You book a trip, check flights, look for accommodation… and just when you think everything is ready, the big question comes: what are the must things to do in Nantes, where to start, what not to miss?
Here you’ll find clear answers. No more endless lists. Just what you really need to organise your visit: the places that are worth seeing, experiences that leave a lasting impression, a bit of history to help you understand Nantes and practical tips that make all the difference.
We’ll take you through the unmissable and the unexpected. From the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany to a mechanical elephant that wanders around the city, not forgetting those places that don’t appear in all the guidebooks.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Nantes and want to make the most of your trip, read on. Everything you need is here.
Do you want to keep searching through blogs, or would you prefer to have your guide to Nantes ready to go?
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INDEX
- Things to do in Nantes: 7 stops not to be missed
- Castle of the Dukes of Brittany
- The Isle of Machines and the Great Elephant
- Pommeraye Passage
- Jardin des Plantes
- The Lu Tower and the Lieu Unique
- Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul’s Cathedral
- The Rings of Buren and Bouchain (Les Anneaux)
- Other interesting things to do in Nantes
- What to eat in Nantes: Local gastronomy
- Plans and other things to do in Nantes
- What to see in Nantes: Nearby excursions
- Curiosities and legends of Nantes
- Practical advice for visiting Nantes: tips to save your trip
Things to do in Nantes: 7 stops you can’t miss
Ready to discover all that Nantes has to offer? If you had to choose only the most emblematic things to do in Nantes, these would be them. Places that have something to tell, that will impress you and will leave you with a unique memory, probably with the desire to come back.
If you’re visiting the city for the first time, start here. It’s the plan you need to make sure you don’t waste any time and get the best out of it. Discover the best things to do in Nantes and all its key points.
Castle of the Dukes of Brittany
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is the historic heart of the city and one of its most powerful symbols. At first glance it may look like a fairytale castle, with its moat, white towers and drawbridge. But behind these ramparts lie centuries of history that help us to understand the identity of Nantes.
Built in the 13th century and renovated by the Duchess Anne of Brittany in the 15th century, this castle was a ducal residence, barracks, prison and defensive bastion. Today it houses the Museum of the History of Nantes, a well-planned, interactive tour that covers everything from the Middle Ages to industrialisation, including the French Revolution and the abolition of slavery.
In addition to the museum, you can walk along the wall walkway and enjoy one of the best views of the old town. It’s free to go up to the walkway, so even if you don’t go inside the museum, it’s worth a visit. There’s also a picnic area and gardens in the moat.
💡Tip: If you’re visiting Nantes in summer, check the calendar. The castle often hosts concerts and open-air shows – don’t miss it on your visit to Nantes!
The Island of Machines and the Big Elephant
Among the most original things to do in Nantes, this one takes the cake. In the city’s former shipyards, the Ile des Machines has transformed an industrial space into a mechanical fantasy world where everything seems to have a life of its own.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Great Elephant: a 12-metre-high structure that walks, snorts and spouts water from its trunk as it carries visitors on board. But it is not the only one: the Carousel of Marine Worlds and the Gallery of Machines complete the show with robotic creatures inspired by the universe of Jules Verne.
It is a visit that combines art, science and a lot of imagination. Ideal if you are travelling with your family, but also if you want to see another side of the city beyond the classic monuments. It’s no exaggeration to say that it’s one of the things you’ll remember most on your return from Nantes.
💡 Tip: If you want to go on the elephant, it’s best to buy your ticket in advance: it tends to sell out quickly.
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Pommeraye Passage
If you want to discover the unmissable things to do in Nantes, this passage is a must. The Passage Pommeraye is a 19th century shopping arcade, opened in 1843, which remains today one of the most unique and photographed places in the city.
Its neoclassical architecture is striking from the first step: columns, mouldings and a grand central staircase connecting its three levels. All bathed in natural light from the glass roofs, creating a unique atmosphere.
Although it is not very big, each space invites you to stop. You’ll find antique bookshops, designer shops, designer boutiques and small cafés that preserve the essence of the place.
The Passage Pommeraye is protected as a French Historical Monument and is part of the everyday life of locals and travellers alike. An elegant space with character, perfect for a break in the heart of Nantes.
Jardin des Plantes
The Jardin des Plantes is one of the most emblematic green spaces among the top things to do in Nantes. With more than 7 hectares, 10,000 living species and a history dating back to the 18th century, this botanical garden combines nature, art and science. It is located in the heart of the city centre, very close to the train station, so it is a place to start or end your visit.
