The 5 most beautiful villages around Nantes to discover this autumn

Nantes is a dynamic, cultural city with plenty to offer in terms of leisure activities and discoveries. But if you fancy a change of scenery and some autumn colours, you can also explore the villages around Nantes.

These villages are jewels of greenery, where you can admire the region’s heritage, nature and gastronomy. Here is our selection of the 5 most beautiful villages to visit around Nantes this autumn.

What are the most beautiful villages to visit around Nantes?

1. Trentemoult

Trentemoult is an old fishing village on the left bank of the Loire, 15 minutes from Nantes. It’s a colourful village that has retained its old-world charm, with colourfully painted wooden houses, flower-filled alleyways and moored boats.

You can stroll through the village, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its history, culture and traditions. You can also enjoy the view over Nantes and the Ile de Nantes, home to the famous mechanical elephant.

2. Torfou

Torfou is a village 40 km from Nantes, in the Vendée bocage. It is a village steeped in history, and was the scene of a battle between the Republicans and the Royalists during the Vendée War in 1793.

You can visit the memorial to the Battle of Torfou, which recounts the events and characters of that era. You can also admire the village’s heritage, including the Romanesque church, the Château de la Flocellière and the windmill.

3. Champtoceaux

Champtoceaux is a village 30 km from Nantes, on the right bank of the Loire. It’s a village perched on a rocky promontory, offering panoramic views of the river and vineyards. Here you will discover the remains of the Château de Champtoceaux, which was an impregnable fortress in the Middle Ages and was destroyed by Richelieu in the 17th century. You can also enjoy water-based activities such as cruising, canoeing or fishing.

4. Clisson

Clisson is a village 35 km from Nantes, in the valley of the Sèvre Nantaise. The village has an air of Tuscany about it, with its Italian-inspired architecture, stone bridges and Italian-style gardens. You’ll visit the Château de Clisson, once the home of the Lords of Clisson, now a cultural venue hosting exhibitions and concerts. Stroll through the village, which has retained its medieval charm, with half-timbered houses, covered market and Gothic church.

5. Oudon

Oudon is a village 25 km from Nantes on the left bank of the Loire, which has retained its authenticity, with its port, wash-house and bread oven. Discover the medieval tower of Oudon, which dominates the village and offers a breathtaking view of the Loire, as well as the Musée de la Marine de Loire, which presents the history and traditions of the sailors. You can also take a traditional boat trip on the river.

These villages around Nantes are ideal destinations for recharging your batteries and discovering the charm of the Nantes countryside. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet, culture or nature, you’re bound to find a destination to suit you. If you want to extend your stay, you can also visit the other wonders of the region, such as the Brière regional nature park, the Marais Poitevin and the Puy du Fou.