Nantes is the capital of the Pays de la Loire region, in Western France. As a major port city, Nantes has been historically important for maritime trade.

Nantes has become a popular tourist getaway destination due to its attractive historical old town with picturesque half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries.Nantes is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the West’ due to its many waterways and the Canal Saint-Félix.

Nantes enjoys a vibrant cultural scene for example the popular Nantes Jazz Festival, ‘Les Rendez-Vous de l’Erdre’ which is held in August.

There are many things to do in Nantes for example exploring the impressive Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the awe-inspiring Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and the many city museums!

Food lovers will enjoy tasting some of the regional specialities such as crêpes, galettes, fresh seafood and the local Muscadet wines.

1 – Explore the medieval castle, Château des Ducs de Bretagne

Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Nantes

The original fortress was built in the 13th century on top of the old Gallo-Roman city walls. During the 15th century Renaissance period this former fortress was partially demolished and remodeled to create a more luxurious residence to showcase the grandeur of the Dukes that still stands today.

Admire the ‘Gold Horn Tower’ and the flamboyant galleries added to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne under the orders of Anne of Brittany during the 15th century. During the early 17th century the castle was used as a prison for Huguenots and rebellion leaders such as the Cardinal de Retz.

Visitors will enjoy walking around the castle moat and admiring the impressive ramparts and turrets.

After exploring the castle visitors should also visit the Musée d’histoire de Nantes, one of the top things to do in Nantes for those wanting to understand more about the historical evolution of the city.

The Museum uses fun multimedia exhibits and 1,150 objects to bring the story of the city of Nantes to life. Learn more about the the famous ‘Edict of Nantes’ signed in 1598 that granted tolerance to Protestantism.

Discover more about how the slave trade shaped the city and how Nantes was impacted by the World Wars. Understand more about the industrialization of Nantes and crucial industries such as ship building.

2 – Browse the boutique shops in the Passage Pommeraye

Passage Pommeraye, Nantes

The Passage Pommeraye is a small three level belle époque shopping arcade that was completed in 1843! Visitors can marvel at the elaborate columns, decorative statues and ornate staircase. The charming Passage Pommeraye is a frequent stop off point in many of the walking tours in Nantes.

Since the shopping arcade is covered the Passage Pommeraye is always a good location to spend an hour or so during a rainy day to take shelter and indulge in some retail therapy!

walking tours in Nantes

3 – Look around the Gothic style Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes

The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes was built over a period of 457 years, from 1434 up until 1891!

Unfortunately in 1944 a bomb hit and damaged the Cathedral sacristy during the allied bombing of Nantes. The Cathedral has also suffered due to a number of fires for example in 1972 and 2020.

Highlights of the Cathedral include the tomb of the Duke of Brittany François II and his wife Marguerite de Foix completed in 1507. The tomb is intricately carved out of Carrara marble and it is considered a masterpiece of the French Renaissance.

Admire the delicate angels holding up the pillow and the loyal dog at the Dukes feet bearing the family coat of arms. The tomb is flanked by sculptures of four women representing the cardinal virtues (strength, prudence, justice and temperance).

4 – Pedal around Nantes on a bike tour

bike tour in Nantes

Explore the sites of Nantes on a speedy electric bike! Ride through the historic medieval city center of Nantes and stop off to learn more about important monuments.

Some of the bike tours such as ‘Bike’N tour Nantes’ include riding around the Île Feydeau with lots of elegant 18th century architectural buildings. Many of these buildings were owned by ship merchants or maritime traders.

Although it is known as an ‘island,’ the area of Feydeau is now on the mainland because during the 1930s one of the tributaries to the Loire was filled in.

bike tours in Nantes

5 – Spend time in the zen garden at the Île de Versailles

Jardin des Plantes, Nantes

The Île de Versailles is an artificial island that was formerly used as a work site by naval leather makers and carpenters.

In 1983 the island was transformed into a Japanese style garden and nowadays the Jardin Ile de Versailles has three Japanese style buildings

Walk over stepping stones in the zen garden, admire the serenity of the cherry blossoms and bonsai trees, look out over the koi pond and take some photographs on the wooden bridge! There is even a tea house where visitors can experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies

The island can be reached by hiring an electric-powered Ruban Vert boat or a canoe.

