What to do in Nantes The 15 must-sees© Brad Pict - Adobe Stock
Nantes is an astonishing city that does nothing like the others, especially when it comes to not resting on the laurels of its history and letting the zeitgeist take its course! Its prestigious chateau has been given a modern, interactive museum, its shipyards have been transformed into a fairytale world populated by extraordinary creatures, the former LU factory has become one of the hottest spots on the art scene, and even its old marshes have been transformed into a Japanese garden! And yet, the town has lost none of its gouaille, which can be found at the Talensac market, in the surrounding villages or in the wine cellars near the Muscadet vineyards. A surprising city that never stops reinventing itself!
1. Château des Ducs de Bretagne
Château des Ducs de Bretagne© Photlook - Fotolia
Home to the kings of France since François II, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne stands proudly in the historic heart of Nantes. This imposing edifice has two faces: on the city side, it is a military fortress preserving its Gothic elegance, and on the courtyard side, it shows the beginnings of the Renaissance. Today, you can visit this fully restored jewel, one of the most beautiful châteaux in France, and discover the Nantes History Museum. With 1,150 exhibits, it recounts the role played by Nantes in slave-owning Europe, the daily lives of the people of Nantes during the two world wars and the history of the major local industries. Hats off to its superb, modern and immersive scenography, and the visits are fascinating.
Petit Futé tip: If you want to save money on your weekend in Nantes, we recommend you book the Nantes Pass here. You'll enjoyfree access to a host of museums and monuments , including the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, as well as public transport.
2. Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral
Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral© altitudedrone - Adobe Stock
Few religious worksites in France span so many centuries: construction of the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral began in 1457 and was completed 457 years later! It's one of the last Gothic cathedrals in France, and one of the most beautiful to visit. Behind its white facades rise 37.5-metre vaults, higher than those of Notre-Dame de Paris. It preserves many treasures, starting with the superb marble tomb of François II, the last Duke of Brittany, and organs dating from the 17th and 19th centuries (unfortunately completely destroyed by fire on Saturday, July 18, 2020), as well as the magnificent Nativity fresco by painter Alain Thomas. There are also two crypts, a Romanesque one displaying liturgical vestments and silverware, and a 19th-century one recounting the cathedral's history.
3. What to do in Nantes Go to the Machines de l'Ile
The Machines de l'Ile in Nantes© Sophie KESRAOUI
But what is this extraordinary, totally dreamlike world that has taken over the former shipyards? Half-beast, half-engine, Les Machines de l'Ile is a true curiosity that amazes young and old alike. Giant elephants and squid roam freely, huge spiders, caterpillars and ants animate the Galerie des Machines, and astonishing aquatic creatures bustle around the Carrousel des Mondes marins. Don't miss the famous elephant, made of wood, leather and metal, standing 12 metres high and weighing 48 tonnes. He strolls through the old shipyard district, showering passers-by as he goes. You can ride on its back from its steel structure to the Carrousel des Mondes Marins, where it drops you off for a ride. This atypical 30-minute ride allows you to discover the former shipyard site and the quays of the Loire. Amust-do in Nantes for a weekend !
4. Le Lieu Unique, symbol of Nantes
Le Lieu Unique, symbol of Nantes© - Adobe Stock.
Since January1, 2000,the former LU factory has taken on a new vocation, trading in its Petit Beurre for more artistic productions. Le Lieu unique, as it is now called, is an atypical art center that promotes curiosity in all genres: visual arts, performance, architecture, theater, dance, circus, music, but also the culinary arts and literary and philosophical flights of fancy via conferences and debates. Unique and multi-disciplinary, it's not surprising to find a bar, a restaurant, a cutting-edge vinyl record shop, a community crèche, a bookshop and a hammam!
Want to discover the city's past? You can book a personalized private tour with a local guide by clicking here!
5. The famous Passage Pommeraye
The famous Passage Pommeraye© Nool - Fotolia
Quite simply, it's one of the most beautiful covered passageways in Europe! Your strolls and shopping desires will certainly lead you to the Passage Pommeraye, built in the 19th century and now listed as a National Heritage site. This three-level gallery is topped by a glass and iron frame housing stores and a grand staircase topped by a glass roof and lined with allegorical statues. Innovative at the time, this is where window-shopping was invented - yes, it was the first time that customers could see the products through the windows! Listed as a historic monument since 1976, it inspires filmmakers (such as Jacques Demy with his film Lola), cartoonists and photographers, and is now twinned with Brussels' Galerie Saint-Hubert. If you're lucky enough to visit during the festive season, you'll fall under the spell of the magnificent Christmas decorations . What's more, the stores inside are surprisingly eclectic: there's something for every taste and budget! Home decor, shoes, luxury clothes, chocolates...
