Nantes is a very creative and lively city, but it does not forget its rich past. Monuments, museums, parks and activities... you will bespoilt for choice when deciding on the best thigns to do in Nantes during your stay.
Would you prefer a ride on theElephant of Nantes to a visit of the Extraordinary Garden (which is really extraordinary...), the magnificent museum of arts to the no less magnificent castle of the Dukes of Brittany?
Just like the Nantes author Jules Verne, we suggest you take a tour of Nantes in 15 must-sees! And we propose you in a second time, what to hold 80 days!
The best things to do in Nantes in video
Before going into detail a short video to inspire you!
1. The elephant of Nantes (and the Machines de l'Ile)
Why visit L'éléphant and the Machines de l'Ile?
To connect you to the soul of Nantes, the Elephant of Nantes and the Machînes de l'île are for us the best place:
- The elephant of Nantes has become in a few years the symbol of the renewal of the city, symbolizing the transition from a port city to a cultural and creative city!
- You are bound to be impressed by these funny machines, made of wood and metal that fly and walk.
- You will travel in the marvelous universe of the famous writer from Nantes, Jules Verne, author of "20 000 places under the sea".
- You will discover the technical and manual know-how of the people of Nantes, in the heart of theformer Atlanticshipyard. What a symbol!
What you will see
The complete visit takes place in 3 stages:
- Discover the Galerie des Machines de l'île: in a plant world, get to knowanimals unlike any other. You can then discover the backstage, with the visit of theworkshops.
- Trip in a big elephant: Accompany the elephant of Nantes in one of its daily outings in the park of the former shipyard. You'll have to choose between a ride in its entrails, or a ride by its side... and we recommend you to do both, as the views are so different!
- Carrousel of the Marine Worlds: find your childish soul, the time of a completely crazy ride in a merry-go-round which will take you directly 20000 places under the sea. An incredible experience.
How much time to allow
We advise you to reserve between 2 and 3 hours for this activity.
More information about the elephant and the machines of the island
For all your activities in Nantes, we advise you to opt for the Nantes citypass. It will give you access to more than 40 monuments, museums and activities but also to the city's buses and tramways. To avoid long lines, book your citypass now.
If you want to visit the whole site of the machines of the island, without getting tired and while having fun, you can opt for a segway tour (by reservation only)!
Read more
- Find our complete article with many tips and photos to make a success of your visit of the elephant of Nantes and the machines of the island.
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2. The castle of Nantes (Dukes of Brittany)
Why visit the castle of Nantes (Dukes of Brittany)?
After having discovered the soul of Nantes, you want to discover the history of the city? In this case, a visit to the castle of the Dukes of Brittany is a must:
- This castle offers a summary of 6 centuries of architecture: from the medieval keep to the harnessing building, through the renaissance loggias, you can discover what still makes the greatness and the fame of the Loire castles.
- You will travel in the great hours of the History of France, when Anne of Brittany by her marriage to 2 successive kings of France, ensures the future attachment of Brittany to the kingdom of France.
- You will discover thevery rich museum of the history of Nantes, which traces the history of the city from prehistory to the end of the 20th century.
What you will see
The complete visit takes place in 2 steps:
- The castle of Nantes (Dukes of Brittany) is a castle that can be admired from theoutside, with 3 different angles: from the moat, from the covered way, from the courtyard. The different points of view will allow you to understand the evolution of the castle and its use (defensive castle, then ceremonial and finally garrison).
- The Museum of the History of Nantes: 34 rooms to learn everything about the history of the city, divided into 7 sequences. Although located in the castle's dwelling, this museum offers a magnificent, very contemporary and interactive museography. A beautiful bridge between the centuries!
How much time to allow
For the castle part, you will need 1 hour and a half if you go all the way around the moat and the covered way. For the museum at least 1 hour, but between 2 and 3 hours if you want to take the time in each room.
More information on the castle of the Dukes of Brittany
Admission to the castle is free and admission to the museum is part of the Nantes citypass offer. To avoid queuing at the castle, book your citypass now.
Read more
- Find our complete article with many tips and photos to make your visit to the castle of Nantes (Dukes of Brittany) a success.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Nantes
Itineraries
Visits
3. Extraordinary garden of Nantes (Jardin Extraordinaire)
Why visit the extraordinary garden of Nantes?
