What to do in Nantes: the complete guide

Nantes combines the history of the Dukes of Brittany with a city of contemporary art. To miss nothing, follow the green line painted on the ground: it links the stops of Le Voyage à Nantes on foot, from artworks to monuments.

The Château des ducs de Bretagne

Its ramparts and courtyards are free to walk around. Inside, the Nantes history museum tells the story of the city, from its port to the Atlantic slave trade. The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul is two streets away.

The Machines de l’île

Under the halls of the former shipyards, the Great Elephant carries its passengers, and the Carousel of Marine Worlds can be visited on every level. Around them, the Hangar à Bananes and Buren’s rings line the Loire.

The centre, from the Passage Pommeraye to the Jardin des Plantes

The Passage Pommeraye and its 19th century arcades, the Graslin district, the medieval Bouffay and the Jardin des Plantes, opposite the station, make a lovely day on foot.

Trentemoult, by river shuttle

With an ordinary transport ticket, the Navibus crosses the Loire to Trentemoult, a former fishing village with colourful houses. The waterside terraces face the city.

Around Nantes

The Muscadet vineyards begin at the city gates. Clisson and its castle, with their Italian air, are half an hour away, and the Loire estuary leads to Saint-Nazaire and the sea.

Where to stay in Nantes