorial.nantes.fr/en/

An attraction that is sure to delight kids, this small playground features creative installations, such as a rhinoceros and dragon, that are designed to spark children's imaginations. There are areas for kids to run, jump, and play, while they take part in exciting adventures.

The Aire de Jeux playground is located within the Square Élisa Mercoeur park (near the Château des Ducs de Bretagne) and is open every day, free of charge.

Address: Square Élisa Mercoeur, Cours John Kennedy, Nantes

Just a 20-minute drive from Nantes, the Planète Sauvage safari park introduces visitors to the exotic world of wild animals. Attractions include driving safari tours, complete with views of giraffes, lions, tigers, and zebras.

There are also walking tours to get a close look at pelicans, tortoises, and tiny African antelopes.

Kids especially love the entertaining water acrobatics performances given by a group of dolphins at the park's Cité Marine theater.

For those who want to get as close as possible to the experience of going on a safari vacation in Africa, the Planète Sauvage offers authentic safari-style lodges. Each beautifully designed lodge features large bay windows and a spacious terrace for viewing the animals.

Address: Planète Sauvage, La Chevalerie, 44710 Port-Saint-Père

For tourists, the Quartier Bouffay or the Quartier Graslin of Nantes' historic center offer the convenience of being close to many shops and restaurants. The medieval Quartier Bouffay has a charming old-world ambience, as well as trendy restaurants and cafés. The Quartier Graslin suits travelers who appreciate luxury shopping and a sophisticated nightlife that includes fine dining and opera performances.

Most of the Nantes hotels fall into the mid-range and budget categories. Truly luxurious hotels are found about 45 minutes to a one-hour drive outside of the Nantes city center. For instance, the seaside resort town of La Baule on the Atlantic Coast has many upscale five-star resorts.

Luxury Hotels :

• In parkland about a 45-minute drive from Nantes, a 15th-century château has been transformed into the five-star Domaine de la Bretesche . The refined decor pays homage to tradition while incorporating contemporary touches. Thanks to its exceptional services and facilities, the hotel is listed as a prestigious Relais & Châteaux property. Guests will enjoy the property's golf course, fitness center, tennis courts, spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and gastronomic restaurant.
• Another Relais & Châteaux property, Le Castel Marie-Louise pampers guests in old-fashioned style. In the seaside resort of La Baule (about an hour's drive from Nantes), the hotel occupies a grand Belle Epoque mansion near the beach. Many of the guest rooms offer ocean views. The five-star property includes a fine-dining restaurant with garden terrace seating, a golf course, and concierge services.
• The five-star Hôtel Barrière Le Royal - La Baule provides upscale resort accommodations in La Baule, surrounded by pine groves and near the beach. The bright, spacious interior lends the feel of a relaxing seaside villa. Superior and deluxe guest rooms offer stunning ocean views. The hotel has seven restaurants ranging from classic to casual, plus a café. Other amenities include an indoor swimming pool and outdoor saltwater pool, spa, fitness center, and childcare services.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• In the Quartier Graslin, near the Place Graslin and the Passage Pommeraye, the Oceania Hôtel de France is steps away from many shops, cafés, and restaurants. This four-star hotel occupies an 18th-century mansion that has been renovated in sleek contemporary style. Amenities include a fitness center, trendy lounge, room service, and a breakfast option for an additional charge.
• The four-star Hôtel La Pérouse Nantes is found at the edge of the Quartier Bouffay, about a 10-minute walk to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. The hotel's avant-garde 20th-century building is a masterpiece of modern architecture, awarded the European Union Ecologic Label for environmentally friendly design. Minimalistic rooms are outfitted with luxury bedding and updated bathrooms. For an additional charge, the hotel serves petit déjeuner (breakfast) prepared from artisanal and organic ingredients.
• In the Quartier Graslin, the Mercure Nantes Centre Grand Hotel is ideally located near the Place Royale and the Passage Pommeraye. This four-star hotel features stylish modern decor. Amenities include a restaurant, fitness center, parking, and concierge services. Breakfast is available for an additional charge.

Budget Hotels:

• The three-star ibis Styles Nantes Centre Place Royale is tucked away on a side street in the Quartier Graslin near the Place Royale. This modern hotel provides comfortable and stylish rooms at budget rates. Breakfast is included.
• Just steps away from the Cours Cambronne, the Hôtel Le Cambronne offers surprisingly affordable accommodations in the fashionable Quartier Graslin. This one-star hotel has small and basic but sufficient guest rooms. A typical French petit déjeuner is available for an additional charge.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Cultured Cities and Castles : Nantes could be visited as a day trip from Paris , just 2.5 hours away by train. Travelers could also make Nantes their base for a travel itinerary that includes the sights of the Loire Valley , famous for its magnificent Renaissance châteaux, and Brittany , a region brimming with fairy-tale castles, medieval cities, and quaint fishing villages. A few of the most cultured Breton towns include Rennes, the region's old capital; Quimper, which has top-notch museums; and the artists' village of Pont-Aven.

Atlantic Coast Seaside Resorts : A one-hour drive from Nantes, La Baule in Brittany boasts expansive sandy beaches and an excellent choice of oceanfront hotels. Another favorite Breton seaside destination is Dinard (a two-hour drive from Nantes), which is one of the best beach resorts in France . Less than two hours south of Nantes is the historic port town of La Rochelle and the picturesque seaside resort of Île de Ré, prized for its unspoiled sandy beaches and UNESCO-listed capital, Saint-Martin-de-Ré.

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France Travel Blog

Is Nantes Worth Visiting?

The dazzling city of Nantes in western France is the ideal destination for a city break. It is a lively university city where modernity and history meet to offer tourists striking art, deep culture, and unforgettable fun. In the case that you have had a thorough encounter with Paris and looking to go elsewhere in France for magical moments, Nantes is primed for you. Though not so big, the city’s sceneries are stunning, and it is a city definitely worth visiting.

>>Also Read: Nantes Travel Guide

Here Are Some Reasons Why Nantes Is Worth Visiting:

It is every parisians’ second home.

Nantes’ reputation for art and culture in uniquely outstanding. It is the capital of the Pay de la Loire and has transformed itself in the last few decades. Though there is hardly any industrial activity along the Loire River, the city is vibrant and clean, and filled with students, hardworking architectural projects and tech companies.

Nantes is widely known to rank high on the list of quality of life. That is why Parisians love to escape the bustles of the capital for this gentle and friendly atmosphere. It will come as no surprise if you meet retirees from Paris when you visit Nantes.

The city used to be well-favored bin the heydays of French royalty. The history is rich there, and visitors will learn more about the château des Ducs de Bretagne which is a castle that looks over the medieval district. When you step inside, you will find a delicately designed museum that takes you on a trip back in time to the Middle Ages. There you will learn more about the slave trade in Nantes and the city’s occupation and bombing in the Second World War.

>> How to Get From Paris to Loire Valley

The Old Town is Wonderfully Preserved 

A legacy of the 1700s and 1800s, when the city was a rich, lively river port, is broad boulevards meeting on impressive squares that are filled with cafes in the summertime. You can stroll through the ornate Passage Pommeraye, a stalely 1800s arcade marked with chic shops, and have a seat at La Cigale, a lively brasserie on Place Graslin, popular for its affluent, new art décor which makes for a decent spot to people-watch.

Great Art Scene

The Louvre Museum is to the French capital while the Musée d’Art is to the city of Nantes. There have been new additions to the museum that makes it more elegant. The Cube is a new wing in a semitransparent marble that houses works from Monet, Kadinsky, and Picasso. The major palatial gallery leads visitors from pieces works from the 1200s to the 1800s.

This is not the only art presence in the city. There are arty destinations through Nantes. Most of them are in the form of offbeat installations like the procession of massive rings at the Ile de Nantes waterfront, an island in the river, and their sensational glow that goes off in the river at night.

Art On The River Banks

The city spreads along the Loire banks, which sprawls as it courses west, its banks marked with fields and marshland until it touches the ocean at Saint-Nazaire, the lively port. The 120 minutes’ journey by day cruiser is filled with wonders, so get a map from the tourist office and watch what goes on.

There is a spectacle here, a curved house in the middle of the river. There is also a yacht that seems to have dropped and melted at the bank. These are parts of the Art Trail of about 30 installations.

Lodging In a Boutique Hotel On a Budget

The city has a great selection of chic hotels in its neat center, and they are reasonably affordable. You can check-in at the Hotel Pommeraye. It is located by the Passage Pommeraye, where the rooms are well furnished and minimalist, but some have been designed by local artists. There is also the Hotel de France that has interesting art decoration feel and looks over Place Graslin.