If you need a little bit of greenery, to digest all that you have discovered while remaining in the wonderful universe of Jules Verne, opt for a little walk in the very surprising extraordinary garden of Nantes:
- In a few minutes, you will wonder if you are still in Nantes, with its oceanic climate, and not on a tropical island. A change of scenery guaranteed!
- In the heart of an old granite quarry, withcliffs 25 meters high, the garden offers beautiful views of the Loire.
- A few steps away from the house where Jules Verne was born, let yourself be invaded by this dreamlike universe where everything seems offbeat and out of the ordinary.
What you will see
The visit is done by level, we advise you to start from the top to the bottom:
- Maurice-Schwob Park: overlooking the extraordinary garden, this walking garden mixes granite and plants in a harmonious geometrical design. It will whet your appetite before descending into the much less wise extraordinary garden.
- The staircase: it will allow you to descend the 25 meters of the granite cliff. Designed by the creator of the machines of the island, François Delarozière, it offers beautiful views of the garden, in a metallic atmosphere so characteristic of the universe of the creator of the elephant of Nantes.
- The extraordinary garden: the program includes an authentic waterfall, tree ferns, banana trees and papyrus and lotus trees that benefit from the omnipresent water. A real pleasure!
Near the park, 7 belvederes are accessible to admire the view on the Loire. The most emblematic is the belvedere of the Hermitage located 400m from the extraordinary garden. Designed by the Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata, this footbridge, made entirely of wood, extends partly over the void.
How much time to allow
With a garden, you know when you are coming in, not going out! Not that you risk getting lost in the jungle of Nantes, but all this nature is an invitation to rest and contemplation. Count 1 hour minimum to go through the whole park.
More information on the extraordinary garden
The garden is open to the public every day, from 9am to 5:15pm minimum (7:30pm in summer).
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Passage Pommeraye
Why visit the Passage Pommeraye in Nantes?
Radical change of atmosphere. After the dreamlike world of the machines of the island, historical of the castle, here we are in the rich commercial hours of the middle of the XIXth century, with the famous passage Pommeraye.
- This passage is unique in Europe because of the slope between its high and low points. Indeed, it was necessary to allow customers to descend 9 meters without disturbing the pleasure of shopping! The architects will design an elegant staircase that serves 3 levels of galleries.
- The experience is completely immersive, a parenthesis in a very rich and bourgeois universe, typical of the mid-nineteenth century, where styles are happily mixed. France was soon to succumb to Napoleon III and his pharaonic projects, the architecture of the passage is felt.
What you will see
In order to enjoy the passage, you must let yourself be captured by the atmosphere, but also take the time to admire the many details:
- A Y-shaped structure on 3 levels: The passage is built in a Y shape with 1 entrance per level and per gallery. At the lowest point. The Fosse gallery which serves the rue de la fosse, at the intermediate level, the Régnier gallery which serves the rue du Puits argent and at the highest point, the Santeuil gallery which serves the rue de Santeuil. The central gallery in which the 3 other galleries converge is also called the Clock or Statues Gallery.
- The light: the magic of the place is partly due to its luminosity. In a city with changing and stormy ocean weather, with so much height to cover, the stakes were high. The large windows, the use of white materials andthe wrought ironaccent lighting will bring the essential light to the commercial attractiveness of the place.
- The luxury of the details: staircase risers, sculptures, medallions, ornaments, torches, signs... you won't know where to look!
How much time to allow
If you go just for the architectural feat, 30 minutes will be enough. If you want to go window shopping in the 33 stores of the passage, it's up to you!
More information on the Passage Pommeraye
The passage is open from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from 9am to 8pm. It is of course freely accessible.
Read more
- Find our complete article with many photos and anecdotes about the Passage Pommeraye.
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5. Botanical Garden of Nantes (Jardin des Plantes)
Why visit the plant garden?
After this escapade in the city, back in the plant world, with the magnificent garden of plants of Nantes. But we don't really stray from the previous activities:
- With more than 10,000 living species, it is a true place of preservation of the natural botanical heritage of the Loire. Initially created to collect the discoveries of sailors docking in the port of Nantes, it is now the4th most important plant garden in France.
- The work done by the gardeners is just remarkable and demonstrates the landscaping and horticultural know-how of the region which has also made the past and present fame of many castles of the Loire (Villandry castle, Rivau castle...).
