Nantes, France Travel Guide

Discover Nantes: A fusion of historical charm and modern innovation in the heart of the Loire Valley, offering captivating art, rich history, and vibrant local culture.

Nantes, nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, is a city that subtly blends the charm of its historical past with a vibrant, modern culture. Once the capital of the Duchy of Brittany, Nantes is now a bustling metropolis known for its rich history, architectural marvels, and innovative art scenes. Start your journey at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a striking castle that showcases the city's medieval heritage. Wander through its courtyards and explore the Nantes History Museum to get a sense of the city's storied past. Just a short walk away, you'll find the magnificent Nantes Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that took over 400 years to complete. Art enthusiasts will be captivated by the Île de Nantes, a revitalized former industrial area now brimming with contemporary art installations, including the awe-inspiring Les Machines de l'île. Here, you can ride a gigantic mechanical elephant and marvel at the intricate, whimsical creations that blur the line between art and engineering. Nature lovers will find solace in the Jardin des Plantes, a lush botanical garden perfect for a peaceful stroll. For a taste of local life, head to the vibrant Talensac Market, where you can sample regional delicacies such as Muscadet wine and fresh seafood. Nantes is also a hub for innovative cuisine, with numerous restaurants offering a fusion of traditional French dishes and modern culinary techniques. Be sure to try the local specialty, the gâteau nantais, a delicious rum-soaked almond cake. With its mix of historical landmarks, cutting-edge art, and vibrant local culture, Nantes is a city that invites you to explore and discover its many treasures.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nantes.

Buy a Nantes Pass for free access to many attractions and unlimited public transport.
Visit Les Machines de l'île early to avoid long lines, especially during weekends.
Try to visit the Talensac Market in the morning for the freshest produce and seafood.
Explore the city by bike; Nantes has an extensive network of cycling paths.
Take a boat tour along the Loire River for a unique perspective of the city.

Neighbourhoods in Nantes

Talensac

Île de Nantes

Bouffay

Graslin

Quartier de la Création

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Nantes

Explore Nantes: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Nantes

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Les Machines de l'Île

Explore the enchanting world of Les Machines de l'île in Nantes, where art meets engineering in a spectacular display of creativity and imagination.

4.6

Château des ducs de Bretagne

Explore the Château des Ducs de Bretagne: A historical gem in Nantes showcasing rich heritage, stunning architecture, and captivating exhibitions.

4.5

Botanical Garden

Discover the lush beauty of Nantes' Botanical Garden, a serene escape filled with diverse plant species and stunning landscapes for nature enthusiasts.

4.7

Île de Versailles

Explore the tranquil beauty of Île de Versailles in Nantes, a stunning city park and botanical garden perfect for relaxation and nature lovers.

4.5

Best landmarks in Nantes

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Les Machines de l'Île

Explore the imaginative realm of Les Machines de l'île, where art and engineering create a whimsical experience in Nantes.

4.6

Château des ducs de Bretagne

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a must-visit castle and museum in Nantes, France.

4.5

Botanical Garden

Discover the enchanting beauty of Nantes' Botanical Garden, a serene escape filled with diverse flora, peaceful pathways, and rich cultural experiences.

4.7

Passage Pommeraye

Experience the exquisite charm of Passage Pommeraye, a historic shopping arcade in Nantes, blending stunning architecture with unique boutiques.

4.6

Best restaurants in Nantes

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La Cigale

Discover La Cigale in Nantes - where exquisite French cuisine meets historic elegance in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.1

Prison Du Bouffay - Restaurant et Grillades 7/7

Discover exquisite barbecue and traditional French cuisine at Prison Du Bouffay in Nantes—a culinary experience steeped in local history.

4.1

La Cantine Du Curé

Experience exquisite French cuisine and delightful crepes at La Cantine Du Curé in Nantes - a must-visit for food lovers.

4.4

Les Fils À Maman Nantes Bouffay

Experience delightful French cuisine at Les Fils À Maman Nantes Bouffay - where nostalgia meets modern dining in the heart of Nantes.

4.3

Best bars in Nantes

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Gigg's Irish Pub

Discover Gigg's Irish Pub in Nantes: A lively spot for authentic Irish food, craft beers, and vibrant entertainment, perfect for an unforgettable night out.

4.4

Fleming's Irish Pub - Bar à Whisky

Discover the lively atmosphere and extensive whisky selection at Fleming's Irish Pub, Nantes' premier Irish bar for music, drinks, and fun.

4.3

Peter Mc Cool Graslin - Irish Pub

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Peter Mc Cool Graslin, Nantes' favorite Irish pub, offering delicious food and drinks in a cozy setting.

4.2

Le Labo

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Nantes at Le Labo, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Nantes

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Le Marlowe

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Nantes at Le Marlowe, where music, dance, and excitement come together in an unforgettable atmosphere.

3.3

New Factory

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Nantes at New Factory, a premier night club and bar known for its electrifying atmosphere and eclectic music.

3.3

The Loft - Nightclub

Discover the dynamic nightlife of Nantes at The Loft, where music, drinks, and unforgettable moments come together in a vibrant setting.

3.0

Club CO2 Origin

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Club CO2 Origin in Nantes, where electrifying music and an energetic atmosphere await party enthusiasts.

3.6

Best shops in Nantes

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Passage Pommeraye

Experience the charm of Passage Pommeraye, Nantes' historic shopping arcade, where architecture meets unique retail therapy.