6 – Relax during a candlelight concert

candlelight concert in Nantes

Sit back after a long day sightseeing to listen to music surrounded by romantic candles. Concert themes include Coldplay, 80s Rock, Queen and Ludovico Einaudi. A backdrop of illuminated flickering lights creates the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.

Concerts are frequently held in the ‘Théâtre 100 Noms’ on the Quai des Antilles, right on the banks of the Loire and opposite the Jules Verne Museum.

candlelight concerts in Nantes

7 – See the sights of the city on a segway tour

segway tour in Nantes

Ensure you see the main monuments of Nantes in a dynamic and fun segway tour. Cover more ground than you would during a traditional walking tour! Segway tours vary from 1 to 2 hours and the ride is accompanied by a guide who offers a historical and cultural commentary of the sites visited.

segway tours in Nantes

8 – Ride a mechanical elephant at the Les Machines de L’ile

Les Machines de L’ile, Nantes

Discover incredible animal machines inspired by the fantastical stories of Jules Verne at Les Machines de L’ile located on the banks of the river Loire.

Marvel at the impressive engineering and craftsmanship that has gone into creating these complex and creative mechanical entities such as ‘the Butterfly Swarm’ and ‘the Heron tree.’

At Les Machines de L’ile there is giant elephant that can seat 50 passengers! Watch from close up how the machines of the elephants legs and trunk mimic natural motions and ride around the site that was once used for shipbuilding.

In order to manufacture the elephant the engineers used a colossal 48.4 metric tons of steel and wood along with 62 cylinders! There is also the Carrousel des Mondes Marins which is an elaborate merry-go-round featuring different sea creatures!

city tours in Nantes

9 – Watch the water reflections in Le Miroir d’Eau

Le Miroir d’Eau, Nantes

Admire the reflection of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne in the 2cm thin layer of water that stretches out next to the street of the ‘Cours John Kennedy’. Sometimes jets in the water mirror create a mist like steam or spray up. In the evening the changing color lights create a pleasant atmosphere.

10 – Check out the cultural program at Le Lieu Unique

Le Lieu Unique, Nantes

Along the Canal Saint-Felix, visitors can stumble across Le Lieu Unique located inside the old biscuit factory of the Lefèvre-Utile family.

The factory has an attractive art nouveau style tower. Originally there were two towers but unfortunately one of them was destroyed during the Second World War.

Nowadays Le Lieu Unique is open as a contemporary arts and music venue. Since 2000 Le Lieu Unique has been used as a space to showcase creativity in visual arts, dance, music, theatre, circus and literature.

Enjoy a coffee in the trendy bar or restaurant on site. There is also a hammam spa available on the basis of appointments.

11 – Take an evening stroll around the Place Royale square

Place Royale, Nantes

The Place Royale is a large square in the centre of Nantes. In the center stands a giant granite fountain from 1865. In the middle of the fountain there is a marble statue of a woman with a trident representing the city of Nantes. The other statues represent the Loire river and the tributaries.

Sit out on the terrace of a café in the square to watch people go by and soak up the elegant atmosphere.

Very nearby you can find Place Graslin with the famous theatre with 8 corinthian style columns. The Place Graslin was one of the first avenues in Nantes to receive gas street lamps in 1852. After a show at the theatre many actors and actresses head to the famous art nouveau brasserie ‘La cigale’ for a digestif.

12 – Hop on a boat tour along the Erdre River

boat cruise in Nantes

The Erdre river is one of the main tributaries of the Loire. During a boat cruise visitors can gaze at the large mansions along the banks of the river. The boat trip passes past the Island of Versailles mentioned earlier in the article.

Admire the iconic bridge of Général de la Motte Rouge built in 1885 with the brightly colored green painted railings.

Watch other boats cruise along by and enjoy the scenic beauty of life on the river.

boat cruises in Nantes

13 – Admire the bell tower of the Eglise Sainte Croix

Eglise Sainte Croix, Nantes

Located in the historical Bouffay District, the Eglise Sainte Croix was the church where the author Jules Verne was baptized. it has an impressive bell tower with sculptures of little angels playing golden trumpets. Inside the church admire the pretty stained glass windows and the organ.