The Entire City Of Nantes is Walkable

On the pavement connecting all main sites from the medieval quarter to the modern regeneration projects, the Nantes tourist office has painted a green line. With this, visitors cannot get lost. When they have had a decent session of strolling, they can hop on a tram. Trams are efficient and affordable. This is also a brilliant way to come closer to the city’s major monuments.

A Mammoth Mechanical Elephant

Jules Verne is a native of Nantes and has inspired Les Machines de L’Ile and an impressive collection of inventors’ workshop that fills he site of a spot that used to be a shipyard on the Ile de Nantes.

It is a 12 m high mechanical elephant. It conveys about 50 people and marches around the quayside, bursting spray from its trunk. Strange sea animals, including a bi crab and an angler fish, turns on a carousel. In a massive hangar, visitors can attempt to fly in a basket hanging from a pterodactyl-ish heron. They can also ride on a strange-looking spider. Children will be particularly interested in this destination.

Sampling Gourmet Chocolate

Relate with the New World from the 1700s’ ships. The vessels were meant to arrive in the city with strange new items like coffee, cocoa, and sugar. Therefore, chocolatiers merged in different parts of Nantes, and visitors can still see many of them.

Eat Well For Under €30

Not many cities are like Nantes, where you can eat for less than €30. The city does not have a shining culinary scene and Michelin stars, but its rising chefs concentrate on traditional ingredients, especially seafood from the Atlantic ocean.

Île de Nantes 

This natural feature in Nantes is worth visiting the city for. It is an island area of the city situated in Nantes central and circled by the Loire. A component of big development work, Île de Nantes, is a spectacular part of Nantes to relax. It is also made of four areas. For the visitor looking for artworks and exhibitions, they can proceed to Republic and walk through the Parc de Beaulieu. There is the Quai des Antilles that is one of the island’s major spots. There, visitors will discover broad paths for walking, nice installations, and bar terraces.

The Château Country 

If you have added rural exploration to your itinerary, Nantes is a perfect place for that. There is the Chateau Country is the base for every exploration in the suburb that you have planned to undertake. You can rent a car and go into the beautiful Loire Valley. There, you can also discover some of the country’s most impressive castles.

>> Things To Do In Loire Valley

Beach Day Trips

The city is perfect for some hop, skip, and jump to the sea adventure. This makes it as enchanting for both summer and winter holidaymakers. After appreciating the sights, visitors can also plan day trips to the beach. Among the close wonders to the southwest is the beautiful island of Noirmoutier-en-Île. There, pine forests meet dunes within a few hours’ drive.

Is Nantes Worth It- Summary

Nantes is an ideal destination for a laidback vacation. Parisians, especially, can attest to how fascinating the city can be. And if you are traveling to France for the first time, there is no better way to introduce you to the French style of leisure than a visit to Nantes. It is affordable and alluring regardless of the time of the visit.

>> Best Day Trips from Paris >> Must-See Cathedrals and France

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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Visit Nantes: The 20 Best Things to Do and See

Things to do in nantes: all highlights and activities.

You’re planning to visit Nantes , this nice city located in the Loire Atlantique department during your travel in France?

In order for you to make the most out of your stay, I have created a guide with all the best things to do in the city .

Historical monuments, parks, activities like the famous Island of machines (“Machines de l’île” in french), there is a lot to discover in Nantes! Another big advantage of this medium sized city is that you can visit everything on foot.

In addition to the must-see attractions of Nantes , I will give you my best advices about where to stay , as well as itineraries to visit Nantes in 1, 2 or 3 days.

So, what are the best places to visit in Nantes?

Let’s start with the 15 points of interest!

1. A journey to Nantes and the green line

2. the château des ducs de bretagne, 3. lu tower, 4. nantes cathedral, 5. nantes arts museum, 6. the jardin des plantes, 7. versailles island, 8. the erdre riverside, 9. the tour bretagne – closed for renovation, 10. the bouffay district, 11. kervegan street, 12. the passage pommeray, 13. the machines of the isle of nantes, 14. nantes museums, 15. the escape hunt experience nantes, 16. trentemoult, 17. clisson, 18. grand lieu lake, 19. the nantes-brest canal, 20. the puy du fou, the nantes pass, what to do in nantes for a day, what to do in nantes for 2 days, what to do in nantes in 3 days, where to stay in nantes, where to eat in nantes, renting a boat in nantes, what to do in nantes with your family, what to do in nantes when it rains, what are the best districts to visit in nantes, where to buy the pass to visit nantes, you’re traveling in france these articles will help you.

To start this list of things to do in Nantes Nantes, here is an original project that takes place every year from July 1st to the end of August in the city.

Entitled A journey to Nantes (“Le Voyage à Nantes” in French), this cultural event allows you to discover the city’s must-see attractions, historic buildings, squares and numerous temporary artistic installations.

And they have made it very easy! This artistic trail is symbolized by a green line drawn on the ground : you just have to follow it to discover the majority of the places listed below.

Even if the artist’s installations are temporary, the Green Line is an excellent route to visit Nantes on foot or by bike all year round!

You will find the green line itinerary as well as the highlights of the tour on the “A Journey to Nantes” official website.

The château des Ducs de Bretagne (The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) is Nantes most important historical monument and one of the main touristic attractions.

Located in the historic heart of the city, this fortress is endowed with a 15th century rampart and several buildings built from the 14th to the 18th century.

Listed as a historical monument since 1862 , the buildings have been used as ducal residences, governor’s sieges or barracks and even bunkers during the during the Second World War German occupation.

The castle became the property of the city of Nantes in 1915, and after fifteen years of restoration, it’s now a must-see in the city.

You can visit the castle and its different rooms . It also houses the Nantes History Museum , which provides a portrait of the city from its origins to the present day, with nearly 1150 collector’s items. Every year, numerous temporary exhibitions are also held there.

Not to be missed is the 500-metre path at the top of the ramparts , which will allow you to admire the castle as well as the city of Nantes from every angle. It’s even nicer at night thanks to the magnificent lighting.

You can find more information on the château des Ducs de Bretagne official website

To visit the château des Ducs de Bretagne as well as most other tourist sites and museums of the city , you should buy the Nantes Pass.

It’s the best way to save time and money , and it also includes free access to public transports!

To buy your Nantes Pass, simply click on the button below:

Just in front of the château des Ducs de Bretagne is the Lu tower (“tour Lu”). As its name suggests, it was part of the former factory that produced the famous Nantes biscuits, the “BN” (“Biscuit Nantais”).

Originally, the factory consisted of 2 towers and a building, but they were badly damaged during the Second World War and only one of them could be restored.

The tower is really photogenic with its gold and blue colors as well as its dome pierced with windows. Inside, on the ground floor, you will find a small room retracing the history of the Lu factory .

However, the highlight of the visit is to go up to the top of the tower in order to admire the view over the whole city of Nantes . It’s possible thanks to the Gyrorama, a strange machine, with a “Jules Verne” invention look. A must see during your stay in Nantes.

Next to the Lu Tower, in the former manufacturing factory, there is also an atypical art centre that offers several exhibitions:

• A performance hall with dance and theatre performances
• A trendy bar
• A restaurant
• And a bookstore.

This place is now named “Lieu Unique” (LU, which means “Unique Place” in English )

Another historic monument of Nantes: The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes. The construction of the cathedral has spanned over 500 years. About the size of Notre-Dame-de-Paris, its white stone facade is surrounded by 2 massive towers, with terraces overlooking the city at the top.

To see inside:

• The tomb of Francis II , last Duke of Brittany
• The crypts: a Romanesque crypt sheltering the treasures of the cathedral and another one featuring an exhibition retracing its history.
• The great pipe organ

To discover the best places to visit in Nantes, you can also opt for a guided Segway tour .

You will have the choice between a 1h or a 2h tour. They both starts at the Place Royale and passes in front of the castle and the cathedral.

To book  the 1 hour tour, simply click on the button below:

And click there for the 2-hour tour:

In the middle of the promenade between the Nantes cathedral and the Jardin des Plantes , you will pass in front of Nantes Art Museum , sometimes also called the Nantes Fine Arts Museum .

Closed during 6 years for renovation, the museum has just reopened its doors to the public, so why not take advantage of it to discover the brand new facilities.

This museum houses a collection of works ranging from ancient to contemporary ar t presented in various forms, including paintings, videos, photographs and art installations.

For information on timetables and prices, you can find everything on the museum’s official website

You’re going to Nantes?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Nantes on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Nantes.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Nantes, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Nantes!

Located in the heart of Nantes, a few hundred meters from the château des Ducs de Bretagne and the cathedral, you will find the Jardin des plantes .