Here you’ll see historic greenhouses , children’s play areas, plant sculptures and ponds with ducks and turtles. You’ll also find temporary art installations that give it a playful and original feel.
One of its most curious corners is the one dedicated to Jules Verne, with sculptures inspired by his works. A stroll through the Jardin des Plantes is a different way of understanding the rhythm of the city: quiet, welcoming and with a creative touch that makes it special. A must-stop in Nantes!
The LU Tower and the Lieu Unique
If you are searching for the must things to do in Nantes beyond the traditional monuments, this stop is for you. The LU Tower, with its round, colourful dome, is what remains of the former Lefèvre-Utile biscuit factory. Today it is one of the most interesting symbols of the city.
Next door is the Lieu Unique, a cultural centre housed in the former factory building. Here you will find everything: exhibitions, concerts, a bookshop, a hammam, a bar and even a theatre.
Climbing the tower is a good way to get a panoramic view of the old town and the Castle of the Dukes. It’s not very high, but the design of the place and its industrial history give it a special value.
Its industrial past, contemporary art, and everyday local life make this spot a must-see. It offers a different perspective on the things to do in Nantes—where old factories are reinvented and art becomes part of daily life.
Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Cathedral
On any list of the top things to do in Nantes, this cathedral has a guaranteed place. Its size is impressive from afar – it’s one of the tallest in France– and when you enter, the feeling is even more impressive. The soaring vaults , the white stone and the silence of the interior create an atmosphere that invites you to stop and look at it calmly.
Construction began in 1434 and continued until 1891, a process spanning more than four centuries that has left its mark on every corner of the building. Among its most outstanding elements is the mausoleum of François II, the last Duke of Brittany, and his wife Marguerite de Foix. This French Renaissance work, entirely sculpted in white marble, is surprising for its delicacy and symbolism.
You can also visit the crypt and the remains of the old Roman wall, which are perfectly integrated into the complex. The cathedral is just a few steps from the castle, so it is easy to combine both visits in the same walk.
Want to forget about the map? Le Voyage à Nantes traces a green line through the city connecting the main points of interest. It’s a simple and original way to explore Nantes at your own pace, without missing anything. From the castle to the elephant, everything is connected. Just look at the ground.
The Rings of Buren and Bouchain (Les Anneaux)
If you fancy a different things to do in Nantes, go straight to the Ile de Nantes, next to the Loire. There you’ll find Les Anneaux, a contemporary art installation made up of 18 large metal rings lined up on the quayside. They were created by Daniel Buren and Patrick Bouchain in 2007 as part of the “Le Voyage à Nantes” art trail.
During the day they already attract attention, but it is at dusk that they are illuminated and transform the promenade into something hypnotic. Each ring glows with LED light in red, green and blue, reflecting on the river and creating a different, almost cinematic cityscape.
In addition to their artistic value, these rings are placed right where the port cranes used to be, as a symbol of the city’ s industrial past . It’s a perfect meeting point to sit, look out over the Loire, take photos or just enjoy the atmosphere. Nearby is the Hangar à Bananes, a former port area converted into a cultural and gastronomic space, with bars and terraces overlooking the river, perfect for completing your visit to Nantes. One of the most curious things to do in Nantes is spotting this colourful rings along the river.
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Other interesting things to do in Nantes
In addition to its great icons, Nantes has other places worth a stop. Some tell curious stories, others are surprising for their atmosphere or for what they represent in the city’s culture. If you have already covered the must-see places and are still wondering about other things to do in Nantes, here are some more ideas to complete your list of the must things to do in Nantes.
Jules Verne’s birthplace
Nantes was the birthplace of one of the most visionary writers in history: Jules Verne. It was on 8 February 1828, on the Ile Feydeau, an affluent area facing the Loire.
Although the original house was demolished, the city has kept his legacy alive in a museum housed in a 19th-century maison bourgeoise in the Chantenay district. It is not his exact birthplace, but it is a symbolic place that connects with his childhood, his landscapes and his first sources of inspiration.
The Jules Verne Museum offers an intimate journey through his life and work. You can see original editions, personal objects, illustrations from his novels and recreations that explain how stories such as Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Around the World in 80 Days came about. All with a simple, but very carefully staged setting.
An essential visit for literature lovers, and for those seeking things to do in Nantes that go deeper than just the landmarks.