Did you know? Nantes is one of the most popular destinations for an EVJF or company seminar.
6. Ile de Versailles, a must-see in Nantes
Île de Versailles © - Adobe Stock.
A former marshland, the artificial island of Versailles was created in 1831 for the use of various companies before being bought by the city. Architects and landscapers were employed to transform 1.7 hectares into a Japanese garden, which was inaugurated in 1983. This landscaped park is a haven of tranquillity, lulled by water features and gentle cascades, sculpted by small bridges, rocks and tall bamboo, and fragrant with cherry, cypress and camellia trees... Numerous paths criss-cross the gardens, from which you can hire a boat, pedalo or canoe to navigate the Erdre.
Did you know? Nantes is one of the cheapest weekend destinations in France!
7. The Jardin des Plantes in Nantes
The Jardin des Plantes© Thomas Pajot - Fotolia
Nantes' other green lung,the Jardin des Plantes offers 7 hectares of greenery right in the heart of the city. Classified as an outstanding garden, it is one of the four largest botanical gardens in France, thanks to its rich collections of 10,000 living species and 50,000 flowers planted each year. It is world-renowned for its unique crop of camellias, and has been recognized as a Garden of Excellence by The International Camellia Society. Whatever the case, it' s always a delight to stroll through its alleys and enter its greenhouses to discover the rarest species, such as the Scots tulip or the Wollemi pine.
Nantes is one of Europe's 10 most accessible cities for PRMs. The city boasts a modern public transport network with adapted streetcars and buses. Places like the Machines de l'île and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne offer accessible routes.
8. The village of Trentemoult opposite the port of Nantes
The village of Trentemoult opposite the Port of Nantes© Antoine Maume - Adobe Stock
Time seems to have stood still in Trentemoult, an ancient fishing village facing the Port of Nantes. Its intertwined alleyways are brightened by the colorful facades of the three-storey elevated houses that lead down to the quay, where a guinguette atmosphere reigns. It's a great place to enjoy a drink or lunch on the terrace overlooking the river. Jean-Loup Hubert shot his film Reine Blanche here in 1991, and since then Trentemoult has cultivated an artistic soul, with many artists and craftsmen moving into the fishermen's cottages. This small world has revived the associative fabric, and numerous events are organized throughout the year.
9. See the mythical Toucan fresco
Alain Thomas' show on Nantes Cathedral© YVO-Photos - Adobe Stock
It's an integral part of the city's cultural heritage. For two decades, the mural entitled Le Toucan à bec caréné has proudly adorned the walls of Nantes, faithfully reproduced from the famous painting by Alain Thomas. This immense work covers an area of over 100m2 and was sponsored by the Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) and the World Wildlife Fund WWF. It was originally located in Place Aimé-Delrue, along tramway lines 2 and 3, but for some years now it has been visible on Rue Fanny-Peccot, near the town hall. The artist, born in Nantes 74 years ago, is renowned for his colorful animal creations and timeless landscapes, which have notably been the subject of animated and sound projections on the cathedral.
10. Take a cultural break at the Musée d'arts de Nantes
Musée d'arts de Nantes© saiko3p - Adobe Stock
The Musée d'arts de Nantes boasts a vast collection of works of art spanning different periods and artistic styles, including a rich collection of early paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19thcentury . You can admire works by great masters such as Botticelli, Rubens, Vermeer, Delacroix and Monet. The museum also boasts an important collection of modern art, with works by artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, Kandinsky and Mondrian. A section dedicated to contemporary art showcases creations by French and international contemporary artists. You'll find installations, sculptures, photographs and multimedia works that explore current issues in art. The museum also houses a remarkable collection of sculptures, from Antiquity to the present day, as well as a section devoted to the decorative arts. The latter showcases furniture, ceramics, tapestries and other handicrafts demonstrating the evolution of design and aesthetics through the centuries.
Would you like to visit the Musée d'arts de Nantes? We recommend you book the Nantes Pass here. It will give you free access to a host of museums and monuments such as the Musée d'arts, as well as to public transport.
11. Stroll around the Bouffay district
Place du Bouffay, Nantes© vvoe - Adobe Stock
Nantes isn't in our Top 20 French cities to live in for nothing! Bouffay is Nantes' historic district, and is brimming with charm and history. As you stroll along its cobbled streets, you'll discover half-timbered buildings, medieval houses and remnants of medieval times. It's a real journey back in time, allowing you to appreciate the city's architecture and authentic atmosphere. Bouffay is also a lively and bustling district. Its narrow streets are packed with cafés, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. You can stop off to sample a local specialty, enjoy a coffee on the terrace or browse the small independent boutiques. The friendly, lively atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax, mingle with the locals and enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life.