With nearly 7 hectares of greenery, this large botanical garden is among the 4 largest in France . It will allow you to enjoy a beautiful stroll while admiring the 50,000 flowers planted each season or by walking through the 800 square metres of greenhouses.

Every year, during the A journey to Nantes event , you will also find cool funny giant installations made of shrubs or wood.

A perfect place to stroll along the alleys, and enjoy a little coolness thanks to the fountains.

As we are talking about the parks and gardens of Nantes , you can then go to Versailles island (“L’île de Versailles”) to continue the walk on the theme of greenery and nature.

Formerly occupied by tanners and carpenters, this 1.7 hectares artificial island has been turned into a Japanese garden .

The rocks shapes, waterfalls and vegetation recreate the typical Zen atmosphere of Japanese landscapes.

In the heart of the island, you will even discover a traditional tea house , the “Maison de l’Erdre”, which houses exhibitions on the river’s fauna and flora.

The Versailles island is a great starting point for a walk or bike ride along the Erdre riverside.

Thanks to the many parks, manor houses and castles along the river, the Erdre was nicknamed by François 1st, the most beautiful river in France . Indeed, you will be able to see several vast mansions with large gardens that belonged to rich shipowners or merchants.

To see also: the Chantrerie park and the Beaujoire floral park .

Continue the walk up to the port of Sucé sur Erdre where the river forms a nice small lake.

Many activities allow you to discover Nantes and the Erdre on the water side, you can also rent canoes, license-free electric boats or opt for a romantic cruise.

Update: The tour bretagne is closed for several years for renovation works

From the outside, this office tower has nothing extraordinary, but take its elevator to the 32nd floor and you will discover a magnificent 360 degree panorama over the whole city of Nantes .  And all this for a symbolic €1, it’s rare enough to be highlighted.

Don’t miss “Le Nid”, an atypical bar perched at the top of the Tour Bretagne (Brittany tower), with a giant stork and egg-shaped poufs! A perfect opportunity to have a drink in an original atmosphere.

Speaking of good food, you will find a multitude of bars and restaurants in the Bouffay district . This lively neighbourhood is a popular place for going out and shopping.

Ancient historical heart of the city, it’s still considered as the soul of Nantes . Mainly pedestrian, it’s in the Bouffay district that you will be able to see half-timbered houses and vestiges of 15th and 16th century buildings .

Not to be missed: the Apothecary house (“maison de l’Apothicaire”), a 3-storey building with sculptures and statuettes on the facade. Nowadays, there is a restaurant inside.

In the neighborhood, go around Bouffay Square (Place du Bouffay). Formerly the square were public executions were taking place, it now houses a small covered market. All around, you can have a drink on one of the many cafés terraces.

It’s also in Nantes that you can see one of the most beautiful European architectural complexes of the 18th century. Kervegan Street is considered to be one of the most characteristic streets in the city, with its buildings listed as historic monuments.

Along with the Bouffay district , it’s part of the gastronomic center of Nantes and you will find everything you need to eat well.

The passage Pommeray is a must-see in Nantes. Built to allow the passage between Place Royale and Place Graslin , this shopping gallery was built according to the model of the great Parisian galleries.

The passage is simply magnificent with its huge glass roof and monumental staircase that connects the 3 levels of the gallery. Around the balconies, on the upper floors, you an find statues and sculptures representing the geniuses of art and science.

Do not hesitate to go and admire it, the place is very photogenic thanks to its brightness .

And if you have time, you can of course take advantage of it to do some shopping in the boutiques.

In Nantes, you will be able to enjoy a unique and original activity that will delight young and old alike. The Machines of the Isle of Nantes (“Les Machines de l’île” in French) is THE must-see tourist attraction in Nantes!

The island of Machines is an original project mixing the worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci .

The 2 designers of the project invented articulated machines representing giant animals . During your visit, you will be able to discover the manufacturing secrets of its machines and even climb on or drive some of them.

The most famous is the 12 meters tall and 48 tons giant elephant . Seeing it in motion is quite impressive! If you’re lucky, you can even be one of the 50 passengers who can board for a 30-minute stroll at a speed of 1 to 3km/h

Another attraction is the machines gallery (“la galerie des machines”), which houses a bestiary of beautiful mechanics.

You can ride and lead several animals including a spider, an ant and even a giant heron that will take you around the gallery. Machinists are there to explain the process of creation and operation of these strange creatures.

The gallery will be home to the Heron Tree (l’Arbre aux hérons), a giant tree with 22 branches and hanging gardens, in the coming years. Today only the experimental branch is accessible, but no doubt that the result will be outstanding.

Finally, the island is home to a unique merry-go-round: the Marine Worlds carousel (“le carrousel des Mondes Marins”). On 3 levels, you will discover the sea creatures that populate the seabed, abyss and sea surface: giant crabs, Manta rays and squid that you can ride.

On the island you can also enjoy many bars and restaurants with themes such as “La Cantine du Voyage” (The Travel Canteen) which offers, every day in summer, a unique menu at 10€ , made from local produce and vegetables from the garden.

And for dessert, choose one of the best ice cream in Nantes at the “Fraiseraie”.

Access to the machines Gallery is free with the Nantes Pass.

The island of Machines Official Website

1) Jules Verne Museum

The Jules Verne Museum is located on Sainte-Anne hill in a beautiful bourgeois house. It was created to pay tribute to the writer, who was born and lived in Nantes. However, he never lived in the house where the museum is located.

The museum retraces the writer’s life and presents objects that belonged to him. A collection of his original works is also being showcased.

Free access with the Nantes Pass.

2) Natural History Museum of Nantes

Another museum to see in Nantes, the Natural History Museum traces the origins of man and animal species through its various galleries.

The Earth sciences section about minerals allows children to discover the rocks through workshops, in a very playful way.

But the most impressive part is the zoology gallery, which has more than 1000 vertebrate animals, including a whale skeleton more than 18m long!

3) The printing museum of Nantes , where you can attend a guided tour and discover how different machines work.

4) The naval museum Maillé Brézé , located in a former french navy ship, in the port of Nantes. You can discover the life on board, the engine room and the armaments during a guided tour. If you want to visit, you should have a look at the opening hours on the official website.

If, unfortunately, it’s raining during your stay in Nantes or simply if you like it, Nantes offers several spaces devoted to the most fashionable games at the moment: the escapes games.

I particularly recommend you The Escape Hunt Experience which is the biggest escape game in France .

The goal here is to decode puzzles and solve mysteries in 60 minutes. A great activity to do with friends or family (children must be 12 years old or older). Of course, it’s only on reservation.

To get your detective brain to work, it’s this way .

Things to do around Nantes

if you are in Nantes for a few days, here are my favourite places to visit nearby:

About ten minutes from Nantes in Navibus, you can go to Trentemoult , an old fishing village. With its brightly coloured facades, its maze of narrow alleys and its many restaurants, everything is put together for a pleasant time.

20 minutes from Nantes, don’t hesitate to visit Clisson , a very beautiful medieval city. A must-see for its castle, medieval halls and Romanesque church.

The city is also described as the capital of the Nantes vineyard , so take the opportunity to discover the know-how of the winegrowers or visit their cellars.

A guided visit of Clisson is free with the Nantes Pass (click here)

At about 15 kilometers from Nantes, there is the largest natural lake in France , the lake of Grand Lieu .

More than 500 species of plants (some of which are very rare) are recorded on its shores. It’s also home to one of the most important colonies of grey herons in Europe.

If you wish to visit Nantes and its surroundings , it is the opportunity of a nice family walk to discover the flora and fauna.

As the name suggests, the Nantes-Brest Canal connects the 2 french cities and stretches for nearly 360 kilometers. You can follow it on foot, by bicycle or you can choose the waterway and enjoy the magnificent landscapes it crosses.

Do not miss the city of Carhaix, Chateauneuf-du-Faou and the “domaine de Trevarez.”

Located only 1 hour from Nantes, the Puy du Fou , a famous historical theme park with shows, is an excellent idea for a visit, with or without children! And if you want to spend 2 days there, there are many hotels on site.

The park is also easily accessible from La Rochelle (1h30).

To avoid waiting in line at the entrance of the park, you should really book your tickets in advance . It’s super easy and you will save a lot of time!

To buy your tickets for the Puy du Fou , simply click on the button below:

If you are planning to visit Nantes, I strongly recommend you to take the Nantes Pass .

Valid for 1, 2 or 3 days, for a price ranging from 25 to 45€, it will give you free access to public transport , and many points of interest and activities.

Sites and museums such as the Château des ducs de Bretagne , the city bus tour and even a cruise on the Erdre river are included!

