Nantes is a lively city full of history, art, and fun things to do. From its old castles and churches to its modern art and mechanical animals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can explore the medieval streets, visit famous attractions like the Machines de l’Île, or relax in beautiful parks.
But that’s just the beginning! In this guide, we’ll show you not only the top places to visit but also some hidden spots, family activities, and exciting day trips around Nantes. Whether you’re staying for a day or a week, keep reading to discover all the amazing things this city has to offer!
🏡 Where to Stay in Nantes:
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Radisson BLU Hotel Nantes
- ✨ 5-Star: SOZO Hotel
- 🏨 4-Star: Okko Hotels Nantes Château
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Mercure Nantes Centre Gare
- 💸 Cheap: ibis Nantes Centre Gare Sud
- 🏢 Apartment: Aparthotel Adagio Nantes Centre
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Seven Urban Suites Nantes Centre
- 🏩 For Couples: SOZO Hotel
👩🏫 Top-Rated Nantes Tours:
- Outdoor Escape Game: Jules Verne - The Extraordinary Challenge from € 15 (⭐ 4.7/5)
- Jet-ski Session near Nantes from € 80 (⭐ 5.0/5)
- Panorama Tour of Nantes by Electric Bike from € 40 (⭐ 4.9/5)
- One-hour Quad Ride between Nantes and La Baule from € 90 (⭐ 4.8/5)
Best Things To Do in Nantes
1. 🏰 Château des Ducs de Bretagne Museum
Medieval grandeur. The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany stands as the most iconic monument in the heart of Nantes, serving as both a fortress and the Nantes History Museum. I was amazed by its impressive defensive architecture featuring seven towers and 500-meter-long ramparts, where visitors can walk the entire perimeter for panoramic city views. The castle, once home to the Dukes of Brittany and later the residence where the Edict of Nantes was signed, showcases 850 years of history through interactive exhibitions.
Historical significance. During my visit to this remarkable attraction in Nantes, I discovered that the castle’s museum houses over 1,000 artifacts spanning from the medieval period to the present day. The inner courtyard’s Renaissance-style loggia presents a striking contrast to the fortress-like exterior, while the museum’s multimedia displays brilliantly narrate the city’s evolution from a major port to a cultural hub. The Nantes Pass offers excellent value for those planning to visit multiple attractions.
2. 🐘 Les Machines de l’Île and Grand Elephant
Mechanical marvel. Located on the Isle of Nantes, Les Machines de l’Île represents the city’s most unique attraction, blending artistic vision with engineering prowess. The star of the show, the Grand Elephant, stands 12 meters high and carries up to 50 passengers on a 45-minute journey. I was captivated by this mechanical beast that sprays water from its trunk and makes mechanical trumpeting sounds, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Creative wonderland. The site also features the Carrousel des Mondes Marins, a three-story marine-themed carousel that brings underwater creatures to life through intricate mechanical sculptures. During my exploration, I found the Machines Gallery particularly fascinating, where artists showcase their works-in-progress and explain the creative process behind these extraordinary mechanical creatures. The entire complex embodies Jules Verne’s imaginative spirit, who was born in Nantes in 1828.
⭐ Best Activities
Outdoor Escape Game: Jules Verne - The Extraordinary Challenge: Dive into the world of Jules Verne with this thrilling outdoor escape game. Solve puzzles and explore the city as you embark on an extraordinary adventure inspired by Verne’s famous works.
3. 🛍️ Passage Pommeraye Shopping Gallery
Architectural gem. This stunning 19th-century shopping arcade, connecting Rue Crébillon to Rue de la Fosse, represents one of the finest examples of architectural splendor in Western France. The three-level passage, adorned with ornate sculptures and a glass ceiling, creates an atmosphere that transported me back to the elegant shopping experiences of the past century. The Renaissance-style decorations and wrought-iron details make it a photographer’s paradise.
Shopping heritage. Walking through this historic gallery, I discovered an eclectic mix of boutiques, ranging from traditional French shops to modern fashion outlets. The wooden staircases and marble steps have witnessed over 170 years of commercial activity, making it not just a shopping destination but a living museum of Nantes’ commercial heritage. The passage is particularly magical during the Christmas season when special decorations transform it into a festive wonderland.
4. ⛪ Cathedral Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul
Gothic masterpiece. The Nantes Cathedral dominates the city skyline with its 63-meter-high twin towers, making it a crucial landmark in the city center. During my visit, I was struck by the stark white limestone interior, a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other French Gothic cathedrals. The building took 457 years to complete, surviving both the French Revolution and World War II bombings, though restoration work continues to this day.