Read more: What to do and see in Pays de la Loire? The 15 must-sees
12. Talensac market
Vegetables at the market© C. Aucher - Adobe Stock
Opened in 1937 in place of the city's abattoirs, the Talensac covered market still sells produce from the Pays de la Loire region. Nearly 150 traders and some thirty producers liven up this unusual market hall, frequented by all Nantes residents. The Talensac market is renowned for its selection of fresh, local, quality produce. You'll find a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, breads and pastries, as well as regional specialties such as salted butter and Breton galettes. It's the ideal place to stock up on seasonal produce, discover the flavors of the region and chat with shopkeepers. The market also offers a wide variety of stalls, from food and flowers to clothing, accessories and handicrafts.
14. Visit the Jules Verne Museum
The Jules Verne Museum on the Butte Sainte Anne© xlatlantique - Adobe Stock
Jules Verne, the celebrated author of such novels as Journey to the Center of the Earth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days, was a native of Nantes. He was born in 1828 in a large 19th-century bourgeois house on the Butte Sainte-Anne. The latter now houses a museum dedicated to him. A visit to the Jules Verne Museum allows you to immerse yourself in the writer's world, through books, documents, extracts from his works, illustrations, posters, games and objects. This journey to the heart of Verne's writing will enable you to discover his sources of inspiration, his working methods, his publishing environment, as well as the many facets of his personality and his literary heritage. Thanks to the contribution of Jules Verne's grandson, the museum presents furniture from his living room in Amiens, his globe and his compass box. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the captivating world of this visionary writer and better understand his literary genius.
If you want to save money on your weekend in Nantes, we recommend you book the Nantes Pass here, which will also give you access to the Maison de Jules Vernes!
15. See Place Royale, then go shopping on Rue Crébillon
Place Royale in Nantes© rh2010 - Adobe Stock
The Place Royale in Nantes is a major historical and architectural landmark well worth a visit. Built in the 18th century, it was originally intended to celebrate the arrival of King Louis XV in Nantes. It bears witness to the city's history and its ties with the French monarchy. The square is surrounded by magnificent neoclassical buildings, representing the architectural style of the period. The harmony of facades and columns creates a majestic atmosphere. Today, Place Royale is a lively cultural center with numerous restaurants, cafés and boutiques. Just across the street, you'll find one of Nantes' most popular shopping streets, Rue Crébillon!
15. Lake Grand Lieu
Lac de Grand Lieu© fatix - Adobe Stock
Considered the largest natural lake in France in winter (its waters shrink in summer) , and one of the largest in Europe. Just a stone's throw from Nantes lies Lac de Grand-Lieu, a remarkable natural area with astonishing biodiversity, classified as a nature reserve. Surrounded by wetlands and partly covered by vegetation, it preserves over 300 bird species and 650 plant species. To discover its riches, start by visiting the Maison du lac de Grand-Lieu, where you'll find all the information you need in an exhibition. A 74 km circuit has been marked out, so you can organize several dotted walks around the lake.
Where to stay in Nantes?
Nantes offers a variety of accommodation options to suit the needs and preferences of different travelers. You can choose to stay in downtown Nantes, for example, if you want to be close to the main attractions, restaurants and stores, or in the Erdre district, located along the Erdre River, if you're looking for a more peaceful, leafy setting and hotels with water views.
- The most central
The Ibis Styles Nantes Centre Place Graslin Hôtel is located right in the center of Nantes, close to all amenities. It's ideal for family vacations, with its suites and Kid's Corner for playtime. Click here to to book your room!
- The quietest
Hôtel Chateaubriand is a stone's throw from the Ile de Versailles, close to the banks of the Erdre and 100 meters from the Talensac market. All rooms are soundproofed and overlook the courtyard: the guarantee of a night with only the sound of the stars! Discover here availability and rates!
- The most mythical
The Radisson Blu is an exceptional hotel. It's the first hotel in France to be housed in a former courthouse, with a pediment at the entrance featuring Justice Protecting Innocence, and a black-and-white checkerboard floor in the magnificent lobby. Click here to book your room!
Family activities in Nantes
Nantes offers a wide range of family activities to delight young and old alike. Here are a few suggestions for things to do in Nantes with the whole family:
- Parc de la Beaujoire. This vast park offers plenty of green space for strolling, cycling or picnicking with the whole family. It also has children's playgrounds, sports fields and an animal park where you can admire a variety of species.