You will also get discounts on many attractions.

If you only spend 1 day in Nantes , I advise you to follow the “green line” that I mentioned at the beginning of this article as it will allow you to visit Nantes on foot while going through the following attractions:

• Start the day with a visit to the Château des ducs de Bretagne
• Then go up to the Lu Tower and take a walk to the Lieu Unique
• The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes is also worth the detour
• Take a good lunch break at “La Cigale” restaurant,. I’ll tell you more about it in the “Where to eat in Nantes” section.
• Spend the afternoon at the  Machines of the Isle of Nantes , with the Marine Worlds carousel and the Great Elephant.

The perfect way to discover Nante’s main points of interest!

In 2 days in Nantes, in addition to the itinerary I gave you for the 1st day, you can visit:

• Start your morning with the Passage Pommeray and its superb architecture
• Then take Kervegan Street to admire its listed buildings.
• Before the lunch, you can visit the Nantes Art Museum.
• Lunch break
• For a bit of freshness in the afternoon, start by visiting the Jardin des Plantes
• Continue with Versailles island and take a short stroll along the Erdre riverside
• End your day by going to the terrace of the Tour Bretagne to enjoy the sunset. Use this opportunity to take the aperitif at the Nid , the bar located on the 32nd floor of the building.

If you plan to spend 3 days in Nantes , you can add to your schedule:

• In the morning, take the Navibus to join the old fishing village of Trentemoult
• While you’re at it, have lunch there!
• For the afternoon, how about a trip to Clisson, the medieval city , or to Grand Lieu lake , perfect with children?

And if you would like to visit more tourist attractions around like the Puy du Fou, you can easily spend 4 or 5 days in this nice city.

• Logis Hôtel Duquesne : Located 100 meters from the Tour Bretagne, in the Nantes city center. Sleek and modern room from 58€ per night, breakfast at 9€. Strong points: very good location, quiet hotel, good breakfast
• Residhome Nantes Berges de la  Loire : Situated 10 minutes walk from the city centre, in the Euronantes district. Bright and spacious studio apartment with kitchenette from 76€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: quiet location, studio equipment and excellent breakfast. Clearly the best value for money in Nantes under 100 euros!
• Best Western Hôtel Graslin : 2 minutes walk from the Graslin Theatre and 15 minutes from the Château des ducs de Bretagne . Comfortable room from 80€, breakfast at 12€. Strong points: its location, the very warm welcome, copious breakfast with fresh products.
• Okko Hotels Nantes Château: This modern 4-star hotel is simply the best hotel in Nantes city center . Double room price starts from 115 euros per night, breakfast included. The ideal choice for a luxury stay in Nantes!
• La Cigale : This brasserie restaurant is very famous in Nantes. We come here for the special atmosphere that emanates from its Art Nouveau décor but of course also for its excellent cuisine. I advise you to book in advance.
• Le bistro des enfants nantais:  A real local bistro with generous and homely cuisine at very reasonable prices. Save a place for dessert, they’re excellent. Reservation recommended.
• Crêperie Ker Breizh: Traditional creperie where everything is homemade. Large choice of copious and varied pancakes and patties, from classic to the most original (mussels for example). Unbeatable value for money.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day on the Erdre River during your stay in Nantes, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Nantes? 😊

FAQ – I answer your questions about Nantes

If you plan to visit Nantes with your children, I recommend the following activities:

• Visit the Dukes of Brittany castle – Visiting a castle, that can only please your children!
• Walk around the Jardin des Plantes in Nantes – A great idea for a family outing.
• A bike ride on the banks of the Erdre river
• Take them to see the machines of the island of Nantes
• Discover Nantes’s natural history museum
• For teenagers: the Escape Hunt Experience Nantes
• A family day at the Puy du Fou

If unfortunately it’s raining during your stay in Nantes, here are a few ideas of visits that can be done no matter the weather:

• Discover the castle of the Dukes of Brittany and the history museum of Nantes
• Visit the Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul cathedral of Nantes
• Visit the museums: the art museum, the Jules Verne museum, the natural history museum
• Go to the Pommeray passage for a bit of shopping
• Try to solve the riddles of an escape game.

Here is the list of neighborhoods to see during your visit in Nantes:

• Graslin district, where the Passage Pommeray is located, is famous for its numerous shops and restaurants
• Bouffay district (which I talk about in point 10 of this guide), the historical district of Nantes
• The island of Nantes for its extraordinary machines.

And you, what do you plan to visit in Nantes?

France travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all our articles about France: All Voyage Tips articles about France are listed there.

• Honfleur: Top 15 things to do and discover
• La Rochelle: The 15 must-see attractions
• Nice: 15 things to do and see

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Getting there

Nantes historic city.

Although it is now the administrative centre of the Pays-de-la-Loire, Nantes was the capital of Brittany for hundreds of years. Start at the impressive Château des ducs de Bretagne before wandering through the medieval old town then take a ride on a mechanical elephant on the Île de Nantes. Just follow the green line !

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Culture vultures

All year long, follow the green line and find the art in the public space. Art lovers should head to the Musée d’Arts whose works date from the 13th to the 19th century; it also has a contemporary art collection. Culture vultures are generally spoilt for choice as Nantes has a vibrant live music scene; it even has its own opera house. There is a full calendar of events including a carnival in April.

Breton palace

Surrounded by a water-filled moat, the imposing  Château des ducs de Bretagne  is a good place to start any visit of France’s sixth largest city. It was built in the 15th century by Francois II, one of the last rulers of Brittany, and later became the Breton residence of the French monarchy. After an extensive 15-year restoration programme, the castle now houses Nantes’ history museum, where visitors can learn about the city’s past as France’s largest port. Kids will enjoy a walk around the ramparts followed by a picnic on the grassy lawn.

Jules Verne, author of ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, was born in Nantes in 1828.

Did you know?

Le Voyage à Nantes

The Voyage à Nantes event has stage set the town every summer since 2012. Forty historical and modern sites make up the sensitive and poetic trail of the same name. This permanent ‘dispersed monument’ can be traced by following the green line along the ground. It’s a summertime stopover where art tips the town upside down! Diversity and free admission to the vast number of its offerings are once again its strong points.

Les Machines de l’île on the île de Nantes

Connected to the mainland by bridges, the once-industrial Île de Nantes has undergone a makeover in recent years. The island now has some  restaurants and quirky bars as well as Les Machines de l’Île : a workshop where artists have created mechanical animals whose centrepiece is a 39ft (12m)-high Great Elephant, which takes passengers on a tour of the surroundings.

Nantes’ old town can be found in the maze of streets to the west of the château in the  Bouffay  district. As well as half-timbered houses, you’ll also discover some of the city’s best shopping including speciality food boutiques and the Galeries Lafayette department store. The  Passage Pommeraye , a spectacular 19th-century glass-roofed shopping mall, is not to be missed in the newer part of town.

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Main points of interest :

All year round, the essential stops along the green line.

• More than 120 artworks of Le Voyage à Nantes
• The castle of the dukes of Brittany (13th-18th centuries) and its Nantes History Museum…
• Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Cathedral (15th – 19th centuries).
• The Jardin des Plantes and the Musée d’Arts. – Feydeau island, (18th century), Place Royale, Graslin district, Passage Pommeraye…
• The new Musée Dobrée and its collections covering 500,000 years of history and 5 continents.
• On the Ile de Nantes : the Parc des Chantiers (former shipyards) with the Machines de l’Ile, the Hangar à bananes…
• The Bas Chantenay district, with its extraordinary garden, the Kawamata belvedere, the Jules Verne museum.

Getting to Nantes

Nantes Atlantique is the largest international airport in western France after Bordeaux and is the gateway to Brittany. It has more than 100 direct connections with Europe and more… (Montreal for example). An airport shuttle service will get you to the centre of Nantes in 20 minutes. Good to know : The Pass Nantes includes the airport shuttle. Buy your city pass on line before coming to Nantes ! With 26 trains per day, Nantes is less than 2 hours from Paris on the intercity TGV and TGV InOui services. Eurostar will get you to Paris from London in 2 hours 16 minutes. You could also opt for a low-cost journey to Nantes using the OuiGo trains or long-distance bus companies such as  Eurolines , Flixbus , BlaBlaCar-Bus and Megabus , which run from many towns. By car, Nantes is 177 km from the ferry port at Saint-Malo, 315 km from Roscoff, 349 km from Bordeaux or 385 km from Paris.