Sacred history. The cathedral houses the tomb of Francis II, the last Duke of Brittany, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture that I found particularly moving. The intricate details of the stained glass windows tell biblical stories, while the modern windows installed after WWII create a fascinating contrast with the medieval architecture. The organ, dating from the 17th century, still fills the vast space with music during services.
⭐ Best Activities
Panorama Tour of Nantes by Electric Bike: Discover Nantes from a new perspective on this electric bike tour. Ride through the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic center and scenic riverside, while learning about its rich history and culture.
5. 🎭 Le Lieu Unique Cultural Center
Industrial transformation. Housed in the former LU biscuit factory, Le Lieu Unique has become Nantes’ premier cultural center since 2000. I was immediately drawn to its iconic tower, featuring the original LU logo, which has become a symbol of the city’s industrial heritage. The space now serves as a vibrant hub for contemporary arts, hosting exhibitions, performances, and concerts throughout the year.
Creative hub. Inside, I discovered a fascinating mix of spaces including a restaurant, bookshop, hammam, and nursery, all coexisting with performance venues and art galleries. The center’s experimental programming reflects Nantes’ commitment to avant-garde arts and culture. The rooftop terrace offers spectacular views of the Loire River and the city center, making it a perfect spot for sunset drinks.
6. 🎨 Place Royale and Neptune Fountain
Urban elegance. Place Royale represents the epitome of 18th-century urban planning in Nantes, with its harmonious architecture and the magnificent Neptune Fountain at its center. During my exploration, I noticed how the square’s design creates perfect symmetry, with buildings featuring identical facades in the Louis XV style. The fountain, added in 1865, depicts the god Neptune taming the waters, symbolizing Nantes’ maritime heritage.
City heart. This square serves as a crucial meeting point and the true heart of Nantes’ city center. I found it fascinating how the space transforms throughout the day, from a morning coffee spot to an evening gathering place. The surrounding streets buzz with boutiques and cafes, while the square itself hosts various events and markets throughout the year, particularly during the festive season when Christmas markets bring additional charm to this historic space.
⭐ Best Activities
Panorama Tour of Nantes by Electric Bike: Discover Nantes from a new perspective on this electric bike tour. Ride through the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic center and scenic riverside, while learning about its rich history and culture.
Things to Do in Nantes with Kids
1. 🐘 Mechanical Elephant Rides
Iconic adventure. The heart of the city offers an extraordinary experience aboard a 48-tonne mechanical marvel that has become the symbol of Nantes’ creative renaissance. Located in the former shipyards of Ile de Nantes, this remarkable creation carries up to 50 passengers on a 30-minute journey through the historic port area. The elephant sprays water from its articulated trunk, delighting children and creating unforgettable photo opportunities.
Engineering marvel. The journey allows young visitors to observe the intricate system of gears and mechanical components that power this incredible beast. While the ride operates from 10 am to 6 pm, advance booking is essential as tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season.
2. 🦕 Natural History Museum
Scientific discovery. Located in the heart of the city, the museum houses an impressive collection spanning zoology, botany, and earth sciences. Young visitors are particularly drawn to the vivarium section, where they can observe live reptiles and amphibians up close. The museum’s interactive exhibits make learning about natural history engaging and accessible for children of all ages.
Educational journey. The facility showcases more than 1.5 million species, including rare specimens that fascinate young minds. The museum’s workshops and activities are regularly organized to provide hands-on learning experiences for families, making it an essential stop for educational tourism in the Pays de la Loire region.
3. 🎠 Marine Worlds Carousel
Underwater adventure. This three-story mechanical marvel stands 25 meters high on the banks of the Loire river. Children can choose from 35 moving sea creatures spread across different levels representing the seabed, depths, and surface of the ocean. The interactive nature of the rides allows young visitors to control mechanical crabs, squids, and other marine creatures.
Maritime imagination. Each level offers a unique perspective on marine life, with the bottom floor featuring a submarine that rises and lowers beneath the surface. The carousel combines artistic creativity with engineering precision, making it an engaging attraction that sparks young imaginations.
4. 🔧 Machines Gallery Workshop
Creative laboratory. The gallery serves as a living workshop where children can witness the creation of new mechanical marvels. Young visitors are often invited to participate in demonstrations, operating mechanical spiders, ants, and other fascinating creatures under the guidance of skilled machinists. The space showcases the entire creative process, from initial sketches to fully functioning machines.
Interactive experience. The workshop area features a unique European Flight Test Centre, where children can observe flying machines being tested. The gallery also houses prototypes for future projects, including the ambitious Heron Tree, giving young visitors insight into the engineering and artistic process behind these remarkable creations.
