Nantes: Uncover the Magic, Any Time of the Year!

If you love exploring a city on foot, soaking up charm at every corner, then Nantes in western France is your kind of place. Known as the City of 100 Parks (yes, really!), it’s bursting with leafy escapes, hidden gardens, and floral gems—and guess what? They’re all free to visit!

💡 Travel Tip: The best time to go to Nantes is in spring or early autumn when the parks are in full bloom and the weather is perfect for hours of wandering.

Unlock the Charms of Nantes: Where History Meets Innovation.

Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of medieval architecture, cutting-edge art installations, and delightful culinary experiences. Explore the enchanting Castle of the Dukes, marvel at the whimsical Machines of the Isle, and savor the taste of beurre blanc.

Nantes is known for…

Nantes, the sixth-largest in France, is a city full of interesting landmarks like the castle and the cathedral. In addition, there are plenty of trendy venues and technological fantasy to enjoy. This gorgeous city is famous for its vineyards that produce Muscadet white wine.

Top 6 Things To Do in Nantes

Don’t miss: A stroll through the Château des Ducs de Bretagne—its ramparts and manicured gardens are straight out of a fairytale. You can picnic here, wander the moat, or just soak in the historic vibes. And when your feet need a break, hop on one of the quirky Machines de l’île rides—yes, that includes the giant mechanical elephant!

1. Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne

The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is in the Loire-Atlantique département of France and was the residence of the Dukes of Brittany between the 13th and 16th centuries.

Nantes’ History Museum is located inside the castle, spread out over 32 castle rooms. The museum tries to symbolize the past, dating back to the 17th century, the present, and the future of the city of Nantes.

When you walk the 500 m round walk on the fortified ramparts, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the town as well as the castle buildings and courtyards. You’ll find the castle at 4 Pl. Marc Elder, 44000 Nantes, France.

ANOTHER SIGHTSEEING IDEA near the castle is Place du Bouffay, a pedestrian area between the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, Saint Pierre Cathedral, and la Place du Commerce. This ancient medieval quarter of Nantesvieux is known for its Breton culture and for its pubs and restaurants.

2. Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes

The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul are next to each other. In other words, it makes for convenient sightseeing.

Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes took 457 years to finish construction, i.e. from 1434 to 1891 when construction was completed. This Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral is built on the site of a Romanesque cathedral and is listed (since 1862) as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

Damage over the years:

In 1944 the cathedral was partly destroyed during World War II after Allied bombings.
In 1972 a gigantic fire completely ravaged its roof. This event led to an intensive interior restoration including replacing the ancient wooden roof.
In 2020 the main organ was completely destroyed by a fire caused by a refugee. Stained glassed windows at the front of the cathedral were blown out and the fire also consumed a 19th-century painting that originated from Rome.

Inside the cathedral is the tomb of Francis II, Duke of Brittany, and of his wife Marguerite de Foix, the (parents of Anne of Brittany).

In addition, ANOTHER SIGHTSEEING IDEA close by is La Chapelle de l’Oratoire.

3. Machines of the Isles of Nantes

Feel like a ride on an elephant? Well, in the case of The Great Elephant (2007) you will be riding inside the elephant rather than on the elephant. This mechanical elephant (an inexact replica of The Sultan’s Elephant from Royal de Luxe) is made from 45 tons of wood and steel and is 12 meters (39 ft), and 8 meters (26 ft) meters wide. In other words, it can comfortably take up to 49 passengers for a 45-minute walk!

There are many different mechanical animals on display.

How to get to it: Parc des Chantiers, Bd Léon Bureau, 44200, Nantes, France: Take tramway line 1 to Chantiers Naval. After that, walk across the bridge.

4. Le Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants)

The Nantes Botanical Garden, situated just outside the main train station (North exit), covers 7 hectares of green space in the centre of town. Put on your walking shoes and immerse yourself in this enchanting garden, which is among 4 major botanical gardens in France.