Saint Nicolas Church
The Church of Saint Nicolas is an essential stop for those who want to get to know the most historical and artistic things to do in Nantes. Built inthe 15th century in the Flamboyant Gothic style, this church reflects the religious importance of Nantes during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The first thing that catches the eye is its façade and its impressive stained-glass windows, which flood the interior with a soft, colourful light. The church also houses important works of art that tell part of the history of Nantes and its evolution.
On your tour of the best things to do in Nantes, the Church of Saint Nicolas is the perfect place to stop and reflect and discover a deeper and less touristy part of the city.
Basilicas of Saint-Donacien and Saint-Rogacien
When looking for things to do in Nantes, don’t miss the basilicas of Saint-Donacien and Saint-Rogacien, two historical gems that reflect the religious and architectural evolution of the city. Both are located in the historic centre, very close to each other, making it easy to visit them together.
The Basilica of San Donaciano, built in the 19th century on Romanesque remains, stands out for its neo-Romanesque façade and its imposing towers. It is a symbol of local faith and history, with an interior that combines classical and modern elements.
A short walk away, the Basilica of San Rogaciano offers an interesting contrast. Smaller and lesser known, it is a quiet retreat that retains Gothic details and an intimate atmosphere. Although less monumental than Saint-Donacien, its simplicity makes it special for those seeking a moment of recollection in Nantes.
Visiting these two basilicas allows you to understand part of the religious and cultural identity of Nantes, and adding them to your route adds a historical and architectural dimension that perfectly complements the rest of things to do in Nantes.
Nantes Museum of Art
If you’re exploring for different things to do in Nantes and are interested in art, this museum is an essential visit. Its collection mixes centuries of history with contemporary pieces, in a building that is surprisingly architecturally stunning.
The museum reopened in 2017 after a major renovation that respected the original 19th century building and, as a result, left a tour with more than 12,000 works, ranging from the 13th century to the present day.
Artists such as Delacroix, Courbet, Kandinsky, Picasso and Sonia Delaunay stand out, along with lesser-known but equally interesting contemporaries. There are also sculptures, installations and a constantly changing temporary exhibition hall.
One of the most unique things to do in Nantes is visiting the “Cube”, a glass volume suspended between two wings of the building, where contemporary art is presented in a completely different space. It is located near the Jardin des Plantes.
Slavery Abolition Memorial
Among the most significant things to do in Nantes, this memorial leaves no one indifferent. It is one of those places that will stay in your memory long after your trip, because of what it represents.
Located on the banks of the Loire River, the Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery is a reminder of the slave-owning past of the city, which was one of the main slave ports in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries . Walking along this underground route is a different experience: more intimate, reflective, necessary.
Through plaques, quotations, ship names and dates, a part of history that is often overlooked is reconstructed. Admission is free and the visit can be done in less than half an hour, but it leaves a deep impression. It is very close to the Castle and the Isle of Machines, so it fits perfectly into any walking route through the centre. Don’t miss it on your visit to Nantes.
Japanese Garden on the Ile de Versailles
If you’re looking for a quiet spot to visit in Nantes, make a note of this one. In the heart of the city, on the river Erdre, you will find the Ile de Versailles, transformed into a real Japanese garden since 1987. Between waterfalls, wooden bridges and trees pruned to the millimetre.
The design is inspired by the Zen gardens of Kyoto and you can see it in every detail. The Maison de l’Erdre stands out, a small traditional building that houses exhibitions related to the natural environment of the river. From there, you can also observe some of the Erdre’s fish species thanks to an integrated aquarium.
One of the most unique and worthwhile things to do in Nantes.
What to eat in Nantes: Local gastronomy
In addition to all the things to do in Nantes, the gastronomy also has a lot to tell. The city combines the best of the sea, the countryside and Breton tradition with modern touches. Whether you’re sitting on a terrace or looking for what to order at a local market, here are a few tastes that shouldn’t be missed on your route:
Filet de sandre au beurre blanc
This is one of the most typical dishes to eat in Nantes. Sandre (pike-perch) is a river fish that is highly prized in the Loire area, with thin, white flesh and hardly any bones. It is grilled or steamed and accompanied by the famous beurre blanc sauce, invented near Nantes in the 20th century.
This sauce is made from shallots reduced with white wine and vinegar, whipped with cold butter. A simple but elegant dish, perfect to understand how Nantes turns simplicity into art.
