Nantes
Your complete guide to discovering Nantes: its neighbourhoods, must-do experiences, the best places to eat, and everything you need to plan the perfect stay.
Travel guide • Neighbourhoods • Activities • Restaurants • Map
The Machines of the Isle, Passage Pommeraye and a truly unique atmosphere.
Naolib, trams, cycling and convenient urban transport.
La Baule, Pornic, Loire cruises and the Nantes vineyards.
Hellfest in Clisson, Le Voyage à Nantes, concerts, shows, festivals and major events across the Nantes area.
View the events guide →Located on the banks of the Loire, Nantes is a vibrant city combining historic heritage, contemporary creativity and an excellent quality of life. Once the capital of the Dukes of Brittany, it is as appealing for its rich history as it is for its innovative spirit.
From the historic centre to the Île de Nantes district, from the Machines of the Isle to the banks of the Erdre, every neighbourhood reveals a different atmosphere shaped by culture, nature, gastronomy and urban art.
With cultural events, waterfront walks, original experiences and remarkable heritage, Nantes has become one of the most attractive cities in western France.
From historic landmarks and creative districts to riverside walks and unique attractions, Nantes offers memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on every visitor.
The Giant Elephant and the Marine Worlds Carousel are among Nantes' most iconic attractions. A unique world where art, imagination and engineering come together.
🎟️ View the Nantes Pass
Once home to the Dukes of Brittany, this magnificent castle in the heart of Nantes offers a fascinating journey through centuries of history.
This former fishing village, famous for its colourful houses, offers one of the most charming and picturesque walks around Nantes.
Reach Trentemoult by taking the Navibus N1 from Gare Maritime. The crossing takes around 8 minutes and drops you right in the heart of the village.
📍 Departure: Gare Maritime (north bank)
📍 Arrival: Trentemoult-Sablières (south bank)
🎟️ The Navibus is part of the Naolib transport network. A standard public transport ticket is valid on the river shuttle, just like on trams and buses.
⛴️ Navibus timetable & information →
A true 19th-century architectural masterpiece, this elegant shopping arcade is one of Nantes' most beautiful and iconic landmarks.
One of France's finest botanical gardens, perfect for a peaceful break just a few minutes from the city centre.
Less than two hours from Nantes, Puy du Fou features spectacular historical shows regularly ranked among the best in the world.
🎟️ View Puy du Fou ticketsThe Naolib network makes it easy to reach the city's main neighbourhoods, the railway station, the city centre, the Machines of the Isle and many surrounding districts.
Official Naolib website →Enjoy access to more than 50 attractions, museums, tours and cruises while benefiting from unlimited public transport throughout Nantes.
🎟️ Discover the Nantes Pass →Nantes is one of France's most bike-friendly cities, with an extensive cycling network and bike stations spread across the city.
Rent a bike →The Marguerite car-sharing service lets you rent a car for a few hours or several days to explore Nantes and the surrounding region at your own pace.
Book a car →Paris, Rennes, Angers, Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast are all easily accessible thanks to the many rail connections departing from Nantes.
Book a train →Nantes Atlantique Airport offers numerous domestic and European flights throughout the year.
Flights & information →The best choice for a first visit. Close to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Passage Pommeraye, shopping streets and the city's main attractions.
The city's most modern and creative district. Perfect for staying near the Machines of the Isle, the food halls and Nantes' newest cultural venues.
Elegant and lively, this neighbourhood is known for its restaurants, terraces, opera house and beautiful historic architecture.
For a more unique experience, this colourful riverside village offers a peaceful atmosphere just a few minutes from the city centre.
A convenient area for travellers arriving by train, with easy access to the city centre, the airport and major transport connections.
Compare accommodation across Nantes' most popular neighbourhoods.
From gourmet restaurants and neighbourhood bistros to riverside terraces and iconic local venues, Nantes offers a vibrant culinary scene that perfectly reflects the city's character.
With its colourful streets and riverside terraces, Trentemoult is one of the best places around Nantes to enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner.
The gastronomic heart of Nantes. Elegant brasseries, contemporary bistros and lively terraces make Graslin one of the city's best dining destinations.
