Cultural tour of Nantes

Before dropping off your luggage for these next few days at Lieu Dit, we highly recommend picking up your audio guide and interactive map to make your way around the city more easily. This trendy, festive and surprising establishment is in the perfect location right in the centre of Nantes, making it the ideal place to stay for a few nights. A stay here is all about comfort and sustainability. 

For the first part of this morning in Nantes, make your way to the Jardin des Plantes, a haven of greenery in the city centre with contemporary art on display.

After this first exploration of nature, head to the Musée d’Art de Nantes and marvel at the incredible works of art. Speaking of art, Nantes ici Nantes provides an opportunity to admire artworks of impressive sizes right in the middle of the train centre.

For lunch, we recommend Chez Maman with a great atmosphere, and cosy, retro-style decoration.

In the afternoon, don’t miss these two must-sees: the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Musée d’Histoire de Nantes. This château has started up many a debate as to the Breton origins of the city, and it is also a place where you can witness several centuries of history. The museum provides information about various historic events and people who have left their mark on Nantes and France, including the famous ‘Edict of Nantes’. 

Just a few minutes’ walk away from the museum, you'll come across another permanent artwork from Voyage à Nantes: Feydball. This original concept combines sport and art on a football pitch with extraordinary geometrical lines. After scoring a few goals, go for a stroll around the narrow streets in this district and admire the shop fronts that have been redesigned by artists.

If you’ve still got some energy left, don’t miss the Feydeau district which still boasts its original charm. Feydeau island is a surprising urban island perched on the water, a city-centre island with lavish architecture that serves as a reminder of the wealth of the maritime trade ship-owners who lived there in the 18th century.

There is a magnificent bronze sculpture called Eloge du pas de côté nearby! Take a moment to admire this moving artwork. 

For dinner, the pizzeria Gasparelli in the Lieu Dit district is a safe bet, with a menu that changes regularly and fresh products guaranteed!

For this second day, head to the Isle of Nantes, a former maritime trade district that has now been transformed into a place where you’ll come across huge, elegant and intriguing machines. To experience both street art and contemporary art, keep your eyes peeled as you step back into your childhood and wonder at the Great Elephant and other machines. 

While you’re on the island, head to the Sidras Bar, a cider bar at the foot of the Titan yellow crane, and you can also choose to order sharing platters there with friends. 

For art enthusiasts, the HAB gallery is only an 8-minute walk from there and this is a rather extraordinary art exhibition venue, better known by the locals as the Hangar à Bananes.

Nantes is a sporty city, and has created a place that pays tribute to table tennis by redesigning and distorting the usual rectangular tables at the Ping Pong Park. Mathletes can attempt to get their head around the measurements of the Mètre à Ruban, a surprising, oversized artwork. Finally, Les Anneaux is a graphic geometrical artwork to admire in the day and also when it is illuminated at night.

The second district of the day is the Chantenay district, a former residential area for the labourers working on the shipyards. From this district, there are some unmissable views of the city from the little observatories (belvédères), to see Nantes from a different perspective.

Let yourself be whisked away into the world of literature of one of science fiction and pop culture’s greatest names at the Musée Jules Verne. You could also choose to travel through space at the Nantes Planetarium, and learn about astronomy while having fun. Finally, take to the sky with the Belvédère de l’Hermitage, an artwork in the shape of a swallow’s nest, over 20 metres off the ground.

An unmissable artwork in this district is the Lunar Tree, a pristine white, dead tree that is over 12 m tall. Another oversized artwork to admire is the Cours à Travers, with metallic curves that defy the laws of gravity.

To round off this day, go for a bite to eat and a drink at the Little Atlantique Brewery, a brewery with a great atmosphere.

On this third and last day in Nantes, you'll be exploring the Graslin district. This city centre district is well-known for its high-end shops, but it is also worth a visit for its culture and architecture.

Then make your way to the Passage Pommeraye, a symbolic place that is pretty much one-of-a-kind in Europe, an architectural treasure of the city. Nearby, the Théâtre Graslin is just as impressive, a striking example of Neoclassical architecture!

Down a side street, you might just run into the sculpture of a schoolgirl climbing up onto an empty base, this is called the Eloge de la Transgression, and don’t worry, you’re not breaking any rules just looking at it! Carry on exploring and look up to see the Micr’Home, a 26 m² house perched up 5 m off the ground.

At lunchtime, head to La Cigale, an icon of the culinary culture of Nantes.

Last district to end on a high note: Talensac. At the foot of the huge Tour de Bretagne, this district is well-known for its marketplace and indoor market halls, an institution that was established in 1937. This temple of the Nantes culinary world is also a great place to just come and relax on the banks of the Erdre.

The Ile de Versailles is a little piece of Japan right in the city centre of Nantes. This island floating on the river Erdre boasts architecture inspired by Japanese traditions and is the perfect place to come to relax and unwind. 

The Automates à l’Unisson are sociological-based artworks that tell a story of the ‘little social world’ in the words of the creator, who brings the automatons to life.

At the end of the day, hop aboard the Bateau-Lavoir and enjoy a boat trip on this festive traditional guinguette on the water!

Further reading :

• Découvrez Nantes 
• Séjourner dans les Pays de la Loire 
• Une journée à Nantes avec la créatrice Mathilde Cabanas !
• Que faire à Nantes ?