The exact origins of the church are unknown however it is believed that originally the Benedictine monks of the Marmoutier-lès-Tours worshipped in the first church here. During the 17th century the church was rebuilt and over the years since then the church has undergone various developments resulting in an interesting mix of architectural styles.

After taking a look at the church, make sure to stop off at the Place du Bouffay nearby. The Place du Bouffay was the main city square during the Medieval period. It was here that public executions took place.

14 – Test your team work skills and brain power with an outdoor escape room mission

escape room in Nantes

Take part in an exciting outdoor escape challenge using your smart phone. Help send Jules Verne back to the 19th century by solving puzzles and following clues throughout different landmarks in the city.

Fans of the TV series Vikings will love another outdoor escape game which involves helping Ragnar Lodbrok find Odin’s lost relic!

Other outdoor escape games include saving Nantes from an ultra virus created by a criminal organization. There are also escape games for kids involving Peter Pan and other cartoon characters.

escape rooms in Nantes

15 – Get the adrenaline pumping with some karting

karting in Nantes

Embrace your competitive side and race against friends and family at ‘City Kart’ or ‘Karting de Nantes.’Improve your co-ordination, spacial awareness and your reflexes as you swerve round some of the tight track corners.

City Kart has circuits both indoors out outdoors. You can also play on Formula 1 simulators to live the real racing car sensations!

Karting de Nantes has both electric and VR karting! They also have baby karting facilities for younger members of the family. They have a different branch in the North East of Nantes dedicated to Laser karting. Guests can play a couple of sessions of lasertag in the battle zone area followed by karting.

16 – Escape the bustle of the city at the tranquil Jardin des Plantes, Botanical Garden

Jardin des Plantes, Nantes

The Jardin des Plantes is one of the oldest botanical gardens in France. It was established in 1807 and since then has been cherished by tourists and locals looking to discover more about botany or spend a few relaxing hours surrounded by nature.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll whilst looking at the beautiful magnolia, orchids and camelias. The well maintained park is packed with hidden features, manicured lawns and winding paths.

Come across elegant fountains, ponds, an artificial mountain as well as a rock garden and a rose garden. Take a look at the exotic plants inside the greenhouses and palm house.

17 – Decipher riddles and uncover secrets about Nantes during a scavenger game

scavenger game in Nantes, France

Downloading a self-guided scavenge experience is one of the top things to do in Nantes if you are looking for a challenge at your own pace. Unlock secret legends and facts about the city as you walk through the city streets.

There is even a version designed for Bacherolette parties! This version focuses more on challenges related to weddings or mini-games for the bride-to-be. This interactive scavenger hunt will definitely guarantee some laughs and unforgettable moments!

scavenger games in Nantes

18 – Reflect on the atrocities of the slave trade at the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery

Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery, Nantes

The Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage is the only memorial dedicated to slavery on mainland France. It was designed by artists Julian Bonder and Krzysztof Wodiczko and inaugurated in 2012.

Situated on a boardwalk right on the banks of the Loire, the memorial consists of 2,000 glass inserts printed with the names of the slave-ships and the dates on which slaves left the port of Nantes. Other inserts are printed with the names of slave-trading posts or ports where the slaves were sold in Africa, the Americas and the Indian Ocean.

Take a moment to contemplate the dark role that the city of Nantes played in contributing to the slave trade during the 18th century. Nantes used to be a major hub for the construction of slave ships which contributed to its economic prosperity in the past.

19 – Speed across the water in a thrilling jet ski ride

jet ski tour in Nantes

The Espace Quilly Leisure Center near Nantes provides a secure and tranquil stretch of water for zooming around in a jet ski.

You can ride the jet ski solo or with two passengers under the supervision and guidance of a qualified instructor. No previous experience is required so an excellent opportunity for beginners. Learn how to complete graceful turns in the water and pick up some speed.

There is a panoramic terrace where you can sit and relax after wizzing around in the water.

jet ski tours in Nantes

20 – Put your brain skills to the test at the Quiz Room Nantes

Quiz Room Nantes

Try an immersive quiz game on a staged TV set at the Quiz Room Nantes.

Elect which topic themes you want to tackle before starting the quiz. Answer a wide variety of questions on society, daily life, cinema, sports or academia! Music buffs can request a purely musical quiz game to show off their knowledge!

