Visit Nantes

Tasting a local specialty in Nantes—what could be better than heading to Rue Desaix? This street is mainly known for hosting the best local restaurants in the city. The uniqueness of these dishes lies in their preparation with fresh ingredients, often sourced from nearby markets. Each bite is an explosion of flavors, offering a unique blend from the Nantes region. Yum! Just imagining the beautifully presented dishes served in deep plates—perfect for holding the delicious sauces—makes our mouths water.

Place de la République and Rue des Trois Croissants are also well known for offering excellent meals. The establishments are well-maintained, and the menus change frequently to keep the selection diverse. And best of all? The prices are very affordable!

Sleeping in Nantes is not a problem. The city has numerous hotels in almost every district, ready to welcome you.

First, if you’re traveling with family and looking for spacious, welcoming, and somewhat original rooms, head to Allée Dusquesne. This area is mainly known for its prestigious and unique accommodations (we won’t spoil everything—you’ll have to discover it for yourself!) that offer great value for money.

There’s also Nantes city center, which allows you to stay close to the city’s must-see landmarks. Rue de Strasbourg, a historic district, offers rooms straight out of a fairy tale, with impeccable design and comfort.

We also have to mention Place Aristide Briand and Rue Crébillon. These centrally located areas, close to Nantes Airport, are known for their hotels where visitors rave about the absolutely divine breakfasts served there!

Nantes is a magnificent city, highly appreciated by visitors. However, if you’re naturally curious and looking for even more adventure, you should explore beyond the city.

Have you ever heard of the Guérande salt marshes? It takes about two hours by train or one hour by car from Nantes to reach them. The charming town of Guérande, home to one of the last fortified districts in all of France, is a delight to visit—especially if you venture on foot or by bike through its 50 km² of salt marshes! A unique experience that will encourage you to explore the surroundings of Nantes…

Additionally, you can visit the medieval town of Clisson. Nicknamed the “Little Tuscany” of Loire-Atlantique, it’s just a 30-minute train ride or about an hour by car from Nantes. History enthusiasts and those who love fairy-tale settings will enjoy discovering Clisson’s medieval market halls and its impressive fortress.

If you’re traveling to Nantes with your family and looking for some must-do activities that will bring you all closer together, you’ve made the right choice of destination!

First of all, Nantes is a city of a human scale, so you can easily explore it in a short time. Stroll through its historic center and try to explain to your children the different monuments you’ll come across: What are these buildings? Why were they built? What is their purpose? This will not only help your children learn more about the city of Nantes but also enrich their general knowledge. After all, cultural activities aren’t just for parents!

For some time now, the most popular attraction in Nantes is undoubtedly the one called “Les Machines de l’île.” There’s a whole story behind this giant elephant made of wood and steel. At 21 meters long, 12 meters high, and 8 meters wide, it’s an ideal (and unique, to say the least) means of transportation for visitors, both young and old!

Rain… Indeed, it’s a definite barrier when it comes to going out on the streets, visiting the city’s alleys, or relaxing on a café terrace. However, “impossible” is not Navaway! Even if the weather is a bit unpredictable, you can still venture out in the rain.

When the first drops start falling, there’s nothing better than diving into the history of the city. So, put on your raincoat and boots, and head to the Nantes Museum of Art. Located in the city center, explore the history of art by admiring works from various periods, ranging from the 13th century to the 21st century.

If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, where you’ll also learn about the city’s history, customs, and traditions, consider visiting the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. In just two hours, discover the 850 historical objects that fill and literally become part of the decor of this splendid building.

In the city of Nantes, all the neighborhoods are worth visiting. Each one offers monuments, interesting information, beautiful structures, great restaurants, and lovely squares. However, if you’re only passing through for a day and wondering which neighborhood to prioritize, we highly recommend the historic center.

The heart of the city offers a wonderful visit, with its cobbled streets and historical monuments that have shaped the history of France. Don’t forget your camera, as you’ll encounter the iconic Château des Ducs de Bretagne, as well as the stunning Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral. It’s also here that you can enter and explore the various works of the Nantes History Museum, which tells the city’s tumultuous past through its exhibitions. There’s always more to learn!

In the city center, you’ll also discover one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Nantes: the Bouffay district. It’s known for its many bars, fine dining restaurants, and souvenir shops.

If there’s one well-known and unique attraction in the city of Nantes, it’s the boat ride. Whether you want a cruise on the Erdre River or a trip from Nantes to Saint-Nazaire, both routes are available with or without a boating license and with or without a skipper. In either case, you’ll have no trouble renting a boat in the city, whether from a private owner or a professional. You’ll even have the option to choose between a traditional sailboat, a motorboat, a barge, or a rigid inflatable boat. And as a bonus, the daily rental price is much cheaper compared to other nearby French cities. Carried by the tide, let yourself be tempted by the stunning landscapes that await you…

Navaway is honest with you—finding a free parking spot in the heart of downtown Nantes is very difficult, if not impossible. However, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. In other words, there’s always an affordable parking spot waiting for you somewhere.