- The animation of the garden makes it a real place of relaxation and culture, with special efforts towards families. Also note that you should avoid taunting the goats in the garden who are very playful... a bad memory for Emmanuel!
What you will see
The walk in the garden is free. You can discover:
- 7 hectares of park: there are a thousand and one ways (at least) to discover the Nantes plant garden. We invite you to get lost in it by opening your eyes wide, you will always end up finding an exit.
- The greenhouses: the Nantes plant garden cultivates its role of preservation of rare species. Its 800m2 of greenhouses can be visited freely or with a botanist. Really exciting and a very rich and unexpected collection of exotic plants!
- The animations: there is something for all ages and tastes: playground for children, café (with a very pleasant terrace), bucolic installations imagined by the author and illustrator of children's books Claude Ponti, goat pen, concerts in good weather...
How much time to allow
The garden is large and very dense. Allow at least an hour to walk through the garden, and the same amount of time for the greenhouses. If you are drawn to the orangery terrace or one of the many relaxation areas, you may spend the day there!
More information about the garden of plants
The garden is open every day from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (8 pm in summer). Admission is free.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
6. The LU tower and the Lieu Unique
Why visit the LU Tower and the Lieu Unique?
We continue our discovery of Nantes' heritage, with a lighthouse known to all Nantes inhabitants, the LU tower and the Lieu Unique:
- Former industrial cookie factory (founded by Louis Lefèvre-Utile at the end of the 19th century) became a high place of contemporary culture, it is one of the great symbols of the mutation of Nantes industrial city, in Nantes city of culture and creativity.
- This tower, built in 1909 and 38 meters high, in front of the castle, had to show the success and the power of the industrial cookie factory LU, inventor of the butter biscuit. The original construction consisted of 2 towers, but only one of the towers survived the Second World War. Its art-deco architecture is worth a visit!
- The LU factory, built in 1895, closed its doors for good in 1986. The wasteland gradually became a cultural squat and a real crucible of cultural renewal in Nantes. As a symbol, the Lieu Unique was inaugurated on January1, 2000, bringing the city of Nantes resolutely into thenew millennium. Today, it is a space that explores all forms of cultural expression and offers one of the finest cultural programs in the city.
What you will see
3 steps in your discovery of the LU Tower and the Lieu Unique:
- The LU Tower: closed to the public for many years, the LU Tower now offers a tour from the first floor to the dome presenting the history of the place.
- Le Lieu Unique's cultural spaces: a highly modular structure, Le Lieu Unique offers concerts, plays, installations, exhibitions... whether in the large workshop, in the courtyard or in one of the workshops. It's up to you to choose from the exhibitions and shows of the moment!
- The café and the reading room: because there is no culture without books and without meeting people, Le Lieu Unique offers a very nice café-restaurant with an industrial atmosphere and a nice terrace on the edge of the Saint Félix canal, as well as a rich reading space. More atypical, the site also offers a 650m2 hammam for a relaxing break.
How much time to allow
The visit to the LU Tower will not take more than 15 minutes. For the Lieu Unique part, everything will depend on the exhibitions or events proposed of course. We really recommend you take the time to have a drink and smell the creative atmosphere we love so much.
More information on the unique place and the Lu tower
The visit of the LU tower is only accessible from Wednesday to Sunday and is free of charge. Le Lieu Unique is open every day from 11am until the end of the night! For the exhibitions, be careful, there is a trap (and we fell into it...), they are only open from 2pm. Access to the hammam is by reservation only.
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7. Downtown and the Green Line (Ligne Verte)
Why visit downtown along the Green Line?
The city center of Nantes is singular in many ways and really exciting to walk around. It is also a very lively place with an impressive density of shops, bars and restaurants. A quick presentation:
- The city center of Nantes has only known its current form since the middle of the 20th century. In the past, it was crisscrossed by numerous branches of the Loire, and is a mosaic of micro-neighborhoods with very distinct identities. As a result of this omnipresence of water and sand, many buildings are leaning or slightly off center!
- The city has a rich architectural heritage, from medieval half-timbered houses to rich 19th century classical buildings, including the houses of 18th century shipowners and merchants.