There is also a Quiz Room Kids so children can also step up and put on their thinking hats.

21 – Hit the bowling alley for some lucky strikes

bowling in Nantes

Bowling is a great option for some evening entertainment after a day of sightseeing and an excellent indoor activity during wet weather!

The bowling centre €URO BOWL is large complex containing 30 bowling alleys! EURO BOWL is open seven days a week. After a bowling match, wind down on the arcade games onsite or enjoy a game of billiards.

The Bowling Center Nantes is another option with 32 alleys and huge screens with light shows! There is also a Sports Bar and Black Angus meat restaurant to get a bite to eat after the game.

22 – Drive around in style in the comfort of a 2CV Citroën tour

2CV Citroën tour in Nantes

Feel like you are stepping back in time as you cruise around Nantes in the comfort of an old-fashioned and stylish 2CV Citroën. There is a tour around the centre which includes a stop off at the Jules Verne Museum and the Village de Trentemoult.

Alternatively there is a tour in the 2CV Citroën to discover the nearby vineyards of Nantes. Taste some fabulous Muscadet wines at the gorgeous Château du Coing de Saint Fiacre. Stretch your legs at the Chateau-Thebaud and have a go at a typically French game of pétanque.

2CV Citroën tours in Nantes

23 – Look up at the soaring nave of the Basilique Saint Nicolas

Basilique Saint Nicolas, Nantes

The Basilique Saint Nicolas is a Neo-gothic style church built between 1844 and 1869. The church was actually built upon the former site of a 13th chapel. Unfortunately the church was badly damaged by bombing in 1943 but since then it has undergone a restoration.

Visitors will enjoy watching the light enter through the stained glass windows and illuminate the interior.

24 – Try out some adventurous water sports at the Espace Quilly

Espace Quilly daytrips from Nantes

The Espace Quilly is a large estate in between Nantes and La Baule that offers different fun leisure activities such as quad tours, rafting, flyboarding and wakeboarding!

Adventure seekers will love the quad tours on the super fast Can-am Outlander Max 450cc bike! The quad hikes include a varied terrain of different wet and dry areas and there are lots of fun climbs, descents and bridges to cross over.

Try rafting along in an inflatable tube being towed by a water ski boat! Feel the thrill of gliding across the water and getting sprinkled with refreshing water!

Experience the ultimate sensation of liberation in a flyboarding session. Participants are propelled into the air thanks to a water jetpack and turbine. Hover above the water’s surface in a gravity-defying experience due to the thrust from the water!

Alternatively you can improve your balancing skills and strength in a wakeboarding session, riding over the waters surface attached to a motorboat. After trying out some of these exhilarating water sports, visitors can cool down in the water park. The water park offers giant slides, inflatable structures and trampolines to play around on. There are also some monkey bridges and obstacles for those looking to test their agility!

Espace Quilly day trips from Nantes

25 – Make sure to visit some of the best museums in Nantes

best museums in Nantes

Visitors who are keen to learn more about the regional wildlife and mineralogy will enjoy a visit to the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle. The Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle is housed in an attractive building with a classical style façade designed by architect Gustave Bourgerel.

It has been open to the public since 1875 and even has a reptile house with some exotic and regional snakes. There are lots of fossils and an extensive bird collection. It is important to note that the Museum closes on Tuesdays.

Literature fans can visit the Musée Jules Verne to learn more about the acclaimed author of famous works such as ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ and ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.’ Jules Verne was born in Nantes in 1828 and this small museum pays homage to his literary career.

Learn more details about the biography of Verne and how the women in his life inspired his works. Visitors can also see some of the replicas of his futuristic inventions.

One of the largest Museums in Nantes is the Musée d’Arts de Nantes. Visitors can happily spend hours admiring the extensive range of 13,000 artworks in the collection! The collection of the Musée d’Arts de Nantes spans from ancient 13th century art up until contemporary.

Highlights include masterpieces by Gustave Courbet, Rodin and Monet. Visitors also come to admire earlier works such as ‘The Dream of St Joseph’ by Georges de La Tour and ‘Diana the Huntress’ by Orazio Gentileschi.

