Nantes travel guide

Nantes attractions

Flight deals
More flights
Hotel deals
More hotel deals
Getting around
  • Car Rental Best price guarantee from Europcar Book now
  • Airport Parking Pre-book and save up to 60%
  • Airport Transfers Save money and avoid the queues! Book now 

With a rich cultural history and a lively arts scene, Nantes is packed with things to see and places to go. Explore some of its excellent museums and marvel at its galleries, which are some of the finest in France. Don’t miss out on the city’s remarkable historic château or the ancient Bouffay area, if you’re after a quick drink.

Things to see and do in Nantes

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

Nantes excellent Natural History Museum comes complete with a live reptile enclosure, full of crocodiles and pythons. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon, and the kids will love it.

Museum of Fine Arts

Museum of Fine Arts

One of the best art collections in France, this luxurious gallery contains works by Monet, Picasso and Kandinsky, to name just a few. The space itself is also rather spectacular and is definitely worth a visit.

Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

When it comes to sightseeing, Nantes’ magnificent château should be at the top of your list. This beautiful castle is one of the city’s landmarks and is home to museum detailing Nantes’ long and interesting history.

Trentemoult

Trentemoult

This picturesque quarter of the city, complete with cosy old cottages and an artsy vibe, is a charming little town within a city. It’s a great place to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere of times gone by.

Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes

This 19th century botanical garden is one of France’s most beautiful. You’ll find flowerbeds, duck ponds and fountains, exotic plants in hothouses and a playground for the kids. A perfect tourist attraction at all times of the year.

Nightlife

Nightlife

Head out in the evening and see some of Nantes ’ lively nightlife – there’s a large student population in the city, so you won’t have to look very far for busy bars. You’ll find most of the bars and clubs concentrated in the Bouffay area, but there are also clubs to be found by the Place du Commerce.

Read more

Tips

. . .
1/3

For the beach, head to the nearby resort of La Baule, which can be easily reached by train. Its beach is a staggering 12 kilometres long and its bay is often described as one of the most beautiful in Europe.

2/3

Check out Guérande if you’re after a slice of medieval France. This town is famous for its perfectly preserved ramparts and fairytale appearance.

3/3

With its bicycle lanes and narrow streets, the best way to experience Nantes is on two wheels. Bikes can be hired throughout the city from a number of parking lots at very reasonable prices