Free Things to Do in Nantes
1. 🌺 Jardin des Plantes Botanical Gardens
Botanical paradise. Located just minutes from the city center, this remarkable garden spans seven hectares and houses over 10,000 species of plants, making it one of France’s most significant botanical collections. The garden features magnificent greenhouses showcasing plants from tropical America, including rare specimens and a world-renowned camellia collection that attracts visitors from around the city and beyond.
Natural heritage. Open daily and free to enter, the garden presents 50,000 flowers planted each season, creating a constantly evolving display. The historic palm house and various themed gardens offer peaceful retreats, while the garden’s scientific importance is evident in its rare species preservation programs and semi-natural cultivation methods.
2. 🏰 Place du Bouffay Medieval Quarter
Historic heart. The Bouffay quarter represents the medieval soul of Nantes, with its maze of narrow streets and half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th century. This vibrant district, located in the heart of the city, offers visitors a glimpse into Nantes’ rich history through its well-preserved architecture and atmospheric squares.
Cultural hub. By day, the quarter buzzes with local shops and cafes, while evenings bring the area to life with restaurants and bars. The district’s hidden gems include the Place du Change and numerous historical buildings that have survived since medieval times, making it a perfect spot for free urban exploration.
3. 🏛️ Castle Ramparts Walk
Medieval fortifications. The castle’s ramparts offer a free 500-meter walking path around one of France’s best-preserved urban castles. From the top of the ramparts, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city center and the Loire River, providing perfect photo opportunities of Nantes from every angle.
Historical journey. This walk along the defensive walls allows visitors to appreciate the castle’s impressive architecture while learning about the history of Nantes. The ramparts are accessible during regular castle hours and offer informative panels detailing the fortress’s strategic importance throughout the centuries.
4. 🌊 Quai des Antilles Waterfront
Maritime heritage. The revitalized waterfront along the Loire River showcases Nantes’ transformation from a major port city to a cultural destination. The quay features contemporary art installations, wide promenades, and restored industrial buildings that now house cafes and cultural spaces.
Urban renewal. This free attraction offers visitors a chance to experience modern Nantes while honoring its maritime past. The area comes alive during summer evenings with street performances and outdoor events, making it a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
5. 🥖 Talensac Market
Local flavors. As Nantes’ largest covered market, Talensac offers a vibrant display of regional products and local culture without any entrance fee. The market houses over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, local specialties, and artisanal products, providing an authentic glimpse into daily life in Nantes.
Culinary heritage. Operating since the 19th century, the market serves as a gathering place for food enthusiasts and locals alike. Visitors can sample local specialties and observe the bustling atmosphere that has characterized this market for generations.
Seasonal Activities
1. 🎄 Christmas Markets at Place Graslin
Winter wonderland. The largest Christmas market in Western France transforms the heart of Nantes from November 21 to December 31. The market features over 200 chalets spread across Place Royale and Place du Commerce, offering traditional crafts, regional delicacies, and festive entertainment. The city center becomes a magical destination with special illuminations and decorations.
Festive atmosphere. Operating hours adapt to the holiday spirit, with extended evening hours from Thursday to Saturday until 21:00, while regular hours run from 10:30 to 20:30. The market offers special timing on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve (10:30-18:00) and Christmas Day (15:00-20:00), making it a perfect destination for both tourists and locals exploring the city of Nantes.
2. 🎨 Le Voyage à Nantes Summer Festival
Cultural celebration. This annual arts festival runs from July 1 to September 1, transforming Nantes into an open-air gallery. The event creates a green line path through the city center, connecting major tourist attractions and revealing hidden artistic treasures. The festival showcases contemporary installations, performances, and exhibitions across various Nantes museums and public spaces.
Artistic journey. The festival route takes visitors from the historic port of Nantes to the île de Nantes, incorporating both permanent and temporary installations. Many venues extend their opening hours during this period, with special evening events and performances enlivening the city’s cultural landscape.
3. 🌸 Spring Botanical Garden Tours
Natural awakening. From March to May, the Jardin des Plantes bursts into bloom with thousands of spring flowers and rare plant species. Located minutes from the city center, these guided tours showcase the garden’s magnificent collection of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in spring.
Garden heritage. The tours highlight the garden’s 19th-century greenhouses and special collections, offering insights into the botanical heritage of Nantes. Special evening illuminations in April create magical atmospheres in this historic garden setting.
4. 🍷 Autumn Loire Valley Explorations
Harvest season. From September through November, the Loire Valley around Nantes offers wine-tasting experiences and harvest festivals. The region celebrates its viticultural heritage with special events at local vineyards, particularly featuring the famous Muscadet wines native to the area around Nantes.