4.6

Centre Commercial Beaulieu

Explore the vibrant Centre Commercial Beaulieu in Nantes, where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.0

Galeries Lafayette

Discover unparalleled shopping at Galeries Lafayette in Nantes, where fashion meets sophistication in a breathtaking setting.

4.0

Nature and Discoveries

Discover eco-friendly gifts and unique treasures at Nature and Discoveries in Nantes, a charming gift shop celebrating nature and creativity.

4.4

Explore Nantes on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Nantes, mapped for you.

Nantes Essentials

Nantes is accessible by various means. Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) is the primary international gateway, located about 10 kilometers southwest of the city center. The airport is well-connected to major European cities. From the airport, you can reach the city center via taxi, shuttle bus, or tram. Additionally, Nantes is a major railway hub with frequent TGV high-speed trains connecting to Paris and other French cities. If you prefer driving, Nantes is conveniently located near major highways like the A11 from Paris and the A83 from Bordeaux.
Nantes boasts an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and bicycles. TAN (Transports de l'Agglomération Nantaise) operates three tram lines and numerous bus routes that cover the city and its suburbs. Purchasing a day pass or a multi-day pass can be cost-effective for tourists. Nantes also has a bike-sharing program called Bicloo, which is a convenient way to explore the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available. For those who prefer driving, car rentals are accessible, but parking in the city center can be challenging.
The currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Nantes, and most of them accept international cards. Contactless payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also increasingly popular.
Nantes is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it's wise to take standard precautions. Be cautious in crowded areas like train stations and tourist spots to avoid pickpocketing. The neighborhoods of Malakoff and Dervallières have higher crime rates; it's best to avoid these areas, especially at night. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Nantes has several hospitals, including the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nantes, which provides 24-hour emergency services. Pharmacies are widespread, and many have on-call services during nights and weekends. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, as the French appreciate a sense of style. Avoid overly casual wear like flip-flops and shorts unless you're at the beach. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and being quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket when boarding trams and buses, and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Bonjour' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'galettes' and 'muscadet' wine. Don’t rush through your meal; dining is a leisurely experience in France.
To experience Nantes like a local, visit the Talensac Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Île de Nantes, where you can see the whimsical Machines of the Isle of Nantes. Engage with locals in the many cafés and bistros; they are often friendly and willing to share tips about the best places to visit. Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat ride on the Erdre River, which offers a unique perspective of the city.

When is the best time to visit Nantes?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Nantes

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Nantes. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byan. ay voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh se-koor]
- Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay voo zahng]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah po-leece]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zahsh-tay...]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shay]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhruh eh-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tun uhruh]
- Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay dem-ee]
- MorningMatin
  [ma-tan]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kat-ruh]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [sept]
- 8Huit
  [wheet]
- 9Neuf
  [nurf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
  [oo eh luh/lah]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel eh lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mon-tray (sur lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh pro-shahn (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Nantes

Nantes, originally known as Condevincum, was founded by the Gallic tribe of the Namnetes around 70 B.C. The city became an important outpost for the Roman Empire by the 1st century A.D., serving as a strategic hub for trade and military movements. Roman influence can still be seen in the remnants of roads and aqueducts that once connected Nantes to other key cities in the region.
During the Middle Ages, Nantes rose to prominence as the capital of the Duchy of Brittany. The construction of the impressive Château des Ducs de Bretagne began in the late 15th century under Duke Francis II and his daughter Anne of Brittany. This castle served as both a defensive fortress and a luxurious residence, symbolizing the power and wealth of the duchy. The medieval period also saw the establishment of the city's first cathedral, dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
One of the most significant events in Nantes' history is the signing of the Edict of Nantes in 1598 by King Henry IV of France. This edict granted substantial rights to the Huguenots, the French Protestants, and marked an important step towards religious tolerance in France. The Edict of Nantes brought an end to the violent Wars of Religion and allowed Nantes to flourish as a center of commerce and culture.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Nantes became one of France's leading ports, playing a critical role in the Atlantic slave trade. Ships from Nantes would travel to Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean, trading goods such as sugar, coffee, and slaves. The wealth generated from this trade spurred the city's growth and led to the construction of elegant mansions and public buildings, many of which can still be seen today in the historic center.
The French Revolution brought significant upheaval to Nantes. The city was a stronghold of the revolutionary fervor, but it also faced internal conflict and violence, particularly during the War in the Vendée, a royalist uprising. The infamous 'Drownings at Nantes' saw mass executions by drowning, ordered by the Revolutionary Committee, as a means of suppressing counter-revolutionary forces. This period left a lasting impact on the city and its inhabitants.
The 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of rapid industrialization for Nantes. The city became a center for shipbuilding, food processing, and machinery manufacturing. The arrival of the railway further boosted economic development. This era also saw significant urban expansion and modernization, including the construction of new neighborhoods, public parks, and the iconic Passage Pommeraye, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade.
Nantes was occupied by German forces during World War II and suffered considerable damage from Allied bombings. The city played a significant role in the French Resistance, with many locals participating in anti-German activities. After the war, Nantes underwent extensive reconstruction to repair the damage and modernize its infrastructure. This period of rebuilding laid the foundation for the city's contemporary landscape.
In recent decades, Nantes has reinvented itself as a vibrant cultural and artistic hub. The city has embraced its maritime heritage with the development of the Île de Nantes, a large urban renewal project that includes the Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a unique artistic and tourist attraction featuring giant mechanical animals. Nantes is also known for its active cultural scene, with numerous festivals, museums, and theaters contributing to its reputation as a dynamic and innovative city.