What to do in Nantes ?

- The Bouffay district This district is an absolute must if you’re sightseeing in Nantes. We recommend you wander wherever the wind takes you, strolling as you please in this historic district where traces of the Middle Ages can still be seen in abundance on the timber-frame façades. You can see them at the Maison de la Poésie on Place du Change and near Saint-Pierre gate, a vestige of the fortified town. The Bouffay district is also a hotspot for bars and restaurants where you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying drinks or a good meal at the end of the day.
- The Maillé-Brézé You cannot say you know Nantes unless you’re familiar with its shipyards and maritime history. The Maillé-Brézé warship, once the star of the French Navy, is now a museum that offers insight into day-to-day life on a vessel during the Cold War. Would-be sailors, take note!
- The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul A shining example of the city’s rich cultural heritage is, of course the Nantes Cathedral. This impressive building’s Gothic architecture dates from the 15th century. Its first stone was laid in 1434, but the construction work didn’t end until... 1893! The cathedral has been temporarily closed to the public since it fell victim to fire in 2020. Pending its reopening, you can still admire it from the outside and visit the exhibition installed on the courtyard to find out more about the ongoing refurbishment work.
- The Pommeraye arcade The Passage Pommeraye is another of Nantes’ architectural gems. This beautiful arcade covered by an enormous glass roof was built in 1843! It has been a source of inspiration for many artists, including the comic artist, Tardi (La Véritable Histoire du Soldat Inconnu), and the great Agnès Varda. Maybe it’ll inspire you too!
- The Japanese Garden on the Island of Versailles Travel to Japan on a manmade island along the Erdre river in the Heart of Nantes. The 1.7-hectare Island of Versailles was created in 1831 and transformed into a Japanese garden from 1983 onwards. Rock gardens, waterfalls and a zen garden are among its features, inviting visitors to take a break in a serene environment between sightseeing sessions!
- Star-gazing at the Planetarium Who wouldn’t be spellbound by this voyage to the stars and the Milky Way? Astronomy fans, don’t miss this chance to visit Nantes Planetarium! Beneath its dome, you’ll be totally immersed in an exploration that reveals all sorts of things you didn’t know about the stars and the planets of our solar system! An absolute must for all ages, from 7 to 77!
- The Natural History Museum If you’re planning to visit a museum or two, head for the Natural History Museum of Nantes, one of the most reputed in France, where the multiple collections cover every aspect of natural history. General zoology, regional wildlife and mineralogy are just a few examples.

- Explore the Castle of the Duke of Brittany, an Iconic Landmark in Nantes The Castle of the Duke of Brittany stands in the city's historic centre, and is an unmissable site on the Nantes itinerary. You can admire the impressive fortress from the outside, along its 500-metre wall walk. The moat and ramparts offer visitors a panoramic view over the city, and beckon you inside to discover a magnificent palace of pre-Renaissance inspiration. Within the castle walls you'll find the History Museum of Nantes, which reveals all the key events that have shaped the very soul of this city.
- Follow the Green Trail to discover the City. You won't miss anything on the Nantes Voyage Trail when you follow the green line on the ground, an expansive sightseeing itinerary covering some twenty kilometres. Expect to see historic alleys, works of art, key heritage sites of Nantes, incredible viewpoints from which to admire the city, and much more. The route is designed in about sixty stages, a great opportunity to wander without ever getting lost, as long as you stick to the green line!
- Ride on one of the giant mechanical creatures at Les Machines de l’Île Inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci and created by François Delarozière and Pierre Oredice, the colossal mechanical animals of Les Machines de l’Île can be seen at the Parc des Chantiers, a site once occupied by the shipyards. From a giant ant to a mechanical spider and even a heron, the machines increase in number every year. But the main attraction remains the 12-metre-tall Giant Elephant! Visitors can see the trumpeting elephant blow water from its trunk and, better yet, take a ride on its back or inside its belly, for an outrageous 30-minute experience!
- A walk along the Loire embankment The banks of the Loire bring tranquillity to the city of Nantes. They offer a natural backdrop to your well-deserved break or a bucolic walk. The abundant green spaces make for ideal picnic spots, joggers and walkers can follow the river, and the café terraces beckon you to stop for a drink with a view of the Loire.
- Visit Le Lieu Unique, a culture centre housed in a former Lu biscuit factory This cultural arts centre was established in 2000 within the city's iconic Lu Tower, which was built in 1909 and offers stunning views of Nantes. This former biscuit factory has transformed into a hub of creativity, serving as a venue for exhibitions, shows, and festivals. Additionally, it features a bar, a restaurant, a bookshop, a hammam, and even a nursery! Definitely a must-see!
- A creative overnight stay in an artist’s room Fancy spending the night in a work of art? This quirky accommodation collection has been created in Nantes by some twenty artists! Take your pick between a night perched high in the ‘Villa Cheminée’, squeezed between two buildings in a gap converted by Myrtille Drouet into a ‘Micr’Home’, or dreaming of adventures out at sea in what was once a Parisian tourist river boat. Do any of these experiences tempt you?
- Cruising on the Loire estuary and its tributaries For sailors and water lovers, a cruise on the Loire estuary or its tributaries, the rivers Erdre and Sèvre, is a must! Opt for a narrated/guided cruise to learn all about the history of Nantes or rent a boat if you want to drift wherever the fancy takes you! For a sporting challenge, you can opt for a kayak, canoe or paddleboard!
- Hiking in the Nantes vineyards How about going off the beaten track to see the vineyards around Nantes? You can explore by minivan or by bike, while hiking enthusiasts can take to the trails to visit the winegrowers of the Loire region between Nantes and Clisson. This is also your chance to admire the Nantes region’s beautiful countryside. Don’t miss the Porte-Vue, a panoramic lookout point built by the architect Emmanuel Ritz. Perched 40 metres above the ground, it offers stunning views over the vineyards and the surrounding area. You’ll find it in the village of Château-Thébaut.