Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
29/08/2025
Jing Zhan, Pexels
Nantes, a city on the Loire River, offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary creativity, attracting visitors with its vibrant arts scene and innovative urban landscape. It is known for its blend of ancient architecture and modern artistic installations, making it a dynamic destination for cultural exploration.
For socializing, the Bouffay district stands out as the historic and lively heart of Nantes, offering a pedestrian-friendly area filled with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops that come alive at night. The Île de Nantes, once an industrial area, has transformed into a cultural hub featuring restaurants, unique bars, and venues like the Hangar à Bananes, which hosts concerts and clubbing.
Top 8 Things to do in Nantes
The activities in Nantes encompass historical site visits, engaging art installations, leisurely garden strolls, and charming village excursions.
1. Les Machines de l'île
Visiting Les Machines de l'île offers an imaginative journey into a world of mechanical creatures, inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. Riding the Grand Elephant is a memorable experience, as it walks through the former shipyards, occasionally spraying water. Exploring the Galerie des Machines reveals the intricate workings and diverse creatures, while the Carrousel des Mondes Marins provides a multi-level immersion into fantastical marine life. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially for the Grand Elephant ride, due to high demand and limited capacity.
Cost: Access to the Parc des Chantiers where Les Machines de l'île is located is free. However, tickets are required for individual attractions. A ride on the Grand Éléphant typically costs around €8.50 for adults and €6.90 for reduced rates (ages 4-17, students, unemployed, disabled). Entry to the Galerie des Machines or the Carrousel des Mondes Marins also costs about €8.50 for adults and €6.90 for reduced rates. A Nantes Pass includes free access to the Galerie des Machines and the Carrousel, but not the Grand Éléphant ride.
Transport: Les Machines de l'île is located on the Île de Nantes. It is accessible by Tram line 1 to 'Chantiers Navals' or 'Prairie au Duc'. Several Naolib bike-share stations are also nearby. Public transport tickets cost around €2 for a single journey.
2. Château des Ducs de Bretagne
Exploring the Château des Ducs de Bretagne allows visitors to delve into Nantes' rich history, from its medieval past as the seat of the Dukes of Brittany to its role as a royal fortress. Walking along the ramparts provides panoramic views of the city. Inside, the Nantes History Museum presents over 850 artifacts detailing the region's diverse heritage. Allowing at least two hours is recommended to fully appreciate the castle, museum, and temporary exhibitions.
Cost: Access to the castle courtyard and ramparts is free. Entry to the Nantes History Museum and temporary exhibitions costs around €8.00 for a full adult ticket, with reduced rates available for certain age groups and pass holders. Guided tours are also available for an additional fee. The Nantes Pass offers free admission to the museum.
Transport: The Château is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most downtown areas. It is a short walk from the 'Duchesse Anne' tram stop (Tram line 1).
3. Passage Pommeraye
Walking through Passage Pommeraye reveals a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade, celebrated for its Renaissance-inspired architecture and intricate details. This three-story passage connects two streets with a significant height difference, managed by an elaborate staircase. It is a visual treat, even without engaging in shopping, offering a glimpse into historical elegance with its statues, ornaments, and glass roof.
Cost: Admission to Passage Pommeraye is free. Shops within the arcade offer various goods, with prices varying.
Transport: Located in the city center, Passage Pommeraye is within easy walking distance of many central attractions. The nearest public transport stop is 'Commerce', which is a major hub for tram and bus lines.
4. Jardin des Plantes
Strolling through the Jardin des Plantes offers a peaceful escape in the city center, combining botanical beauty with playful artistic installations. This 7-hectare botanical garden features over 10,000 plant species, tropical greenhouses, and whimsical sculptures, including giant benches and characters from artist Jean Jullien. It's an ideal spot for relaxation, a picnic, or for families to enjoy the play areas.
Cost: Entry to the Jardin des Plantes is free. There are no fees for self-guided visits.
Transport: The Jardin des Plantes is conveniently located near Nantes train station and is easily accessible on foot from the city center. It can also be reached by tram or bus, with the 'Gare Nord' (tram) or 'Trébuchet' (bus) stops nearby.
5. Le Voyage à Nantes Green Line
Following the green line of Le Voyage à Nantes provides a unique way to discover the city's artistic and cultural landscape. This urban art trail guides visitors to over 120 permanent and temporary artworks, historical landmarks, and unexpected installations, transforming the city into an open-air museum. The trail highlights Nantes' vibrant creative scene and its blend of tradition and modernity.
Cost: Following the green line art trail is free. A Nantes Pass offers access to many attractions along the route and unlimited public transport.
Transport: The green line is a walking trail that connects various points of interest throughout the city, making Nantes very walkable. Public transport can be used to reach different sections of the trail.
6. Trentemoult Village
Visiting Trentemoult offers a charming escape to a former fishing village known for its colorful houses, narrow car-free alleys, and relaxed atmosphere. It's a delightful place to wander, enjoy views of the Loire River, and experience a different side of Nantes. Riverside terraces provide a pleasant setting for a drink or meal, especially at sunset.
Cost: Exploring Trentemoult is free. The cost of the Navibus ferry is approximately €1.70 during weekdays and free on weekends. A Nantes Pass also includes the Navibus journey.
Transport: The most pleasant way to reach Trentemoult is by Navibus (river shuttle) from the Gare Maritime in Nantes. The crossing takes about 10 minutes and offers scenic views. Public transport tickets, including the Nantes Pass, are valid for the Navibus. Alternatively, it is a short taxi ride of approximately 15 minutes from the city center.
7. Musée d'Arts de Nantes
The Musée d'Arts de Nantes is a significant cultural institution, housing an extensive art collection from the 13th century to contemporary works. After a major renovation, the museum blends classic and modern design, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists. It provides a rich cultural experience for art enthusiasts.
Cost: The general admission fee for adults is approximately €8.00. Reduced rates are available for specific groups. The Nantes Pass includes free access to the museum.
Transport: The museum is located near the Jardin des Plantes and is easily reachable on foot from the city center. The closest tram stop is 'St-Clemenceau' (Tram line 1).
The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul stands as a majestic example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. Its construction spanned over 400 years, showcasing intricate design and stunning stained-glass windows. Visitors can admire the grand scale of the interior and the impressive tomb of Francis II, the last Duke of Brittany, a notable French Renaissance masterpiece.
Cost: Entry to Nantes Cathedral is generally free, though donations are welcome.
Transport: The Cathedral is centrally located in Nantes, a short walk from the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. It is accessible on foot from the city center, and bus lines 11 or 12 have stops nearby.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
