Travel Guide of Nantes in France by Influencers and Travelers
Nantes is a city in Loire-Atlantique on the Loire, 50 km from the Atlantic coast. The city is the sixth-largest in France, with a population of 303,382 in Nantes and a metropolitan area of nearly 950,000 inhabitants.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Nantes
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1 - Château des ducs de Bretagne
The Château des ducs de Bretagne is a large castle located in the city of Nantes in the Loire-Atlantique département of France; it served as the centre of the historical province of Brittany until its separation in 1956.
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2 - Jules Verne Museum
The Musée Jules Verne is a museum dedicated to the French writer Jules Verne. It is located in the city of Nantes, France, and was opened in 1978 to mark the 150th anniversary of Verne's birth.
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3 - Indoor activities in Nantes
7 km away
Experience a unique virtual reality adventure in the heart of Nantes! Visit Virtual Room, the first collaborative virtual reality room! Located in Nantes, Virtual Room offers you the Press Start adventure, an exclusive VR scenario. Difficulty level: ...
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4 - Passage Pommeraye
The Passage Pommeraye is a small shopping mall in central Nantes, France, named after its property developer, Louis Pommeraye. Construction started at the end of 1840 and was completed on 4 July 1843.
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5 - Nantes Cathedral
Nantes Cathedral, or the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes, is a Roman Catholic church located in Nantes, Pays de la Loire, France. The cathedral is in the Gothic architectural tradition.
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6 - Escape Game in Nantes
8 km away
Why settle for a room for an escape game when Escape The City offers immersive outdoor adventures in which the city itself becomes the escape game? Come and take part in this unique escape game in the Loire-Atlantique region and make the city of Nant...
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7 - Machines of the Isle of Nantes
The Machines of the Isle of Nantes is an artistic, touristic and cultural project based in Nantes, France. In the old covered buildings of the former shipyards in Nantes that were at one time used for ship construction, and later used as business sites, the Machines of the Isle are created by two artists, François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice.
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8 - Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes
The tomb of Francis II, Duke of Brittany is a monument located in Nantes, in the Cathedral of St. Peter. The project was commissioned by Anne of Brittany, Queen of France, who was the daughter of Francis and his second wife Margaret of Foix, who is also depicted beside Francis.
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9 - Virtual Reality in Nantes
7 km away
45 minutes of immersive, collaborative adventure await you at Virtual Room Nantes, just a stone's throw from Ile Beaulieu. Suitable for small groups of 2 to 4 players, the "Asterix: Mission Potions" game will plunge you into the heart ...
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10 - La Martinière
10 km away
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11 - Katedralo de Nantes
8 km away
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12 - Canopy Tours in Nantes
10 km away
Set off on an adventure during a tree climbing session in Nantes! Young and old, the tree courses are just waiting for you! Located in Nantes, Accrocamp is accessible by bike, car and public transport. When you arrive at Accrocamp, you'll be greeted ...
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13 - La Psalette
8 km away
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14 - Cours Cambronne
7 km away
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15 - Carquefou
16 km away
Carquefou is a commune in the Loire-Atlantique, department in the region Pays de la Loire, in western France.
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16 - Clisson
32 km away
Clisson, is a commune in the Loire-Atlantique département in Pays de la Loire in western France. It is situated at the confluence of the Sèvre Nantaise and the Moine 17 miles southeast of Nantes.
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17 - Pornic
36 km away
Pornic is a commune in the Loire-Atlantique département, in South-Eastern Brittany, in western France. In 1973 the commune of Pornic absorbed the neighbouring municipalities of Sainte-Marie-sur-Mer and Clion-sur-Mer, whose inhabitants were called respectively Sanmaritains and Clionnais.
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18 - Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef
37 km away
Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef is a commune in the Loire-Atlantique department in western France.
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Pictures and Stories of Nantes from Influencers
13 pictures of Nantes from Elsa Noblet, louis tricot, Antoine Julien and other travelers
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Why should you visit Nantes ?
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🏘️ Town 🗼 LandmarkHow to visit Nantes ?
Why traveling to Nantes?