Travelling in and around Nantes

Good to know: The Pass Nantes unites 50 of the sites, sights and services in Nantes, Saint-Nazaire and the vineyards. With a bespoke offer for each of the 4 seasons, the Pass is valid for 24, 48, 72 hours or for 7 days ! Its wide-ranging benefits simplifies the stay of all travellers, from those who travel alone, in couples or with their tribe, to fans of picture, rails and paddles … The Pass Nantes allows everyone to choose their rhythm by uniting the unmissables…and so much more besides … If you’re driving to Nantes, why not leave your car at one of the many park and ride car parks on the outskirts of town? You can visit the various parts of town on foot, by bus or tram on the Naolib network , by taxi bike with Happy Moov or even by navibus (boat bus) on the rivers Erdre or Loire. Cars are also available on a self-service basis using the Marguerite car-sharing service To simplify your travel by public transport, use the Destineo route planners for the Pays de Loire and Mobibreizh to work out your journeys and transport services. It takes about an hour by car to get to Rennes or Vannes using the toll-free dual carriageways.

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One Day In Nantes Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Nantes, France

France has so much to offer. Its culture, history, food and architecture will have a profound impact on any visitor. However, you’d be wrong if you thought that you can experience all of that just in Paris – there are many other wonderful cities to explore, and Nantes should definitely be at the top of your list. This place boasts an exceptional quality of life and combines the best of the modern world with its historical sites which tell a fascinating story. Because of that, one day in Nantes is going to be full of activities, no matter what you’re looking for from your vacation. Here’s what to expect!

What’s the best time to visit Nantes, France?

The best time to visit Nantes, when it comes to its weather, at least, is September . The peak tourist season lasts fromJune to August, and this is when you can expect the biggest crowds. Be careful, it can get really hot here during summer. In fact, the temperatures sometimes climb to 40 degrees Celsius (over 100 Fahrenheit), although the average high is much lower than that. September sees much fewer tourists but is still fairly warm.

But there are fantastic events to enjoy here, too. The city’s Christmas Market is simply amazing, and Nantes is also famous for its La Folle Journee . This festival of classical music usually comes in early February. Then there’s also Festival des 3 Continents, one of the oldest film festivals in the country, which takes place in November. And this is all just the tip of the iceberg, so make sure you check what’s on when you’re visiting.

A few facts about Nantes

Nantes is a moderately-sized city with approximately 300,000 people in Nantes proper and slightly less than a million people in the metropolitan area. However, it places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ecology, which earned the city the title of the European Green Capital in 2013.

A huge part of the city was built in the second half of the 20th century, and everything was very well thought out, so don’t be surprised by the vast amounts of greenery you see along the roads. Biodiversity is where Nantes truly shines.

The area was settled way back in the Bronze Age, almost 4000 years ago, and what would eventually become Nantes grew slowly. Eventually, however, the place even became the capital of the Namnetes, a Gallic tribe, before becoming a part of the Roman Empire.

Nantes is also the birthplace of the great Jules Verne. A wonderful museum dedicated to him in the neighborhood in which this exceptional writer lived can be visited, too (more on that in just a moment). Additionally, the city is also considered to be the birthplace of surrealism as a movement.

The vineyards around Nantes are famous for Muscadet, an exceptional white wine that goes splendidly with seafood. You should definitely order a glass when you’re sitting down for lunch, but if you have time, do go ahead and visit the vineyards themselves. It can be quite an experience.

One Day in Nantes Itinerary

You are in Nantes, a beautiful city in the western part of France, and this is a wonderful opportunity to experience this country outside of its majestic capital. Explore impressive museums, enjoy beautiful parks, and see architectural masterpieces with the help of this itinerary. Here’s what to do during your one day in Nantes!

There is a lot to see during your one day in Nantes, which is why you need a well-planned itinerary – simply, it makes it a lot easier to organize your visit to this wonderful city and see all the most important sights. Of course, there will also be opportunities to sit back and soak everything in as you’ll soon see. Let’s get going!

TIP: Get Nantes City Card Pass to get full access to the best sites and attractions.

Start with a nice breakfast

You don’t have to rush anywhere while you’re here, so start your day with a nice breakfast to prepare for the walks ahead. And, since you’re in France, a nice good croissant is the perfect thing to enjoy. La Petite Boulangerie is just the place for that, but you can also check out L’autre Boulangerie for a great baguette. In any case, there are many places to choose from if you want a delicious French breakfast.

Visit the botanical garden

Once you finish your breakfast, you can continue your day in Nantes in a leisurely tone. Jardin des Plantes is the city’s botanical garden, and it’s really worth visiting because you will be strolling through a huge green area with thousands of different types of plants.

Plus, there are many bushes that have been trimmed to form various interesting and entertaining shapes. There’s even a cafe on the premises if you want to sit down and enjoy.

Explore what Musée d’Arts has to offer

Musée d’Arts de Nantes or Nantes Art Museum is right next to the botanical garden and the logical next step in this one-day itinerary. Not only was this place founded by Napoleon himself in 1801, but it was also recently renovated, so you will be able to enjoy a first-class experience.

Almost 1000 pieces of art are in this museum, with European paintings being the most prominent. You can enjoy some true masterpieces here, including works by Tintoret and Rubens, among others. In addition, there is a wonderful collection of contemporary art to explore here, too. In short, a must-visit.

Check out the cathedral

Right next to the museum is the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Pau l, a Gothic masterpiece that took more than 450 years to build! Unfortunately, this incredible edifice was seriously damaged in the fire that engulfed it in 2020, so what you see may be limited due to the restoration works that should last at least three years. Nevertheless, it is an architectural masterpiece and the place where the Edict of Nantes, one of the first documents guaranteeing religious freedoms, was signed by Henry IV.

Enter the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

Facing the cathedral is the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne , one of Nantes’ symbols and something we simply must mention in this itinerary.

Seven imposing towers and a deep moat made this place pretty much impregnable, but as much as the castle is impressive from the outside, it is even more beautiful on the inside with many sculptures. The castle is home to Nantes’ Museum of History , and your one day in the city simply would not be complete without visiting this place.

Enjoy Quartier Bouffay

Quartier Bouffay , or the Bouffay district, is the very heart of Nantes and it encompasses the aforementioned castle and the cathedral, so you won’t have to travel anywhere far to enjoy it. This is the oldest part of the city, and you can enjoy numerous shops, cafes and restaurants as you walk the meandering cobbled streets and admire the beautiful houses around here.

Creperi Au Vieux Quimper serve incredible pancakes, Terazze di Bouffay is perfect for Italian food, and La Cabane is perfect for a nice French dinner should you find yourself here in the evening. But there are many other great choices around, so don’t be afraid to look around a bit on your own.

Visit the Jules Verne Museum

Once you finish with everything in the Bouffay quarter, you should move on to the next attraction. The Jules Verne Museum is a wonderful place to visit, no matter if you’re a fan of the author or not. Verne actually grew up in this part of town, a fact that gives the museum so much depth.

In this 19th-century building, you will find several rooms, each dedicated to a particular aspect of the writer’s life, as well as numerous manuscripts, descriptions that were far ahead of his time, and objects that the author used on a regular basis. Another must-see during your one day in Nantes.

Get ready for some spectacular machines

Machines on the Isle of Nante are one of the city’s most famous attractions, so they need to have a place in this itinerary, too. A huge steel elephant, a terrifying spider and a large mechanical ant are just some of the incredible things you can see here.

This place will delight both adults and children, and a few years ago, it was recognized as one of the most original amusement parks in the world. A fitting title for one of the most famous places in the birthplace of surrealism.

See what you can enjoy at night

Nantes is a great place if you want to enjoy a drink in the evening with your friends (or alone, that has its charm, too), and there are a few very interesting destinations you can visit for that. For example, you can climb the Tour Bretagne , a 32-floor office building with a bar on top from which you can enjoy an incredible view of the whole city. Le Graslin de Folie will introduce you to the best local beers, and Le Zygo is popular among students for its great music. Enjoy!

Where to stay in Nantes?

Okko Hotels Nantes Chateau

15 bis rue de Strasbourg, Centre Ville, 44000 Nantes

If you want to enjoy a modern, elegant and classy hotel in Nantes’ city center, Okko Hotels Nantes Chateau is a perfect choice. Not only will you be located right in the city’s heart, but you will also enjoy quite a luxurious interior and splendid rooms. The latter are also very quiet despite the busy location of the building, so you’ll always get a good night’s sleep here. The food is nothing short of amazing, plus you will be able to enjoy the club lounge area and pets are allowed. What more could you want?

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Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites

2 Bis Rue Santeuil, Centre Ville, 44000 Nantes

Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites is another centrally located establishment that’s bound to offer an amazing stay. The rooms are quite beautiful and elegant, and they really make a person feel good while staying in them. It should also be mentioned that the hotel can be easily reached with public transport and that you will be quite close here to some of Nantes’ main attractions. Free international newspapers are also a nice touch, and pets are allowed, too. High class on so many levels.