Nestled on the banks of the Erdre River, this local institution offers a peaceful setting surrounded by nature, perfect for enjoying a memorable meal.
From the Atlantic coast and seaside resorts to Loire cruises and renowned vineyards, the area around Nantes offers plenty of memorable day trips.
Stretching for nearly 9 kilometres, La Baule boasts one of Europe's most beautiful bays and is the perfect Atlantic seaside escape less than an hour from Nantes.
Its charming harbour, beaches, coastal trails and historic centre make Pornic one of the favourite getaways for locals throughout the year.
Sail between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire to discover the Loire Estuary, its unique landscapes, picturesque villages and outdoor artworks lining the riverbanks.
🚢 Book the cruise →Explore the famous Nantes wine region and discover Muscadet during a guided tour through the beautiful vineyards surrounding the city.
🍷 Explore the vineyards →Visit the cellars of Château du Bois-Huaut and enjoy a guided wine tasting to discover the signature wines of the Nantes region.
🍷 Book the visit →Beyond its heritage and culture, Nantes has a strong sporting identity shaped by its historic clubs, major events and some of western France's leading venues.
Held every year in Clisson, just outside Nantes, Hellfest is one of the world's largest music festivals and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.
🎟️ Official Hellfest websiteHBC Nantes is one of Europe's leading handball clubs. Matches at the H Arena deliver an incredible atmosphere and are among the city's top sporting events.
🤾 Discover HBC NantesOne of France's historic football clubs, FC Nantes has thrilled generations of supporters. Watching a match at La Beaujoire is a must for football fans.
🎟️ FC Nantes TicketsWomen's football continues to grow in Nantes, with the club competing at the highest national level and playing an important role in the development of the women's game.
⚽ FC Nantes WomenEvery year, thousands of runners take part in the Nantes Marathon, one of the largest running events in western France.
🏃 Official websiteFrench is the official language. English is commonly spoken at the main tourist attractions, hotels and many restaurants.
The euro (€) is used throughout Nantes. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and on public transport.
France uses Type C and Type E electrical sockets with a 230 V supply. Most European travellers will not need an adapter.
Two to three days are enough to discover the city's main districts, the Machines of the Isle, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and Nantes' iconic attractions.
From May to September, Nantes usually enjoys its most pleasant weather for outdoor walks, terraces and cultural events.
Plan on spending around €90 to €180 per day for a comfortable stay, depending on your accommodation, activities and restaurant choices.
This is Nantes' most iconic attraction. Even during a short stay, it deserves a place on your itinerary.
Trentemoult, the banks of the Erdre, the Île de Nantes and the Beaujoire Floral Park reveal very different sides of the city.
Hellfest, concerts, performances and popular experiences often sell out several weeks or even months in advance.
The Naolib network provides easy access to most neighbourhoods and attractions and is often more convenient than driving through the city centre.
The oceanic climate can be unpredictable. Even in summer, packing a lightweight waterproof jacket is a good idea.
Between the historic centre, the Machines of the Isle, Trentemoult, museums and riverside walks, two or three days allow you to enjoy the city properly.
Two to three days are ideal for discovering the city's main districts, the Machines of the Isle, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Trentemoult and Nantes' iconic attractions.
The Machines of the Isle are Nantes' signature attraction. The Giant Elephant and the Marine Worlds Carousel attract visitors from around the world every year.
From May to September, temperatures are generally pleasant and the city hosts many events, including Le Voyage à Nantes and numerous summer festivals.
Nantes is generally more affordable than Paris and many other major European cities, offering excellent value for accommodation, restaurants and transport.
The Naolib network makes it easy to travel around the city with trams, buses, self-service bicycles and other urban mobility solutions.
The historic centre, Graslin district, Île de Nantes, Trentemoult and the banks of the Erdre are among the city's most interesting areas.
The Machines of the Isle, the Jardin des Plantes, riverside walks along the Erdre and several Loire cruises are excellent family-friendly activities.
Yes. Nantes has an extensive network of cycle paths and is regularly ranked among France's most bike-friendly cities.
