Top 3 events in Nantes

What’s going on in the events calendar in Nantes?

Even though the big events set the pace in the city, small and medium-sized one-off events take place every week. Sometimes you’ll need to pay a bit of attention to spot them. These unusual and often short-lived highlights take place every year to surprise the people of Nantes and travellers passing through.

Generally speaking, sporting events, and more particularly nautical ones, are at the top of the list of Nantes’ festivities.

Then there are concerts and music festivals galore. Art is also central to the programme. This is followed by vegetation events and, finally, gastronomy. The latter will give you the chance to sample (yet again) savoury and, above all, sweet specialities, while allowing you to be surprised by the culinary innovations.

It’s up to you to adapt your choice according to your mood!

Our selection of recurring events

Are you planning a trip to Nantes? The cultural programme can change completely from one year to the next. Once you’re there, be sure to push open the doors or ask your hotel reception for current recommendations.

1 Le Voyage à Nantes

Date or period: For two months, in summer

Access: Free

Description: Every summer since 2011, Le Voyage à Nantes has been taking over several parts of the city with ephemeral and unusual artistic and architectural events. A route is thus created through the city, punctuated by works each more astonishing than the last! It’s a unique and extravagant cultural event that will give you a chance to discover the city of Nantes from a different angle!

2. Les Rendez-vous de l’Erdre

Date or period: Between August and September

Access: Free

Description: This is a festival of jazz music and pleasure along the Erdre in Nantes. As well as in several towns along this river which flows into the Loire. There are plenty of concerts and nautical stages on offer for all to enjoy, for evenings of dreamlike music. This is your chance to discover Nantes in a magical and unusual setting!

3. The Nantes Carnival

Date or period: Every year, between late March and early April

Access: Free

Description: Join the people of Nantes for the 2nd biggest carnival in France! A cult springtime event, attracting over 200,000 spectators for centuries. On the programme: the daytime parade (of course), entertainment, a children’s ball and a night-time parade. And it’s all taking place in the city centre, so there’s plenty to get excited about.

Good to know: Just before the start of the event, you can visit the workshops where the fantastic machines in the parade are made. Meet the magic designers and meet the Carnival Queens!