5. Passage Pommeraye

This beautiful and well-known 19th-century shopping mall is located between Rue Crébillon and Rue de la Fosse.

6. The Jules Verne Museum

Located on the Butte Sainte Anne, the recently restored museum has a very good collection of memorabilia and objects associated with Jules Verne. In addition, there is a lovely view of the port of Nantes.

More Sightseeing Ideas

Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum), Rue Clémenceau 10. A beautiful building with an excellent art collection and temporary exhibitions.
Place Maréchal-Foch contains one of the few existing statures of Louis XVI, the beheaded king, left in France
l‘Ile de Versailles, a peaceful island in the Erdre with a Japanese garden.
Le Cours Cambronne is only a few steps from la place Graslin containing imperial buildings.
La Place Mellinet contains some of the restored architecture in Nantes and consists of eight perfectly symmetric houses built around an octagon. 200 meters from Port and from Maillé-Brézé.
Visit Ile Feydeau for the magnificent architecture of the 18th century. Shipowners’ houses in the sculptured mascarons and the balconies of wrought iron illustrate the wealth accumulated at the time of the triangular trade.
The new Palais de Justice on the Île de Nantes, designed by Jean Nouvel and built in 2000.
La Tour LU (The LU Tower) – a picturesque tower guarding the entrance of a former Lefevre-Utile biscuit factory.
The lieu unique, a centre of atypical art shelters a restaurant, a bar, a shop, theaters, etc.
Musée Thomas Dobrée.
Le Marché Talensac, the main town market, full of high-quality local produce.
Land Hemisphere. According to one measurement, the Earth’s land hemisphere, i.e. the hemisphere of the Earth containing the largest possible area of land, is centered on Nantes.
French destroyer Maillé-Brézé, Quai de la fosse BP 68721 (Tramway station Gare Maritime), ☏ +33 9 79 18 33 51, ✉ maillebreze@orange.fr. A warship that has been moored in Nantes for many years which is open to visitors.

What is the best option to travel from Paris to Nantes?

Nantes is about 385 km from Paris.

My recommendation is to travel by train, which will take you just over two hours from Paris to Nantes.
The bus is the cheapest way, but at more than double the time.
You can drive by car, or try Rideshare.
Alternatively, catch a flight from CDG to Nantes.

Cheap Flights

The best hotels in Nantes, France that are well-suited for sightseeing

Celebrate and save on seasonal and holiday deals.

💡 Travel Tip: Remember to check availability, amenities, and reviews before making your final decision to ensure the hotel aligns with your preferences and needs.

Must-try foods and drinks that showcase Nantes

Crêpes: Indulge in the traditional French delicacy of crêpes. Whether you prefer sweet or savory fillings, Nantes offers a variety of crêperies where you can savor these thin pancakes. Try a classic combination like Nutella and banana or opt for a savory option with ham and cheese.
Beurre Blanc: Don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous Nantes specialty, beurre blanc. This rich and creamy white butter sauce is often paired with local seafood dishes, such as fish or mussels. It’s a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
Muscadet Wine: Nantes is located in the Loire Valley, renowned for its wine production. Muscadet, a dry white wine made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, is a popular choice. Enjoy a glass of Muscadet while dining on fresh seafood, as they complement each other perfectly.
Petit Beurre Lu: For a sweet treat, try the iconic Petit Beurre Lu biscuits. These buttery, rectangular cookies have been produced in Nantes since 1886. They make for a delightful snack or can be used as a base for various desserts.
Galettes Saint-Michel: Another famous local biscuit is the Galettes Saint-Michel. These thin, crispy biscuits have a distinct caramel flavor and are a beloved snack in Nantes. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

💡 Travel Tip: Remember to explore the local markets and food stalls as well, as they often offer regional specialties and fresh produce. Nantes has a vibrant culinary scene, and these recommendations will give you a great starting point to indulge in the city’s gastronomic delights.