Head South to the town of Rezé, just a 10 minute car journey away from the centre of Nantes. Here in Rezé at Le Chronographe Museum, visitors can explore some ancient archeological ruins of the Gallo-Roman city of Ratiatum. At Le Chronographe visitors can discover more about daily Roman life with the interactive multimedia exhibit and look at the objects that have been dug up on the site.

Alternatively plan a visit to Le Maillé-Brézé, the French navy ship transformed into a museum! Le Maillé-Brézé is a type of navel vessel known as a destroyer escort (one of a group of 18) that was built in the 1950s.

26 – Play a round of golf with friends

golf in Nantes

The Golf Club de Nantes is situated in Vigneux-de-Bretagne, just a short drive from the city center of Nantes. The Golf Club de Nantes is one of the oldest golf clubs in the region and provides an idyllic setting surrounded by green countryside, rolling hills and picturesque water features.

Another option is the Golf Bluegreen Nantes-Erdre which also has an excellent 18 hole golf course. Guests at the Golf Bluegreen Nantes-Erdre can also make use of the covered practice ground and 2 putting greens.

Just 20 minutes drive away from Nantes, golf lover can find the UGOLF Nantes Carquefou. The golf course is situated in the heart of the park of the Château de l’Epinay. Guests at the UGOLF Nantes Carquefou can enjoy a game of golf surrounded by centenary trees and lush greenery!

27 – Visit the Château de Goulaine, with a history dating back over a thousand years!

Château de Goulaine, Nantes

The Château de Goulaine is a castle situated in the town of Haute-Goulaine, approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Nantes. The castle has been in the same family since the 12th century!

The Goulaine family has been producing delicious wines at the estate for many generations in particular Muscadet and Sauvignon blanc. In the past the Goulaine family also provided financial support to the iconic Nantais biscuit brand Lefèvre-Utile.

Inside the Château de Goulaine visitors can marvel at the impressive medieval and Renaissance tapestries, rooms heavily decorated with exquisite paintings and the cabinet of curiosities.

28 – Relax in some of of the best parks & gardens in Nantes

best parks & gardens in Nantes

Walk around and admire the scented rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias at the Parc de Procé. There are huge atlas cedar trees and sequoias which offer some nice shade during the summer months.

From the Parc de la Beaujoire visitors can admire views of the river Erdre. Spend an afternoon strolling through the gorgeous rose and iris gardens. Visitors will be amazed at the many different species of magnolia flowers.

The Parc du Grand Blottereau is another beautiful garden with many unique features such as a Japanese-style pagoda and tropical greenhouses. There is also a mediterranean rock garden, a small rice plantation and banana trees! Many locals also visit the park to use the sports facilities such as football grounds, tennis and basketball courts or the pétanque field.

The Jardin Extraordinaire is located in a disused quarry, a short walk away from the Planetarium. Visitors can take photographs of the 35 meter waterfall and walk along the garden trail which has seven different viewpoints overlooking the park and the Loire river.

29 – Ramble along the Cours Cambronne

Cours Cambronne, Nantes

The Cours Cambronne is an attractive square with a statue of the War hero General Cambronne. General Cambronne was leading strategist during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars.

The square is surrounded by Neo-classical style buildings such as the Hôtel Scheult and the Hôtel des Cariatides.

30 – Assist a wine tasting class on a wine tour

wine tour in Nantes

The Château du Bois-Huaut offer a wine tasting of 8 different wines plus a visit to the cellar to understand more about the wine making processes!

The family run Château du Bois-Huaut has been producing quality wine since 1897 and on their estate they grow 14 different grape varieties! Take a wander through the vineyards accompanied by a professional wine maker.

wine tours in Nantes

31 – Visit the charming fishing Village de Trentemoult

Village de Trentemoult, France

Visitors will enjoy taking a look at the colorful houses with red-tiled roofs, decorative murals and beautiful plant pots. Along the river front and in some of the narrow alleyways it is possible to come across small characterful cafés and restaurants. It was in Trentemoult that ‘The White Queen’ was filmed with Catherine Deneuve.