Park-and-ride facilities are clearly the best option for parking in the city center at an affordable price, and they’re close to the tourist monuments you’ll want to visit. These are located either on the outskirts or along the main lines that serve the city center. You’ll have no trouble finding them for around €4.50 for a full day of parking. At that price, it’s a bargain! Head toward Rue Gabriel Goudy, Route Saint-Sébastien, or Rue André Malraux.

It’s often said that a motorhome is the perfect accessory for a road trip holiday. It’s an excellent way to travel, as it serves both as transportation and a place to stay. Traveling with family makes it especially enjoyable.

In the Nantes region, it’s entirely possible to explore the city in your motorhome. To do this, it’s best to make an online reservation through a motorhome rental platform. Simply select “Nantes and surrounding areas” as your geographic zone and follow the instructions. In no time, you’ll find the perfect vehicle and the address to pick it up!

Moreover, the average price for renting a motorhome in the Nantes region is quite affordable, so don’t hesitate to seize the opportunity!

Nantes is only about two hours away from Paris, so you can catch a TGV train multiple times a day, and the journey takes just around 2 hours. If you’re coming from Lyon, expect a ride of about 4.5 hours, and from Lille, it’s roughly 4 hours.

You can also fly to Nantes, with direct flights available from major French cities like Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, and Marseille. It’s a quick and reliable way to travel, even if some still have their doubts about flying.

For road trip enthusiasts among us, you can hit the road via the A11 highway. However, do note that the drive from Paris will take at least 4 hours, so be prepared for a longer journey. Either way, getting to Nantes is pretty straightforward!

Nantes is a city of a manageable size, making it easy to get around on foot, with short distances between the various landmarks. This will give you some exercise, and the planet will thank you for it. However, the Nantes metropolitan area also offers a wide range of public transportation options: 3 tram lines, 45 bus lines, 1 airport shuttle, 3 navibus lines, 9 chronobus lines, 1 busway line, and 1 e-busway line. Suffice it to say, the public transport network allows you to travel across all the city’s neighborhoods.

A useful piece of information, especially for those doing weekend road trips: public transport (excluding the airport shuttle) is free on Saturdays and Sundays. This initiative is designed to help with purchasing power and promote environmental sustainability.

You want to visit Nantes but are wondering when is the best time to go? The months from May to October are the most favorable for pleasant temperatures. June to July marks the summer, so you’ll love strolling around the city in vacation shorts and flip-flops. It’s also the best time to swim in the areas around the city, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

From September to October, however, you can avoid the crowds of tourists that come during the summer. This makes it easier to find a hotel and more enjoyable to walk around the city without fear of being trampled. While the temperatures may cool down a bit, they remain comfortable, and the days are still sunny during the fall season.

Visiting Nantes in one day is definitely possible. The city is compact, so you can cover a lot in a short amount of time. If you’re unsure of what to prioritize for the day, don’t worry—Navaway has got you covered!

Start your day with a free guided tour organized by the “Friends of the Cathedral” association at one of Nantes’ most iconic monuments: the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral. Even if you’re not fond of churches or religious buildings in general, this one is definitely worth a visit.

Next, why not enjoy a delicious “homemade” dish at one of the city’s many restaurants? High-quality local products await you on the plate.

Finally, end your day on a luxurious note: spend a few hours at the Passage Pommeraye, a shopping gallery located near Rue Crébillon. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, wander around, and enjoy the little shops.

If you’re looking to extend your stay and enjoy Nantes for at least 48 hours over the weekend, what a wonderful idea! To start, we highly recommend visiting the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the city’s must-see landmark. Next, why not try something even more unique and unforgettable? Head to the Machines de l’île de Nantes. If you spot a giant elephant made of wood and steel strolling through the city with people inside its belly, don’t worry—it’s just one of the city’s main attractions that dazzles both young and old. Welcome to the land of dreams and giants!

For other iconic places to visit, don’t miss the Jardin des Plantes, located near the train station. This 7-hectare garden, right in the city center, is considered the green lung of Nantes. With its English-style design, you’ll love strolling through the pathways, along the streams, and past the shrubs—it’s a perfect breath of fresh air.

To wrap up your stay, what better way than to visit the Jules Verne Museum? It features free attractions inspired by the famous author’s novels.

Visiting the city of Nantes on foot is definitely possible. It’s a small city, and the cobblestone streets are particularly charming. We highly recommend booking your Nantes Pass online, which is easy to use and effective. With this pass, you’ll get free access to public transportation and all the city’s tourist sites for a duration ranging from 24 to 72 hours.

First, if you’re strolling through the historic center of the city, treat yourself to some shopping in the Bouffay district, known for its wide range of shops and boutiques. Then, just nearby, visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a vast Renaissance-style fortress (history buffs will love this) that has now been turned into a museum telling the story of the city.

Next, why not make a quick stop at the Talensac market? It’s the largest market in Nantes, offering various local products depending on the season. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore “Le Lieu Unique,” a former biscuit factory, where you can grab a drink.