- Aware of this richness, the city (through its structure dedicated to tourism, the Voyage à Nantes) has drawn a green line on the ground that will allow you to discover all the essential places of the city center without the risk of getting lost or missing a remarkable element. What else?
What you will see
Some emblematic places that you will discover:
- The medieval district of Bouffay, near the castle, with its lively narrow streets where it is good to get lost.
- the large squares of the city center: Place Royale, Place du Commerce, and Place Graslin. Imposing squares with beautiful neoclassical and Haussmannian buildings, connected by some of the most popular shopping streets in the city.
- Feydeau Island: it is only in 1938 that this "island" was attached to the right bank after the filling in of the 2 arms which encircled it. You will discover a very impressive architectural heritage of the 18th century that we owe to the rich shipowners and merchants of the city.
How much time to allow
A tour of the downtown area from east to west can easily take 2 hours.
More information on the downtown area by following the green line
To find out everything about the green line route, visit the website of the voyage à nantes.
8. The art museum of Nantes (fine arts)
Why visit the Nantes Museum of Art?
The Nantes Museum of Art has recently undergone a real metamorphosis and now presents very rich collections in a completely redesigned setting:
- The Nantes Museum of Art was created in 1801 and moved to its current location in 1893. It benefits from major expansion and redevelopment work from 2011 to 2017. The monumental staircase and its grandiose fresco, but also the Ionic columns, sculptures and niches testify to the eclecticism of the abundant Beaux-Arts style. And to push the line, an impressive and entirely white patio comes to accentuate the contrast of the styles. Splendid!
- This eclecticism is also reflected in the diversity of the collections. The starting point isancient art (13th to 18th century), particularly Italian painters and religious painting. We go as far ascontemporary art with a beautiful collection of works of the new realists. But we also pass by the most emblematic painters of the rich XIXth century (Courbet, Monet, Delacroix...). And we do not forget the great movements ofmodern art (cubism, expressionism...). It is a real retrospective of 8 centuries of art that is proposed to us. Exciting!
What you will see
Some emblematic works that you will discover:
How much time to allow
The visit of the museum will take you at least 1 hour 30 minutes, but you can easily spend half a day there as it is so rich.
More information on the downtown area by following the green line
The art museum is open every day from 11am to 7pm.
It offers a visit application available in French, English and Spanish and accessible to people with disabilities.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
- Discover our selection of the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
- Where to go to visit the castles of the Loire Valley - article to come
Cities and villages
- Visit the beautiful cities along the Loire River
- Stroll under the charm of the villages of the Loire Valley
- Choose from the best things to do in Nantes
Practice
9. Village of Trentemoult
Why visit the village of Trentemoult ?
This old fishing village, a few minutes by boat from downtown Nantes, is the assurance of a successful change of scenery:
- Because you will reach it by Navibus by crossing the Loire, after having passed the Quai des Antilles and its famous rings of the sculptor Buren. The "trip" lasts about ten minutes, just enough time to breathe the sea air.
- Because the village of Trentemoult was inhabited only by fishermen until the beginning of the 19th century, who later became sailors on board commercial ships. Theiodine atmosphere is still present at every corner!
- A place of relaxation in the twentieth century, the village with its crazy charm succeeded in its turn in the 2000s, becoming a district with a cultural and bohemian soul.
What you will see
What we come to see in Trentemoult:
- The colorful houses of the small streets of the port just bright in contrast with the changing sky of Nantes ...
- The giant 7m long pendulum built by the Swiss artist Roman Signer on the former concrete plant of the city.
- The murals that line the village, reminiscent in some respects of the muralist movement of 1930, but with a much more recreational message.
How much time to allow
The crossing and the visit of the village take a minimum of 1h30. More if you decide to enjoy one of the many cafes and restaurants.
More information about the village of Trentemoult
The Navibus runs every day at least from 11am to 8pm, with a crossing every 10 minutes on weekdays and 20 minutes on weekends.
Read more
- Find our complete article with many photos on the village of Trentemoult.
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10. The Jules Verne Museum
Why visit the Jules Verne Museum?
As you can see from our selection, the author Jules Verne still greatly inspires the people of Nantes. But why?
- Jules Vernes is a typical child of the Nantes bourgeoisie, marked by the world of trade and shipowners still so prevalent in Nantes in the 19th century, by the weight ofreligious education but also by the beginnings of the industrial revolution that will transform his birthplace. He left Nantes at the age of 20 for Paris before living the second part of his life in Amiens.