Escale Oceania Nantes

Aéroport Nantes Atlantique, 44340 Bouguenais

Should you be on the lookout for a hotel that is near to (or in) Nantes’ airport, Escale Oceania Nantes is a place you simply must consider. Apart from having a beautiful modern interior, the place also boasts an outdoor pool and even a tennis court! Then there’s also a rooftop terrace, more than enough private parking and loads of great food for breakfast. Last but not least, the hotel is very quiet, so you can be sure no plane will disturb your sleep.

Hotel Saint Yves

154 Rue Du General Buat, 44000 Nantes

For an affordable but comfortable stay, check out Hotel Saint Yves . This adorable little place is fairly close to the city center and some of the most important sights in the city, plus it also offers comfortable rooms, delicious breakfast and even a quaint little garden where you can stop and have some time to yourself. You can see that a lot of care goes into this hotel, so if you’re looking for an affordable place, book a room here. This hotel really has a soul.

Day trips from Nantes

If you’re staying more than just one day in Nantes, you should know that the city’s geographical position offers plenty of incredible destinations for day trips. Oh yes, you can really explore France nicely from here, and the following few places are always a great destination for such a journey if you’re planning to travel away from Nantes for a day.

If there’s even the slightest chance to make the trip, visiting Paris while in France is pretty much obligatory. But don’t take a car for this day trip – it takes too long. Instead, sit on the TGV train and you’ll be there in less than two and a half hours, ready to spend one day in Paris , a city that really needs no introduction.

If you want to explore and enjoy France, a day trip from Nantes to Angers is just the thing. This is a university town that has a lot of historical sights you can explore and a very impressive Chateau, so there’s plenty to enjoy. But since this is a university town, you can also just chill and enjoy the easy-going vibe in one of the local cafes.

Trentemoult

A day trip to Trentemoult will be like entering a completely different world. This exceptionally charming fishing village with its colorful houses and a fairly large artistic community will enchant you as soon as you step foot in it. Sit on a terrace by the river and just enjoy the fact that you’re here and soak everything in. You’ll come back home completely reinvigorated.

An exceptionally picturesque town less than an hour and a half from Nantes, Vannes boasts a lot of history and art, but its most amazing feature are the houses that date back to the 15th century and look absolutely amazing seeing how their fronts have a lot of wood encompassed in them. A wonderful place to visit, full of charm. You’ll love walking its street!

Extra tips for visiting Nantes

• While you’re walking the city streets, look for a green line on the pavement. This will take you to the most important sights in Nantes. You really can’t get lost around here.
• If you’re looking to make a day trip from Nantes, always check the schedule of TGV trains. These high-speed trains will help you reach your destination faster and allow you to choose between more places. Faster and easier than driving.
• The weather can change quickly around here. If you’re planning a whole day of sightseeing, make sure you’re are read for that (bringing an umbrella along is always a good idea).
• Pass Nantes is a visitor card that can save you quite a lot of money while you’re here. You can find it in the local tourist centers, so maybe pick one up, especially if you’re planning to visit museums, restaurants, etc. Perfect for one day in Nantes.

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Nantes travel guide

Visit Nantes (Pays de la Loire, France)

Nantes is an important city in north-west France, located in the Loire-Atlantique department of the Pays-de-la-Loire region (not the region of Brittany as you might expect, despite the town previously being home to the Dukes of Brittany and being a capital of that region), on the confluence of the Loire and Erdre rivers.

A lively and active university city - it is the 6th largest city in France - Nantes is a pleasant town ('Time magazine have voted it the most livable town in France') and is also a very interesting town: a visit is recommended if you are in the region.

Explore Nantes

The heart of the town is the region around the castle - the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne - and there is much to discover in the castle and in the streets that surround it. As with many cities of this size, the pleasure is as much in simply wandering the streets, discovering lost corners and people watching as it is in visiting the highlights.

Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne

The 13th century Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne played an important role in the history of the region, culminating in the Edict of Nantes in 1598 that ended the terrible Wars of Religion in France. The castle includes both defensive elements such as the fortifications and towers that suround it, and more luxurious elements in the interior buildings - witness to its role as a residential palace.

The buildings, set around the open courtyard within the castle walls, span a large period of history, from the 14th to the 18th centuries - hence they also incorporate a wide range of styles. The highlights include the Grand Logis; the keep (donjon); and the extensive Museum of Nantes that is within the castle buildings.

Cathedral of Saint-Peter and Saint-Paul

Taking 450 years to build, Nantes cathedral is found just north of the castle. The cathedral is in the gothic style, and the facade has two large square towers either side of the ornately decorated entrance. The high interior is bright and light, with interesting modern stained glass windows. Be sure to see the marble tomb of Francois II and his wife, perhaps the highlight of a visit to the cathedral.

If possible you should also try to see the cathedral in the evening when it is lit up and very attractive.

Jardin des Plantes and other gardens

Found north-east of the castle and cathedral, Nantes botanical gardens, the Jardin des Plantes, cover a substantial seven hectares (16 acres) and contain a very impressive range of plants, both in the gardens and in the tropical greenhouses. These gardens are certainly a highlight of a visit to Nantes, and very easy to access from the city centre.

The Japanese Gardens on the island next to the Quai de Versailles contain some lovely specimen trees from Japan and carefully laid out water features. Another interesting garden is the Parc du Grand Blottereau, to the east of the town centre,

Architecture and buildings

If you explore Nantes to the west of the castle you can see the architecture and buildings of both the cobbled streets of the medieval old town with numerous impressive half-timbered houses and the more recent (19th century) grand townhouses. The region around and between Place Royale and Place Grasslin is the most interesting to visitors, and includes Rue Crebillon, the heart of the shopping centre of Nantes.

One highlight in the shopping centre is the Passage Pomeraye, an arcade of shops and art galleries with a glass roof, statues and stone columns.

Some more of the impressive 18th century houses can be found along the Quai de la Fosse and along the Loire River banks.

Next, cross the river for a look at the old biscuit factory - now converted into a trendy arts centre and bar. Be sure to go up the tower of the old factory for fine views across the city, and to see what performances or exhibits are currently showing.

The Ile de Nantes

An extensive island in the Loire River, the Île de Nantes has been modernised and now has several modern buildings and interesting features that incorporate the tradition of the island (such as large cranes, transformed from 'heavy industry' to 'artistic statement'!) with the very modern (the building of the Law courts). A popular highlight is the enormous mechanical moving machines such as the 'Giant elephant'.

Nantes Museums

Fans of Jules Verne will want to visit the museum based in the house where the writer was born to learn more of his life and inspiration.

The Fine Art Museum in Nantes would be worth visiting just to see the architecture of the building that houses the museum. But be sure to enter! The art museum has an important collection of modern art, as well as a substantial collection of medieval and other paintings.

Attractions nearby

Children will enjoy the extensive animal park at La Coulée du cerf, at 20 minutes from Nantes - pheasants, rare sheep, camels, cows, wallabies etc and plenty of space for picnics and to run around.

You can find more travel ideas in the Loire-Atlantique guide and the Pays de la Loire guide .

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The Jardin Extraordinaire of Nantes

The Jardin Extraordinaire de Nantes has been created in an old quarry and features cliffs, waterfalls and luxuriant planting.

Clisson has a medieval castle, and an interesting architectural style having ben largely re-built in Italian style about 250 years ago

Les Moutiers-en-Retz

The small town of Les Moutiers-en-Retz is best known for the nearby beach which attracts many summertime campers

Chateau de Tiffauges

The Chateau de Tiffauges is a 12th century castle in Vendee, known for its medieval re-enactments

Pornic is one of the liveliest and most vibrant harbour towns along the Jade Coast

Saint-Brevin-les-Pins

The beach at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins is the main attraction and we also enjoyed exploring the dunes and forest

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Loire-Atlantique

Tourist classifications for Nantes

Nantes has received the following tourist classifications: historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé); listed town of Art and History ; village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*

Address: Nantes, Pays de la Loire, 44000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.2167, longitude -1.55

Plan your visit to Nantes, Loire-Atlantique

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Jardin des plantes: remarkable garden
• Petite Amazonie de Nantes: site of natural beauty
• Île Héron (France): site of natural beauty (4 km)
• Carquefou: ville fleurie 4* (10 km)
• Lac de Grand-Lieu: site of natural beauty (16 km)
• Planète sauvage (parc): zoo or wildlife park (19 km)
• Marais de Machecoul: site of natural beauty (32 km)
• Loire Estuaire: site of natural beauty (44 km)
• Puy de Fou: theme park (59 km)
• Fauconnerie du Puy du Fou (falconry): zoo or wildlife park (60 km)
• Marais de Vilaine: site of natural beauty (61 km)
• Saint-Jean-de-Monts : ville fleurie 4* (61 km)

Market days in Nantes, France

Regular market(s) are held in Nantes each Sunday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Nantes (Francais)

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The Top Things to Do and See in Nantes

With a population of almost 300,000, Nantes is a big, bustling French city, an experimental and artistic area brimming with attractions. A waterside region on the Loire River, Nantes is renowned for its splendid scenery as well as numerous galleries, museums and castles. With a royal history as the previous home to the Dukes of Brittany, majestic influences abound throughout the city, creating a stately and sublime setting for visitors to explore and enjoy. From creative and colorful exhibitions to commanding cathedrals, here’s our definitive list of the top 10 things to do and see in Nantes, France.