32 – Gaze up at the constellations at the Planetarium De Nantes

Planetarium De Nantes

The Planetarium De Nantes has different screening in state-of-the-art 8 meter digital dome theater that visitors can choose from such as ‘Pink Floyd, 50 years of The Dark Side of the Moon’ or ‘Night Sky’ as well as specific viewings designed for kids.

At the Planetarium De Nantes adults and kids can discover new facts about our solar system, black holes and the life cycle of stars! The planetarium also organizes special events to mark current astronomical occurrences such as eclipses or meteor showers.

The planetarium has been open to the public since 1981 and is open daily. On weekends the planetarium only opens in the afternoon.

33 – Travel back in time through a virtual reality experience

virtual reality experience in Nantes

Undergo a technological experience like no other at the virtual reality room in the centre of Nantes! The experience ‘Time Travel 1’ involves traveling from prehistory into the future in order to solve riddles to complete the mission.

There are also super advanced virtual reality games on offer such ‘Are we dead?’ This expert level game involves playing as a group of zombies fighting against humans. The game received several awards at the 360 Film Festival in 2019.

VR experience in Nantes

34 – Check out what is on at the top event venues

event venues in Nantes

Music fans may want to check the program of the Zenith Nantes Metropole, a performing arts theater in the western suburbs of Nantes. The Zenith Nantes Metropole hosts big-name music concerts and sporting events throughout the year.

For comedy shows and stand up take a look at whats on at the Compagnie du Café Théatre Nantes. The Compagnie du Café Théatre situated right in the heart of the city centre has two stages and it is often possible to see musicals, monologues and family friendly shows.

Another theatre that specializes in comedy is Le Théâtre De Jeanne. Le Théâtre De Jeanne offers various entertainment for both adults and kids with a program that changes approximately every three weeks.

Treat yourself to a night at the opera at the magnificent Théâtre Graslin. The Angers Nantes Ópera offers world class opera, ballet and orchestral concerts. The Angers Nantes Ópera offers very good discounts for those under 30 years in order to promote the arts amongst young people.

35 – Treat your taste buds to some sensational fine dining

fine dining in Nantes

Stop off to try the lunch menu at Les Cadets. The decor has a refined and elegant feel inspired by the 1950s. At Les Cadets the chefs focus on seasonal ingredients and the local terroir.

Located on the Place de la Monnaie the restaurant Roza offers excellent locally sourced cuisine, presented with style and creativity. Roza has a chic bistro ambiance with outdoor seating also available on the terrace. They were winner of the Prix du Public The Fork Awards in 2019.

Enthusiasts of interesting interior design will enjoy LuluRouget with unique classy lighting and wall hangings. The acclaimed Chef at LuluRouget, Ludovic Pouzelgues produces some daring and sharp gastronomical delights!

The L’Atlantide 1874 – Maison Guého is located very near the Jules Verne Museum and overlooks the Loire. The restaurant building dates from 1874 hence the name! At L’Atlantide 1874-Maison Guého the chef specializes in exquisite fish based dishes accompanied by the finest wines from the Loire

Le Manoir de la Régate can be found on the banks of the Erdre river. This restaurant that serves contemporary cuisine is family run with an emphasis on environmentally friendly practices. Le Manoir de la Régate has 3 prettily decorated restaurant rooms and an outdoor terrace.

Or why not try the gastronomic finesse of L’Épicurien – Abbaye de Villeneuve. The experienced chef Aymeric Depogny produces minimalist yet complex dishes where every ingredient plays a role in contributing to the overall balance of flavor. The L’Épicurien- Abbaye de Villeneuve is definitely a good choice for those seeking out some top notch gourmet french cuisine.

36 – Experience what the Nantes nightlife has to offer

nightlife in Nantes

Le Masque is an authentic and unpretentious bar located right on the banks of the Erdre river, popular among locals. It is known for classical French style music such as Ferré, Greco and Brassens.

Some of the best bars and clubs include La Trinquette, a classy bistro bar with an outdoor terrace area. At La Trinquette guests can enjoy a good selection of natural, organic and biodynamic wines. Beer lovers will also appreciate the fine range of craft and draught beers. Relax for a apéro with a plate of cheese and charcuterie!

Cocktails fans should make their way to Le Labo, a retro cocktail bar that specializes in rare aged and infused rums! The menu of handcrafted cocktails is extensive and the bar has a fun relaxed vibe.