- The Machines de l'île. This is one of Nantes' most popular attractions. Les Machines de l'île is a blend of art and mechanics, with giant mechanical creatures inspired by the worlds of Jules Verne. You can climb aboard a mechanical elephant, explore the Galeries des Machines or even take a ride on the Carrousel des Mondes Marins.
- Take a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes. This magnificent botanical garden offers an enjoyable experience for the whole family. You can stroll along the flower-lined paths, discover exotic plants and visit the tropical greenhouse. The garden also has a children's playground and extensive lawns for relaxing.
- Go to the Planetarium. Located in the Cité des Congrès, the Planetarium offers immersive projection sessions that take you on a journey through space. Children can discover the mysteries of the universe and learn more about planets, stars and galaxies.
- Cycle the Loire. If you like outdoor activities, you can rent bicycles and take the Loire à vélo cycle path. It's a great way to discover the picturesque countryside around Nantes with the whole family.
What to do in Nantes for lovers?
Nantes is a romantic city offering many possibilities for a special romantic moment. Here are a few suggestions for a romantic getaway in Nantes:
- Take a cruise on the Erdre. The Erdre is a peaceful river that flows through Nantes. You can rent a boat or hop aboard a cruise to enjoy a romantic stroll on the water. It's an ideal opportunity to relax, admire the lush green scenery and share an intimate moment.
- Visit the Jardins de l'île de Versailles. These magnificent Japanese gardens offer a romantic setting for a stroll for two. You'll marvel at the waterfalls, river bridges and peaceful scenery. It's the perfect place to recharge your batteries and enjoy a quiet moment together.
- Take in a show at the Opéra de Nantes. The Opéra de Nantes, located on Place Graslin, is a prestigious place to enjoy a show for two. You can book tickets for an opera, ballet or concert and let yourself be carried away by the music and artistic performances in a magnificent setting.
- Admire the sunset from the Loire. The Loire offers superb panoramic views, especially at sunset. Find a quiet spot along the quays, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the romantic spectacle of the sun setting over the river.
What to do in Nantes when it rains?
If you find yourself in Nantes and it's raining, don't worry, because the city is full of sheltered activities. Take the opportunity to visit museums, for example! Nantes is home to several interesting museums that are well worth a visit. You can discover the Musée d'arts de Nantes, which houses a rich collection of works of art, or the Musée d'histoire naturelle, where you can discover collections of minerals, fossils and naturalized animals. There's also the Jules Verne Museum, which immerses visitors in the world of the famous writer. These museums offer enriching cultural experiences for an enjoyable day indoors. It's also a good time to visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne! This historic château is an interesting place to visit for children and adults alike. It features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to discover the history of Nantes and its former inhabitants. Children can immerse themselves in the medieval world by exploring the castle's ramparts and towers.
What unusual tours are there in Nantes?
If you're looking for unusual tours in Nantes, you're in luck! Le Voyage à Nantes, for example, is an artistic journey through the city, featuring unusual installations and works of contemporary art scattered around the streets and public spaces. As you follow the route, you'll discover surprising creations, bold sculptures and artistic interventions that transform urban space. The Machines de l'île, famous for their giant mechanical creatures, sometimes offer nocturnal tours for an even more immersive experience. You can admire these amazing illuminated creations in a magical and mysterious atmosphere.
What to do around Nantes
The region around Nantes is full of places and towns to discover!
- Located about an hour's drive from Nantes, La Baule , for example, is famous for its magnificent sandy beach stretching for almost 9 kilometers. You can relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy a wide range of activities for all ages, including sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding.
- The charming seaside resort of Les Sables-d'Olonne is renowned for its lively marina and picturesque waterfront. You can stroll along the promenade, discover the sandy beach and wander through the narrow streets of the old town. Les Sables-d'Olonne is also the starting point for the famous Vendée Globe solo round-the-world race. Discover all the must-sees and must-dos!
- The island of Noirmoutier can be reached from Nantes via a bridge or by taking the Passage du Gois, a submersible road unique at low tide. The island offers superb scenery, with unspoilt beaches, salt marshes, dunes and picturesque villages. You can rent bicycles to explore the island, sample fresh seafood, visit the salt marshes and enjoy the magnificent sunsets.
- Less than an hour's drive away, the Vendée region offers a variety of activities and sites to discover. You can visit the Puy du Fou, a historical theme park featuring grandiose, immersive shows, or explore the Poitevin marshes by boat to discover a wealth of flora and fauna. History buffs can also visit castles such as Château de Tiffauges, or discover the region's Romanesque churches.
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