Pork or duck rillettes
Although they were born in Le Mans, rillettes are very common in the bistros and markets of Nantes. It is a kind of rustic pâté, made with meat slowly cookedin its own fat until it melts.
The texture is stringy and unctuous, and it is served cold on toasted bread with gherkins. It is a regular starter on any local menu. Try them with a glass of Muscadet and you’ll understand why this combination is part of the gastronomic soul of western France.
Breton galette (buckwheat galette)
Breton by origin, but Nantes by adoption, because here they are eaten all the time. Galettes are made with buckwheat (not to be confused with sweet white-wheat pancakes) and are filled in a thousand ways: the most classic has ham, egg and cheese(the “complète”), but you can also find them with salmon, mushrooms, seasonal vegetables or even duck confit.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for the must things to do in Nantes and you want a quick, local and delicious meal. There are creperies all over the centre serving galettes at any time of day.
Moules frites (mussels and fries)
A classic Atlantic dish found in many restaurants in Nantes, especially in season (May to October). The mussels are steamed with white wine, cream or even mustard or curry, depending on the house.
They are served in a large pot with a generous side of crispy chips. It’s an informal meal, ideal for sharing and very common on the terraces along the Loire, especially if you’ve been touring the quays or around the Hangar à Bananes.
Matelote d’anguille (eel stew in wine)
If you’re looking for typical dishes to taste in Nantes, matelote d’anguille is one of those recipes that connect directly with the Loire. It is a traditional stew of eel slowly cooked in red wine (although it can also be white), with onions, mushrooms and bacon. It is an intensely flavoured dish, with that rustic touch of river and harbour kitchens.
Today it is not so easy to find on every menu, but some restaurants specialising in local cuisine still serve it as a tribute to the city’s river tradition.
Gâteau nantais
This spongy almond and rum sponge cake is the most typical dessert to eat in Nantes. It was invented in the 19th century, when ships arriving in the port brought rum from the West Indies. The cake combines butter, ground almonds and a light sugar and rum glaze , which gives it an unmistakable aroma. It tastes of tradition and nostalgia, and is considered by many to be the “Proust madeleine” of the Nantes people.
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Things to do in Nantes
Once you have a clear list of the must things to do in Nantes, it’s time to get a bit carried away. This is a city where you can discover things without having planned them. Here are a few things to do to make the most of the experience:
Boat trip on the Loire
Getting on a boat and letting yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the river is one of the most relaxing experiences you can have in Nantes. The Loire flows through the city and offers unique perspectives of its bridges, shipyards and modern architecture. There are daytime and sunset tours, some with an aperitif or music on board. There are also boats that go to nearby villages, perfect for a short excursion with a seafaring flair.
Urban art route with “Le Voyage à Nantes”
If you visit the city in summer, you’ll find art everywhere. Sculptures hanging from facades, signs, and objects that seem out of place are all part of the cultural festival Le Voyage à Nantes. Every year many pieces are renewed, so there is always something new. Exploring this open-air gallery is without a doubt one of the most creative things to do in Nantes.
Visit the Talensac Market
Want to experience the city like a local? This market is one of the most genuine things to do in Nantes. Open since 1937, it brings together more than 100 traders selling local, fresh and seasonal produce. Here you can try freshly opened oysters, local cheeses, freshly made galettes or buy fleur de sel from Guérande to take home. Ideal if you’re not in a hurry and hungry.
What to see in Nantes: Nearby excursions
If you’ve covered the essential things to do in Nantes, spend a day exploring the surrounding area. Castles, marshes, beaches and villages that look like something out of a painting await you.
Clisson: an Italian corner at the heart of the Loire
Only 30 minutes by train from Nantes, this small village surprises you with its French Tuscan atmosphere. It was rebuilt in Italian style by Romantic artists in the 19th century, and you can see it in the red roofs, the cypress trees and the stone bridges. Visit its medieval castle, stroll through the Garenne-Lemot gardens and don’t leave without tasting some wine from the Nantes vineyard.
Guérande: between salt marshes and medieval ramparts
This fortified village in Nantes looks like something out of another era. Its perfectly preserved old town is surrounded by ramparts that you can explore on foot. But what makes Guérande unique are its salt pans: a flat, white landscape, dotted with pools of water where the flower of salt is still harvested in the traditional way. Guided tours explain the whole process, ideal if you are interested in local history and the link with the sea. It is one of the key things to do in Nantes.