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Les Machines de l’Ile

The result of an unprecedented artistic project, Les Machines de l’Ile , the machines of the isle of Nantes, are grand and innovative structures found throughout the area, figures which aim to promote the city’s image as a creative metropole of dream and of fantasy. The grand Éléphant was Nantes’ first machine, and now several others have been added to the series, including the Manta Ray and the Sea Snake. In the warehouses of the former shipyards in Nantes the machines are created by two artists, François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice. The designs intentionally feature visible mechanisms and aim to illustrate a combination of Jules Verne’s “invented worlds” and Leonardo di Vinci’s mechanical universe.

Jardin des Plantes

Open daily from 12.30pm until 6pm, Jardin des Plantes is Nantes’ largest and most beautiful botanical garden. Founded in the 18th century, over the years the garden has flourished thanks to the constant supplies of seeds brought to the city by ships returning from international journies. Certified as a ‘Botanical Garden of Europe’ in 2000, Jardin des Plantes covers more than 7,000 hectares and houses more than 500 varieties of flowers, including a huge number of pretty magnolias and colorful camelias. A leisurely stroll here is a great way to relax and unwind in the city, and interestingly, it has recently celebrated the 300th birthday of one of its magnolia trees.

Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne

Built in 1207, the majestic Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, a large castle set in the center of Nantes, operated as the seat of the province of Brittany until 1941, and served as the home of the Dukes of Brittany for over three hundred years. In 1862 the castle was listed as a national historical monument, and it today houses the Nantes History Museum featuring over 850 artefacts illustrating the rich and varied heritage of the region. A beautiful example of French architecture in the heart of a bustling city, be sure to traverse the castle at night, when night-lighting illuminates the structure and highlights the architectural complexity of its design.

Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul

Dating back to the 15th century, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul , also known as Nantes Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic church situated in the heart of the city. Only completed in 1891, the cathedral was built over 357 years in a Gothic style, on the site of a previous Romanesque cathedral. As such it features a combination of architectural forms including white stone, large towers and richly decorated gates. Damaged extensively during World War II, the cathedral then suffered a fire in the 1970s, through which it incurred irreparable damage. Despite this, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul offers visitors the chance to explore a peaceful, charming and historical religious site in the center of Nantes, and should not be missed.

Jardin Japonais

This charming park is located alongside a canal in the pretty Nantes neighborhood of Quai Henri Barbusse. Small in size, the Jardin Japonais offers an idyllic piece of peace and relaxation in the center of the city. Several sparkling ponds can be found here, with the aim of imitating an oriental landscape, and a visit is highly recommended in spring when the colorful cherry trees are in full bloom. Explore rock gardens, waterfalls and exotic plants such as bamboo, bald cypress, rhododendrons and camellias, and enjoy a picnic on a warm Nantes day amongst the beauty of Japanese-inspired surroundings.

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Theatre Graslin

Housing 822 people, the Theatre Graslin was built in the late 18th century by the renowned architect Mathurin Crucy. Inaugurated in 1788, it is the most popular opera house in Nantes alongside the Grand Theatre d’Angers. Destroyed by a devastating fire shortly after its opening, the theater was reconstructed in 1811 and restored a second time in 2003, and is designed largely in an Italian style, with a facade drawing on features of Roman and Greek architecture and boasting eight imperial columns. The statues overlooking each column represent eight of the nine muses, and were intricately sculpted by the artist Dominique Molknecht. Theatre Graslin is still a top spot to catch a range of operatic and theatrical performances; check out the full range of listings here .

Jules Verne Museum

Open daily from 10am until 7pm, the Jules Verne Museum is dedicated to the famous writer who was born in the city of Nantes. Consecrated to Verne in 1978 on the 150th anniversary of his birth, the museum was renovated in 2005, and includes a plethora of captivating books, manuscripts, documents, illustrations and objects of the esteemed author. Several audiovisual devices here transport visitors into the heart of Verne’s writing process, and the museum regularly hosts exhibitions of other authors inspired by the work, passions and ideals of Verne.

Musée de l’imprimerie

Built with the aim of illustrating the different methods of manual, mechanic and typographic printing processes, the Musée de l’imprimerie is a museum with the mission of enhancing, conserving, documenting and valuing the heritage of printed books and graphic arts. Experienced guides here can show visitors several kinds of machines, all of which are still working, and there are regular interesting exhibits showcasing how to make paper and displaying various prints and animations. Take a trip here to operate the machines and work with old tools which have been used to create text and images over centuries; an unmissable experience.

Le Lieu Unique

Le Lieu Unique is a center of contemporary arts in Nantes, and was opened in 2000 in a former biscuit factory. The name itself alludes to the uniqueness of the venue, and indeed it is unlike any other establishment in the city, showcasing everything to do with the arts, from theater and dance, to literature and architecture, even circus performances. Aiming to present Nantes as an artistic and experimental area, Le Lieu Unique perfectly achieves its goal, and presents an array of artistic forms in a renovated and enthralling fashion.

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• Travel Planning Guide

Should You Visit Nantes?

• Is Nantes Worth Visiting?
• Reasons to Visit Nantes
• In the Summer?
• In the Autumn?
• In the Winter?
• In the Spring?

What is Nantes most famous for?

• What is Nantes most known for?

What is the most famous sight in Nantes?

• How touristy is Nantes?

How long should I spend in Nantes?

Is nantes worth visiting.

Yes, Nantes is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a city that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here.

Whether you're a traveling as a family or a couple, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the spectacular food and terrific museums & sights.

Located along the Loire River in western France, Nantes was historically a port city but today is has a mix of natural and historical beauty that attracts visitors from around the globe. Tourists come to see the city's castles and monuments, as well as sip the wine. There are many parks and gardens throughout the city that bring nature into the city center. There's also an impressive historical center that's found in the Bouffay District.

6 Reasons to Visit Nantes

2. Museums & Sights

3. Nightlife

4. Shopping

5. Historical Sights

6. Authenticity

Nantes has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Nantes worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Nantes, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 19°C (67°F).

You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, browse around the old town, and dance the night away.

Is Nantes worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Nantes. Even though Nantes is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the historic old town, and the famous sights and museums.

Is Nantes worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Nantes can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 6°C (42°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Nantes is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can experience the nightlife.

Is Nantes worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Nantes. Even though Nantes is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 11°C (51°F).

The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you can browse around the old town and enjoy an evening out.

Nantes is most famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. People visit this impressive city for its great food. Also, it's known for museums & sights, nightlife, and shopping. Many people love the historical sights, too. It is often described as historical, beautiful, vibrant, welcoming, and friendly.

The most popular sight in Nantes is The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany . You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Nantes on our travel costs page .

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and other attractions here .

How touristy is Nantes? Is it a popular city to visit?

Nantes is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes Viator $ 29
• Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $29
• PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike: $56
• Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $54
• Nantes Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $53
• Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $7.90
• Nantes Must-see Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide: $44
• Kid-Friendly Nantes City Wonders Private Guided Tour for Families: $243
• Nantes City Wonders and Highlights Private Guided Tour: $243

The ideal length of time for a trip to Nantes is two to three days. Since Nantes has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Nantes? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nantes? .

More Things to Do in Nantes

• Are The Machines of the Isle of Nantes Worth Visiting?
• Is Château des Ducs de Bretagne Worth Visiting?
• Is The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes Worth Visiting?
• Is The Jardin des Plantes de Nantes Worth Visiting?
• Is The Musée d'Arts de Nantes Worth Visiting?

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How to Spend a Weekend in Nantes Travel Itinerary

Last Updated on 3rd March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my  privacy policy  and  disclosure  for more information.

Located in Western France, on the fringes of Brittany and not far from the Western coastline, the French city of Nantes is not only one of the largest in France, but also one of the most overlooked. Here’s an itinerary for an incredible weekend in Nantes .