Cultural heritage. This season provides perfect conditions for exploring the city’s surroundings, with organized tours connecting Nantes to Angers through scenic wine routes. The mild autumn weather creates ideal conditions for visiting the châteaux and historical sites that dot the Loire Valley landscape.
Day Trips from Nantes
1. 🏰 Angers Medieval Castle
Historic fortress. Just 30 minutes by train from Nantes, Angers boasts one of France’s most impressive medieval fortresses. The castle houses the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry, the world’s largest medieval tapestry ensemble, spanning an incredible 100 meters in length. The fortress, with its 17 towers, offers a remarkable example of medieval military architecture.
Cultural heritage. The castle’s gardens and royal residence provide insights into medieval life, while the surrounding old town of Angers features well-preserved timber-framed houses and cobblestone streets. The journey from Nantes Atlantique airport or the city center is easily manageable as a day trip, with regular train services running between the two cities.
2. 🏰 Loire Valley Châteaux
Royal heritage. The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies within easy reach of Nantes. The most accessible châteaux include Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise, each offering unique architectural styles and historical significance. These magnificent castles showcase the grandeur of French Renaissance architecture and royal history.
Cultural journey. Organized tours from Nantes provide comfortable transportation through the valley, allowing visitors to explore multiple châteaux in one day. The route between these famous works of architecture takes you through picturesque countryside and charming villages that characterize the Loire Valley region.
3. 🏖️ Atlantic Coast
Coastal escape. Just 45 minutes from Nantes city center, the Atlantic coast offers beautiful beaches and charming seaside towns. La Baule, known for its 9-kilometer golden sand beach, provides a perfect day trip destination with its Belle Époque villas and sophisticated atmosphere. The historic port town of Pornic, with its medieval castle and fishing harbor, offers another compelling coastal option.
Maritime heritage. The coastal region features numerous fishing villages, salt marshes, and scenic walking paths. Fresh seafood restaurants and local markets make these coastal towns particularly appealing for those looking to eat in Nantes’ surrounding region.
4. 🍷 Muscadet Wine Region
Wine heritage. The Muscadet wine region surrounds Nantes, making it perfect for day trips from the city center. The largest single-varietal white vineyard in France produces its famous Muscadet Sèvre et Maine wines, characterized by their crisp, dry profile and subtle complexity. The region boasts over 350 wine estates and one cooperative, spanning approximately 17,300 acres.
Viticultural experience. Visitors can explore numerous wineries offering guided tours and tastings, particularly in the Sèvre et Maine area. Many tours include visits to multiple vineyards, with opportunities to learn about the unique “sur lie” vinification process and sample wines paired with local cuisine. The region’s proximity to Nantes makes it ideal for half-day or full-day excursions.
FAQ about Trip to Nantes ❔
What are the must-see attractions in Nantes?
The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Les Machines de l’Île, and the Musée d’Arts de Nantes are top attractions you shouldn’t miss. Also visit the Jules Verne Museum, as the famous author was born in Nantes in 1828 and spent his early years here.
How many days should I spend in Nantes?
While you can see the main highlights in Nantes for a day, I recommend spending at least 2-3 days to fully appreciate the city’s attractions and atmosphere. This allows time to visit the castle, explore the Machines de l’Île, and enjoy the vibrant cultural scene.
Where are the best hotels in Nantes located?
The center of Nantes offers a range of accommodations, with many hotels situated near major attractions and transport links. Consider staying near the castle or along Quai de la Fosse for convenient access to key sites.
Is Nantes suitable for family travel?
Absolutely! Nantes is very family-friendly with attractions like the mechanical elephant rides and the Marine Worlds Carousel. The city also boasts numerous parks and interactive museums that children will enjoy.
What unique experiences does Nantes offer?
Nantes was the first French city to reintroduce electric tramways and is known for its innovative public art projects. The Machines de l’Île, a unique artistic project featuring giant mechanical animals, is one of the city’s most distinctive experiences.
How can I best explore the city’s history?
Visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, which houses the Nantes History Museum, and take a walk along the medieval Bouffay quarter. The path at the top of the castle ramparts offers great views and insights into the city’s past.
What are some good day trips from Nantes?
Popular day trips include visiting the Loire Valley châteaux, exploring the medieval city of Angers, or heading to the Atlantic coast beaches. The Muscadet wine region is also easily accessible for wine enthusiasts.
Where can I find the best local cuisine in Nantes?
For authentic local flavors, head to restaurants around Bouffay or try the bustling Talensac Market. Nantes is known for its seafood, particularly dishes featuring fish from the Loire River.