Nantes, the capital of the Pays de la Loire region in western France, is a vibrant and culturally rich city with a thriving arts scene, historic landmarks, and lush green spaces. As the birthplace of Jules Verne, the city has a strong connection to literature and imagination, which is evident in attractions such as Les Machines de l'île and the Jules Verne Museum. Nantes also boasts a rich history, from its medieval castle to its stunning Gothic cathedral.
How to get there?
Nantes is easily accessible from major European cities by plane, train, or car. Nantes Atlantique Airport is just 20 minutes from the city center and offers numerous domestic and international flights. For those traveling by train, Nantes is well connected to the French railway network with TGV high-speed trains from Paris taking about 2 hours. If you prefer to drive, the city is well connected to the French highway system, with major routes like A11 and A83 leading directly to Nantes.
What to book in advance?
To make the most of your trip to Nantes, it's best to book some attractions in advance. Purchase tickets for popular attractions like Les Machines de l'île and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne to avoid long queues. Additionally, consider booking a guided walking tour or bike tour to explore the city's hidden gems and learn about its history from a local perspective. If you plan to attend any cultural events or performances, be sure to book tickets in advance as well.
What are the costs?
Nantes is relatively affordable compared to other major French cities. Expect to spend around €50-€100 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing. Mid-range hotels and restaurants offer good value for money. Public transportation is efficient and economical with a one-day unlimited transport pass costing €5.80.
What are the best things to do?
- Explore the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a medieval castle that houses the Nantes History Museum
- Discover the imaginative world of Les Machines de l'île, a unique artistic project featuring mechanical creatures
- Visit the impressive Gothic-style Nantes Cathedral
- Stroll through the beautiful Jardin des Plantes, a lush botanical garden
- Learn about the life and works of Jules Verne at the Jules Verne Museum
Where to eat?
1. La Cigale: A historic brasserie offering traditional French cuisine in a stunning Art Nouveau setting.
2. Le Reflet: A unique dining experience that employs people with disabilities, serving delicious homemade dishes.
3. Les Chants d'Avril: A cozy bistro offering a menu of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
Where to stay?
1. Oceania Hôtel de France: A stylish and comfortable 4-star hotel located in the heart of Nantes.
2. Radisson Blu Hotel Nantes: A modern hotel set in a historic building, offering excellent amenities and a convenient location.
3. La Pérouse: A contemporary boutique hotel with unique design elements, situated close to the city center.
Off the beaten path
For a truly unusual experience, visit the Village de Trentemoult, a colorful and charming former fishing village located just a short ferry ride across the Loire River from Nantes. Wander the narrow streets, admire the brightly painted houses, and enjoy a meal at one of the local waterfront restaurants. This hidden gem offers a taste of authentic local life away from the tourist crowds.
Learn More about Nantes
Nantes is a city in the west of France, located on the banks of the Loire River, 31 miles (50 km) from the Atlantic Ocean. The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is the major attraction in the historical center of the city, in a pleasant area for walking, dominated by the presence of the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral. The 13th century fortified palace is located in the old town, it is hard not to notice its ramparts and imposing towers. For 300 years, the castle was the residence of dukes and then became a royal castle in the 16th century. Around the Place Royale and its elaborate dimensions, 19th century architecture predominates, wonderfully illustrated by the Passage Pommeraye, symbol of modernity. This 19th century shopping mall is ideal for shopping, but also for admiring its pre-Renaissance architecture and glass roof. True curiosities of the city, the articulated machines of the island of Nantes, inspired by the writings of Jules Verne and the machines of Leonardo da Vinci, such as the enormous mechanical elephant, bring an artistic touch to the urban renewal of Nantes, you absolutely must make a tour on the island of Nantes during your stay. If you want to relax in a green space while being in the city center, the Jardin des Plantes de Nantes is ideal, with 10,000 species on 17 acres (7 hectares). The Palm House is a fabulous greenhouse, home to plants from tropical America, while other greenhouses house plants from Africa and Asia. Many cultural visits are proposed in Nantes, the Natural History Museum, the Printing Museum, the Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery, the visit of the Cathedral of Nantes, you will not have time to get bored. Nantes is a city to discover if you are in the region, to enjoy the typical French architecture and its many activities.
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Where to Stay in Nantes
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