Home to a dazzling array of eateries, a fantastic selection of museums, and more things to do than you would have thought possible from an off the beaten path French destination, spending a weekend in Nantes couldn’t be easier as an easy excursion from Paris.

And that’s not all! Instead, Nantes is home to its own international airport, which serves plenty of major European cities, as well as some smaller airports across the region.

The bus from the airport to the city centre is under an hour and reasonably priced, while the Nantes main train station offers great transport links to the rest of France and beyond.

And, when it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of places to stay in Nantes , meaning that the city is suitable for near enough every budget (this is especially the case during the European shoulder seasons when the prices are lower- i.e. in the spring and autumn) .

I personally stayed in Hotel La Perouse and was soon enough charmed by this four-star hotel’s central location and the charming views from my bedroom window- which were particularly beautiful come sunset time! Other great hotel choices in Nantes include this boutique hotel and this luxurious accommodation .

Is 2-3 days enough time to visit Nantes?

Friday evening in nantes, visit the château des ducs de bretagne, step inside nantes cathedral, wander around the bouffay district, head to machines de l’ile.

• Enjoy a drink at Le Nid Nantes [permanently closed]

Explore the hidden gems which Nantes has to offer

Go shopping for new and vintage books, take a day trip to clisson, watch the nantes vlog, enjoyed reading about the perfect weekend in nantes itinerary and guide pin this article now, read it again later:.

Yes, I would personally say that two or three days is more than enough time to enjoy all that Nantes has to offer, and even take a short excursion from the city.

The western French city is quite small and compact, with all of the major attractions grouped together within walking distance so everything can be enjoyed over the course of 72 hours.

Arrive on Friday evening and allow yourself a couple of hours to refresh and check in to your accommodation for the weekend. Unpack your things and relax before heading out into town!

To find the best food in Nantes, my recommendation would be to head to the Bouffay district, where you’ll soon discover that this largely pedestrianised area offers a wide range of eateries, cafés, and bistros where you can grab a bite to eat.

When I visited the city, I personally started off my Friday evening by heading to the Café du Passage (1 Place Félix Fournier) , where I enjoyed a crisp glass of rosé in the shadow of the stunning Basilica and by watching the world go by.

Even if you’re visiting Nantes on your own, you should know that it’s not unusual in France to sit in a café on your own (though here are my best tips for dining alone) .

Afterwards, you can’t go wrong by heading to the cobbled rue de la Juiverie or rue du Château, which both offer restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines.

If you’re veggie like me, then the noodles at My Little Warung (8 Rue du Château) are particularly delicious! I also particularly loved the food at Oncle Pho (9 Rue Saint-Léonard) .

Saturday Morning in Nantes

The first thing you must do while in the city is to head to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) . Once upon a time, Nantes was the city where the Dukes chose to rule their Kingdom.

Though the settlement is now administratively in the Pays de la Loire region of France, Nantes retains a distinctively Breton feel and is also where Anne of Brittany (twice Queen of France) resided.

To illustrate my point about the Brittany ambience of the city, when I was on a guided tour of Nantes (a must if you’re looking to learn more about its history) , our guide for the afternoon asked us each to describe our first impressions of Nantes in just three words.

The gentleman to my right answered with a simple “Brittany… or not?” !! The ramparts of the Château itself are free to visit, meander along, and offer one of the best views of Nantes.

During your time at the Château des Ducs, you should also pay a visit to the Nantes History Museum, which is housed within the Castle walls.

Spanning several rooms, the museum explores the city’s history, from Roman times right up until the present day. One part of the museum aims to educate visitors as to the part that Nantes played in the slave trade.

Today, visitors can gain a sobering insight into the role the city played; Nantes was responsible for over 40% of France’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, a fact that the city has found it hard to come to terms with.

Around a ten minute walk away, along the banks of the River Loire, Nantes now has a Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery. Free to visit, this humbling underground urban path memorial has facts, figures, maps, and a timeline. More details about the Nantes slave trade can be found here.

Free to visit and easily one of the best cathedrals in France , Nantes Cathedral is unique in that it pretty much burnt down during restoration works in the mid-twentieth-Century.

As a result, much of what you see today is actually a reconstruction, including most of the magnificent stained glass which showers the ecclesiastical building in various hues.

Luckily for the history buffs among us, some of the Cathedral survived the bombing of WWII and the subsequent (but unrelated) fire which happened during restorations.

What has survived includes some impressive medieval doors, several chest tombs depicting effigies of those who lie beneath, and of course, the crypt which has Roman roots.

After exploring all that the Château and its museum have to offer, take the time to explore all that the Bouffay District has to offer during the daytime. Asides from the winding streets, independent shops, and hidden and forgotten courtyards, one of the top things to discover is the Église Sainte-Croix.

Boasting one of the most impressive belfries of any ecclesiastical building in the city, this church is free to enter and happens to be the place where Jules Verne was baptised, as well as the location where his parents were married just a year prior.

Step inside at any given moment, and you’ll soon also discover plenty of stunning stained glass windows as well as a 19th-century traditional French Organ.

Nearby, the Passage Sainte-Croix is easily one of the  best-kept secrets of Nantes and hosts unusual art exhibitions on a regular basis. If you’d rather do a more adventurous activity at this time, then you might consider booking a segway tour like this one.

Saturday Afternoon in Nantes

To truly discover all that the Machines de l’Ile area of the city has to cover, you’ll want to dedicate an entire afternoon to this weird and wonderful tourist destination.

So unique is this Nantes attraction, that it’s singlehandedly places Nantes on the tourist map, with visitors from all around the world arriving in the city with the primary intention of discovering the Machines of the Isle of Nantes.

Since 2007, the La Machine production company has been producing impressively large constructions and fantastical mechanical creations on the former shipyards of Nantes.

Particularly impressive projects of note include the 12-metre elephant on which 49 passengers can be transported across the island (just be sure to book your tickets in advance) and the almost 25 metres high Marine Worlds Carousel.

Saturday Evening in Nantes

Enjoy a drink at le nid nantes  [permanently closed].

Please note that as of May 2020, the Nid Nantes is permanently closed.

End your day the right way by soaking up the best view in Nantes . Located at the very top of the Tour Bretagne, Le Nid Nantes offers an indoor bar, as well as a wrap-around terrace which offers panoramic 360-degree views of the entire city.

Though the drinks are a little pricier than at other venues across the city (and you’ll have to pay €1 for the privilege of using the lift up and entering the bar) , the view more than makes up for the fact! Standing at a dizzying height of 32 floors, from the top you can enjoy a bird’s eye perspective of the Cathedral, the typically Nantes architecture, and more.

Sunday Morning in Nantes

If you truly want to make the most of your weekend in Nantes, then you might consider delving a deeper into the city on a more local level. What this may well mean is to be on the lookout for some of the best-kept secrets and hidden gems which the French settlement has to offer.

Among my favourite off the beaten path places to discover include the hidden courtyard and garden of La Psalette (a medieval mansion and secluded courtyard close to Nantes Cathedral) , La Porte Sauvetout Medieval Gate (all that’s left of the once-grand medieval fortifications surrounding the city- nearby you can grab some of the best coffee in Nantes at GLAZ), and the free to visit secret gardens on the Ile de Versailles.

After you’ve wandered through Passage Pommeraye and discovered some of the lesser-known gems that the city has to offer, why not dive into some new and used bookshops and discover the city from a new perspective (and to purchase some souvenirs to bring back home!)

During my solo trip to Nantes, I was particularly enthralled to discover an abundance of historic, quirky, and unique bookshops in Nantes, and even managed to pick up several local history books for a very reasonable price!

A personal favourite of mine was Coiffard Books, which is set across two sides of a pedestrian-only street. Boasting features such as oak panelling and books stacked from floor to ceiling, I was particularly enthralled by the expansive travel section! Find all the details for opening times here.

Sunday Afternoon in Nantes

For those who wish to experience the beginning of the Loire Valley, an easy day trip from Nantes is that of Clisson. Pretty, picturesque and with its own set of crumbling ruins and wealth of medieval history, this beautiful town has more than enough to entertain any traveller over the course of an afternoon.

From Nantes, it takes just under half an hour to reach Clisson (should you opt to take the fast train). Otherwise, the journey will remain the same price and take under an hour in each direction.

However you reach Clisson, once there, some of the top highlights include exploring the Italianate style Domaine de la Garenne Lemot & La Villa Lemot & La Maison du Jardinier and soaking up the quiet ambience of the town.

Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond. When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading, playing video games, and going on long hikes with her husband.

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