For those looking for some quality live music or jam sessions head to the Zygobar on the rue des Olivettes. At the Zygobar it is possible to come across a mix of genres such as blues, reggae, folk and rock.

How to get to Nantes?

The airport of Nantes (Nantes Atlantique Airport) is a 20 minute drive away from the centre of Nantes. There is an airport bus shuttle that runs every half hour.

If you are looking to save time and hassle there is also the option of private airport transfers. Check out the Tourscanner site for more details on different airport transfer offers and prices.

Where to stay in Nantes?

L’Abbaye De Villeneuve, (10.5 kilometers away from the centre of Nantes) is situated in the town of Sorinières. Although a little further out from the city centre (20 minutes by car), this hotel is unique in the sense that it located in old cistercian abbey. The restaurant serves traditional French cuisine in the 13th century dining room! The rooms are sumptuous and there are lush gardens and a swimming pool.

The boutique SOZO Hotel is one of the best hotels in Nantes due to its location in a 19th-century chapel with stained-glass window. Visitors will fall in love with the vaulted ceilings and scenic views of the Jardin des Plantes.

For those looking for a hotel with more modern architecture, make sure to check out the 4 star ‘Okko Hotels Nantes Château‘ in the centre of Nantes. The hotel has a large communal lounge with a business computer zone. Guests can also enjoy the free wellness area with gym machines and a sauna.

best hotels in Nantes

Visiting Nantes on a budget?

Learn more about the heritage and history of Nantes from a knowledgable local during a free walking tours in Nantes. Get a great overview of the city and have the opportunity to ask questions. The free walking tours in Nantes are run on a donation basis.

Another good option to save money on museum entrances and guided tours is by purchasing one of the city passes.

The city passes give tourists free access to museums, public transport, cruises and guided tours. Gain access to a whopping 40 attractions and benefit from further discounts when shopping in gift shops around Nantes. Unlimited use of public transport means that it’s easy to hop around the city and explore some areas that are slightly further afield from the city centre.

Where to go next?

Nantes is a great starting point to explore the Loire Valley and its spectacular castles such as the Renaissance Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord! The Loire Valley is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the beautiful vineyards, 22 castles and historic towns.

In the Loire valley it is even possible to visit the castle du Clos Lucé where the legendary Leonardo de Vinci spent the final years of his life!

There are also many great places to visit in France: for example things to do in Paris. From Nantes it takes 2 hours and 20 minutes to arrive in Paris by train. Things to do in the capital Paris include visiting world class museums such as the Musée d’Orsay to see Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ in the flesh or spend a day looking around the sumptuous Palace of Versailles. Cruise along the Seine river or go on a walking tour of the bohemian district Montmartre.

From Nantes visitors can head south to visit the coastal city of La Rochelle. Admire the iconic medieval towers and the colorful buildings in the Old Port. There are many things to do in La Rochelle for example breathing in the fresh sea breeze along the seafront promenade or discovering more about marine life in the celebrated Aquarium which is one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

Gourmet lovers and aspiring wine connoisseurs will love extending a trip to Nantes to visit the city of Bordeaux. Taste some fantastic wine at the Cité du Vin wine museum with some great panoramic views over the city. Other things to do in Bordeaux include strolling along the Garonne river and stopping to admire the Miroir d’eau (water mirror) outside the elegant Place de la Bourse building. One of the top things to do in Bordeaux for desert lovers is trying the typical cannelé which has a crisp caramelized crust and a moist centre.

Final thoughts

We hope that this article has demonstrated that there are lots of things to do in Nantes whether you are looking for art, nature or gourmet flavors!

Marvel at the unique mechanical artworks and spark your imagination at the magical ‘Les Machines de L’île.’ Alternatively spend time in some of the relaxing city parks and gardens such as the Japanese inspired gardens of the Île de Versailles.

Nantes has a rich artistic scene and visitors will enjoy discovering the fantastic collections at the Musée d’Arts de Nantes or contemporary works at the Lieu Unique.

Nantes is a perfect destination to visit all year round yet it is particularly attractive during the spring months when the flowers are in bloom and it is possible to sit out on the terraces to soak up the warm sun with a glass of crisp Muscadet!

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36 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Nantes, France