Things to do in Nantes

Activities, attractions and tours

Nantes featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements
Nantes featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements
Nantes which includes heritage elements
Nantes which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Nantes which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
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What to do in Nantes

Popular places to visit

The Machines of the Isle of Nantes

Machines of the Isle of Nantes

You can study the exhibits at Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Nantes. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Machines of the Isle of Nantes
Following 15 years of works and three years of closure to the public, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany was reopened on 9 February 2007 and is now a popular tourist attraction. #architecture #BestOf5

Château of the Dukes of Brittany

You can find out about the history of Nantes with a visit to Château of the Dukes of Brittany. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Château of the Dukes of Brittany
A beautiful and pleasant market place in centre of Nantes #architecture

Place Royale

Learn about the local history of Nantes when you take a trip to Place Royale. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Place Royale
Pretty Nantes

Passage Pommeraye

During your trip to Nantes, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Passage Pommeraye. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Passage Pommeraye
A small waterfall in the "Jardin des Plantes" June 2017

Jardin des Plantes

Jardin des Plantes is just one of the places to see in Nantes, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Jardin des Plantes

Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire

After visiting Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nantes. Wander the parks or discover the countryside in this trendy area.

Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire

La Cité Nantes Event Center

Learn about the events happening in La Cité Nantes Event Center during your trip to Nantes. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

La Cité Nantes Event Center

Hotel Dieu Hospital

If Hotel Dieu Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Nantes.

Hotel Dieu Hospital

Stade de la Beaujoire

Catch an event at Stade de la Beaujoire during your trip to Nantes. Stroll along the waterfront or discover the countryside in this trendy area.

Stade de la Beaujoire

Areas of Nantes

Place Royal in the center of Nantes France on a hot day. ; Shutterstock ID 457417078

Nantes Centre

4.5/5(59 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Nantes Centre for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Place Royale and Bouffay Square. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Commerce Tram Stop.

Nantes Centre
23/08/2012

Hauts-Paves - Saint-Felix

4/5(1 area review)

Hauts-Paves - Saint-Felix is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Japanese Garden and BabyBob.

Hauts-Paves - Saint-Felix
Port du canal Saint-Félix, Fr-44-Nantes.

Madeleine-Champ de Mars

Visitors to Madeleine-Champ de Mars enjoy its historical sites, and if you want to do some exploring, Le Lieu Unique is worth a stop.

Madeleine-Champ de Mars
This building is inscrit au titre des Monuments Historiques. It is indexed in the Base Mérimée, a database of architectural heritage maintained by the French Ministry of Culture, under the reference PA00108672 .

Gloriette - Feydeau

While there might not be top attractions in Gloriette - Feydeau, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Passage Pommeraye and Place Royale.

Gloriette - Feydeau
On the top of the defence walls of the chateau

Decré-Cathédrale

5/5(1 area review)

Historical sites and bars are highlights of Decré-Cathédrale. Make a stop by Château of the Dukes of Brittany or Place du Marechal Foch while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Commerce Tram Stop to get around town.

Decré-Cathédrale
Pretty Nantes

Graslin - Commerce

Graslin - Commerce is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Passage Pommeraye and Place Royale.

Graslin - Commerce
Photo aérienne de la ville de Carquefou, en Loire Atlantique

Carquefou

Vue aérienne de la ville de Rezé en Loire Atlantique

Reze

Pont-autoroute de l'Erdre et port des Charettes

La Chapelle-sur-Erdre

Frequently asked questions

Is Nantes worth visiting?
With a mix of festivals and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in Nantes. When you're here, head to Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nantes?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes and Château de la Gournerie. Then, explore different parts of Nantes for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nantes?
You can't leave without visiting Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, rated the top tourist attraction in Nantes.
Is three days enough to stay in Nantes?
Three days in Nantes is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers book for two days on average. Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, Château de la Gournerie and Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Bouguenais.
Is Nantes a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to do and see in Nantes. Several top attractions, such as Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes and Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Nantes's best neighbourhoods, Nantes Centre is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Graslin - Commerce is 0.80 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Nantes with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all the family, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Nantes with kids.

What to do in Nantes for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Nantes, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Domaine du Moulin or Zenith de Nantes.
Are there free things to do in Nantes?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Nantes. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

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