Pornic: Atlantic flavour 1 hour away from the city
This charming port, very popular with the Nantes locals, combines everything you’d expect from the Atlantic coast: colourful boats , seafront crêperies, narrow streets with craft shops and little coves for a swim if the weather permits. You can easily get there by train or car from Nantes. If you are looking for a relaxing day out in Nantes with a sea breeze and good food, this is the place for you.
Nantes curiosities and legends
Beyond all the things to do in Nantes, there are a handful of stories that can only be discovered if you listen carefully. These are the little anecdotes and legends that give the city its soul and make it more than just a tourist destination.
A castle that smells of butter
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany not only holds centuries of history: it also had its moment of glory… olfactory. In the 20th century, a butter factory was located right next to the château. For years, its scent enveloped the whole neighbourhood and the locals joked that the château smelled like freshly made crêpes. Today, the only smell that remains is that of hot bread from the nearby boulangeries, but the anecdote still lives on.
The legend of the Loire crocodile
Urban legend has it that in the 1970s someone released a crocodile into the Loire and that, since then, there have been those who claim to have seen it peeping out of the water. It has never been officially confirmed, but what is certain is that in 2004 a crocodile sculpturewas placed half-hidden by the river… suggestion or reality? Nobody knows. But if you pass by the Ile de Nantes, keep an eye on it in the bushes. Just in case.
The haunted tower of the Passage Pommeraye
This elegant 19th century shopping passage has its own ghost. A young seamstress is said to have died in the central tower, and since then, some employees claim to hear footsteps and see lights turning on by themselves at night. The place has the feel of a movie set where any story seems possible, even the ones that give you a little shiver.
The Hangar à Bananes false lighthouse
At the end of the quay, next to the Hangar à Bananes, is a lighthouse that never really functioned as a lighthouse. It was built as a decorationduring an international exhibition and then left there as part of the street furniture. Today it is a meeting place for locals and visitors alike, and although it doesn’t guide boats, it does mark a good place to watch the sunset.
The Loire statue that sparked a scandal
On the Place Royale in Nantes, a female figure with a crown and trident presides over a monumental fountain. Many think she is a goddess or a queen, but in reality she represents the river Loire. It was installed in 1865 and caused a stir: at the time, not everyone looked favourably on the Loire being incarnated as a powerful woman. Even so, the sculptor Félix Thomas defended his work, surrounded by figures symbolising the main tributaries of the river.
Today it is one of the most iconic things to do in Nantes, a symbol of a city that is not afraid to break the mould.
Practical advice for visiting Nantes: tips to save the trip
Organising the must things to do in Nantes is easy if you keep a few things in mind. Here are a few tips that can make the difference between a normal trip and a perfect trip:
Tickets and savings:
One of the best decisions if you plan to see several attractions. The Nantes Pass includes free or discounted entry to must-see attractions such as the Château des Ducs, Les Machines de l’Île, the Musée des Arts and the Lieu Unique. It also includes unlimited public transport and even a cruise on the Loire. You can choose it for 24, 48 or 72 hours depending on the length of your stay.
Transport in Nantes:
Getting around the city is easy and quick. The tramway connects the main tourist areas, and the Navibus, a small boat crossing the Loire, takes you to the Ile des Machines and the Hangar à Bananes with panoramic views.
All tickets are valid for one hour and you can transfer between tram, bus and Navibus at no extra cost.
Tour Nantes on the green line
One of the most original things to do in Nantes: a green line painted on the ground guides you through the historic centre and beyond. It is part of the artistic itinerary “Le Voyage à Nantes” and is perfect for discovering the city on foot. Just follow the line and let yourself be surprised.
Opening times and planning
Please note: many monuments and museums close at midday, on Mondays or have reduced opening hours in the low season.
Check beforehand on the official “Le Voyage à Nantes” website and plan ahead so as not to find the doors closed.
⭐ Star tips that will save your trip
- Sunset on the Ile de Nantes: the illuminated rings reflecting on the Loire are a spectacle that doesn’t cost a euro.
- Have a petit beurre for breakfast: the famous LU biscuit was born here, and many local patisseries reinvent it.
- Cross the river at least once by boat. It changes your perspective of the city.
- Climb the Bretagne Tower: for the view, the panoramic bar and the supersonic lift.
- Follow the locals: if you see a crowded terrace, sit down. Nantes has a lively social life and the gastronomy does not disappoint.
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