8 Things to Do in Nantes for the Ultimate Experience

World-class monuments. Charming green parks. Quaint neighbourhoods. Exquisite gastronomy. Best of all, they’re all within strolling distance of each other, so you can soak up the sights and sounds at your leisure and still get back to your central hotel for apéritifs. Welcome to Nantes.

With a history stretching back centuries, Nantes offers a beguiling mix of ancient architecture and modern attractions straddling the banks of the fabled Loire. Grand boulevards lined with elegant Haussmann-style terraces lace the city's old quarter north of the river, sprinkled enticingly with shops, restaurants and cafés. Also here are top sights including a medieval castle, an elegant cathedral and a range of museums. 

While the best way to explore the city is on foot – virtually everything you’ll want to see is within a kilometre of the downtown area – there’s also an excellent network of trams and plenty of cycle paths. Check out our top recommendations for best things to do in Nantes.

If you only have one day here, add these to your must-cover list of things to do in Nantes.

Built in the late 15th century by François II, the last Duke of Brittany before the region became French territory, the Château des ducs de Bretagne was both a military fortress and a royal residence. Over the centuries it’s also served as an army barracks, artillery store and prison. Now fully restored to its former glory, its white limestone façade and dreamy turrets house an impressive History Museum. Little ones will love zooming along the ramparts, which also offer sweeping city vistas.

4 Pl. Marc Elder, 44000 Nantes. Courtyard and ramparts are open daily 8.30am-7pm (8.30am-8 pm July-August) and free. Château interiors, museum and exhibitions are open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm (daily July-August).

You don’t need to be an art connoisseur to appreciate the diverse beauty of the collection at the Musée d’arts de Nantes. With over 900 works spanning the 13th to the 21st centuries, virtually every big-name French, Italian, Dutch and Flemish artist is represented, from Baroque masters like Georges de la Tour to late-Renaissance greats such as Tintoretto or 20th-century Russian abstract pioneer Kandinsky. There’s plenty to see, so expect to spend a few hours here before wandering back to your well-appointed serviced apartment just around the corner. 

10 Rue Georges Clemenceau, 44000 Nantes. Open Wed-Mon 11am-7pm, and until 9pm on Thursdays. 

A steampunk world filled with mechanical animals? If that sounds weird, that’s because it is – but in an utterly wonderful, magical way. Set in the city’s former shipyards, this truly unique thing to do in Nantes features a range of moving creatures, exquisitely designed from steel or wood, that enthral with their creativity and ingenuity. A highlight is le grand éléphant, 12 metres high and 21 metres long, which you can ride around the Jules Verne- and Leonardo da Vinci-inspired park. Just remember to book your spot in advance. Alternatively, join the crowds of kids following the immense pachyderm as it lumbers along, occasionally spraying unsuspecting passersby with water from its trunk.

Parc des Chantiers, Bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes. Opening days and hours vary from month to month, so check the website for timings, ticket prices and to book. 

Nantes enjoys warm summers and relatively mild winters, so why not make the most of it by spending some time outdoors? Here are some top places to add to your bucket list of things to do in Nantes.

Think of this as the Goldilocks of botanical gardens – not too big, not too small, but just the right size so you’re neither overwhelmed nor left wanting more. Head for the greenhouses to marvel at a superb collection of orchids and seasonal camellias, keeping an eye out along the way for landmarks like a 200-year-old magnolia tree and a rare Wollemi pine. Fun things for kids to do in this Nantes oasis include a playground, a paddling pool and a tiny menagerie that’s home to dwarf goats.

Rue Stanislas Baudry, 44000 Nantes. Open daily from approximately 8.30am-8pm depending on the season. Check the website or the signs near the park gates for exact times. Free entry. 

It’s hard to believe, but this now photo-worthy island in the Erdre River was once an industrial site, housing workshops for boat builders and engineers. In the 1980s, the île de Versailles was acquired by the city and transformed into the stunning Japanese-inspired garden you see today. Cherry trees and conifers tower proudly amid rockeries and waterfalls, and a red-pillared walkway stretches serenely to an elegant tea pavilion. Indulge in some child-like fun skipping over the stepping stones scattered across the lotus pond, then hire a boat or kayak to explore the river. 

Quai de Versailles, 44000 Nantes. Open daily from approximately 8.30am-7.30pm depending on the season. Check the signs near the park gates for exact times. Free entry. Water activities are seasonal, usually between April and October.

Looking for an alternative thing to do in Nantes? Venture southwest across the Loire and you’ll be rewarded by Trentemoult's quaint charm, where houses painted in a palette of bright pinks, blues and oranges line narrow alleyways. There’s not much going on in this sleepy little fishing village, and it’s all the better for it. Spend a leisurely hour or so strolling the maze of tiny streets, then head down to the waterfront and bag a table at one of the many cosy cafés and restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for decadent ice cream and crêpes or the freshest oysters and clams, enjoy your feast with gorgeous river views. 

The Navibus Loire N1 ferry plies the river between Nantes river port and Trentemoult every 20 minutes, taking 10 minutes to cross. You can also cycle (20 minutes from downtown) or walk (just over 1 hour).

What can you do in Nantes when it’s grey and drizzly? Luckily there’s plenty to keep everyone happy and dry.

Opened in 1843, this covered shopping arcade, built on a steep incline, is as much an architectural marvel as a shopping destination. Sunlight streams through its glass roof, illuminating graceful Corinthian columns, ornate statues and intricate mouldings. Channel your inner aristocrat as you promenade amid the luxury boutiques and independent retailers, perhaps stopping to scoop up a souvenir or two, and keep the stylish vibe going all the way back to your chic hotel.

20 Pass. Pommeraye, 44000 Nantes.

No dusty fossils or moth-nibbled stuffed specimens here – the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle stands out from its global peers for its bright, clean exhibition cases showcasing a neatly curated collection of skeletons, taxidermy and rocks. There’s also a vivarium housing snakes and lizards. With plenty to touch and press, this is a fun thing to do in Nantes with kids. A bonus? It’s not too big, so you can comfortably cover everything within a couple of hours before the whining kicks in. 

12 Rue Voltaire, 44000 Nantes. Open Wed-Mon 10am-6pm, and to 7pm in July and August. 

Nantes truly is a treasure trove of outstanding attractions. All that's left is for you to slip into a pair of good walking shoes and start exploring. Allez-y!