Travel and visit
Nantes is a city of western France famed for its
quality of life. Settled on the banks of the mighty
Loire River, 50 km from the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a kind
of ‘surf and turf’ city that links bountiful
agricultural lands with coastal areas. Named after a
tribe of Ancient Gaul, it’s almost an understatement to
say that the city has a long history. From the Place du
Bouffay (Bouffay Square) in Old Nantes to the Castle of
the Dukes of Brittany to the Passage Pommeraye,
historical landmarks abound in the city center.
Labeled a European Green Capital in 2013, Nantes is also
home to lively art, culture and dining scenes. The
Muscadet white wine produced here is a perfect match to
the seafood caught along the neighboring coast. The
bygone industrial heritage of the city can still be seen
in the Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a splendid
family-friendly attraction boasting undeniable
creativity. Home city of Jules Verne, one of the most
popular French science fiction writers, Nantes has a lot
to seduce and surprise you.
Things to do in Nantes
Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany)
Considered one of Nantes’ most important landmarks, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) has been a listed Historic Monument since 1862. Built by the last Duke of Brittany, François II, in the late 15th century, the castle is now home to the Museum of the History of Nantes (Musée d’Histoire de Nantes).
Machines of the Isle (Les Machines de L'ile)
Free admission
Whether you’re climbing aboard a life-size mechanical
elephant, riding on a carousel of fantastical sea
creatures, or operating a flying machine, a visit to Les
Machines de L'île is probably unlike anything you’ve
experienced before. Inspired by the creations of
novelist Jules Verne, Nantes’ flagship attraction is fun
for all ages.
Boissière du Doré Zoo (Zoo de la Boissière du Doré)
Founded in 1984 and located 45 minutes from Nantes, the
Zoo de la Boissière du Doré is home to over 800 animals
and 70 different species, from giraffes to panthers to
blue poison dart frogs. A popular destination for
families, this conservation center and zoo gives
visitors the chance to learn about wildlife from around
the world.
All about Nantes
When to
visit
Nantes is most popular in summer. It’s when tourists
flock to landmarks such as the Château des ducs de
Bretagne, head beyond city limits to the Brittany coast,
and attend events such as the Summer Hours Festival
(Festival aux Heures d’Été), which brings a wide-ranging
program of concerts, screenings, and other performances
to the city. To discover the university city’s scholarly
side, visiting in autumn is also a pleasant and
comfortable time to explore.
Getting around
Nantes is accessible by mainline trains from Paris via
the Nantes Station (Gare de Nantes), and the Nantes
Atlantique Airport connects the city to domestic and
international destinations. Nantes itself operates a
tram system, multiple bus routes, and an airport
shuttle. Otherwise, Nantes is eminently walkable (its
medieval Bouffay district is best explored on foot), and
is also bike-friendly.
Traveler tips
The people of Nantes are food lovers, and one of the
best places to discover the city’s gastronomic side is
in the covered Marché de Talensac, which dates to the
1930s. Inside, visitors can browse produce stalls; shop
for cheese, meat, and freshly caught seafood; or visit
the small cafés and bars nearby, which offer an easy way
to indulge in all that fresh and local fare.