- Theuniverse of Jules Verne'snovels (Around the World in 80 Days, Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea...), at the crossroads of fantasy, anticipation and adventure stories, remains incredibly topical. We would dare to compare him in some respects to Leonardo da Vinci, who is also experiencing a resurgence of interest and is not unrelated to the castles of the Loire!
What you will see
The museum offers you a journey to the center of Jules Verne's work, from the sources of inspiration (railroads, travels...) to the publication of the novels (role of the publisher of the illustrated books Pierre-Jules Hetzel). This course is proposed through different mediums:
- manuscripts (From the Earth to the Moon, The Mysterious Island...), correspondence, documents, extracts of works.
- Illustrations, posters, cartonnage and portraits of the writer.
- Games and objects that belonged to the writer (including the globe and the compass box that accompanied him until his death).
How much time to allow
The museum is modest for the moment and one hour can be enough. It should be noted that the museum is to be transferred by 2028 to a former industrial building, opposite the new extraordinary garden, to enable it to exhibit its entire collection with, we hope, a redoubled ambition.
More information on the Jules Verne Museum
The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday from 2pm to 6pm and on Saturday morning from 10am to 12pm.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
11. The cathedral of Nantes (Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul)
The cathedral of Nantes was the victim of a serious fire on July 18, 2020, destroying the great organ, some stained glass windows and priceless paintings. A vast cleanup project should be completed by 2022, for a partial reopening of the cathedral in 2023. The reconstruction of the organ will take 5 to 10 years.
Why visit the cathedral of Nantes?
All the major cities of the Loire Valley have truly splendid cathedrals, reminding us of the place of religion in the west of France and the role of the church in the history of France. The cathedral of Nantes is no exception:
- In the midst of the war of succession for the throne of the duchy of Brittany, the construction of this imposing cathedral, begun in 1434, was intended as an act of affirmation of his power by John V.
- Threatened with extinction during the revolution, damaged by the explosion of an ammunition depot in the nearby castle, the cathedral was not completed until 1891, 457 years of work!
- Witness of the centuries, it will be again partially destroyed by the allied bombardments in 1944. While the restoration work was nearing completion, the roof caught fire in 1972. In 2020, an arson attack destroyed the organ and part of the stained glass windows.
What you will see
The most outstanding elements of the Nantes Cathedral:
- On the main façade, you can admire the richly carved vaults above the doors, as well as an exterior pulpit that allowed preaching to the crowd of faithful gathered in front of the cathedral.
- Heavily damaged over the centuries, the 500m2 of stained glass windows were almost completely redesigned between 1977 and 1989 by Anne Le Chevalier and Jean Le Moal.
- The cathedral hosts the tomb and the recumbents of François II of Brittany, father of Anne of Brittany and builder of the Castle of Nantes (Dukes of Brittany), as well as of his wife Marguerite de Foix. This ensemble is considered one of the masterpieces of the French Renaissance.
- The great organs of the cathedral are accompanied by themost imposing choir organ in France, giving a very special sound and power to the whole.
How much time to allow
The visit to the Cathedral, when it reopens, will take you 2 hours, as it is vast and richly endowed with liturgical elements.
More information on the cathedral of Nantes
The Cathedral is currently only visible from the outside and its partial reopening is only announced for 2023.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Nantes
Itineraries
Visits
12. The House of Men and Technology at the shipyard
Why visit the House of Man and Technology? (Maison des Hommes et des Techniques)
As you can see, the city of Nantes cannot be understood without having in mind its rich port past. Today, the shipyard has been relocated to Saint Nazaire, but it continues to live on in Nantes through a museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the know-how of naval workers.
- It is housed in the historic building of the Ateliers et Chantiers de Nantes, located in the heart of the former Dubigeon shipyards, which built ships for over 200 years until their closure in 1987. A dive into the heart of reality!
- At their peak, in 1954, the shipyards had 7,600 workers, technicians and engineers, a highly qualified workforce, an accumulation of knowledge acquired over two centuries. An intangible asset, of inestimable value!
- As inhabitants of Le Havre who saw the shipyard close in 1999, we can only recommend you to visit this museum, as we know the contribution of these workers to the soul of the city.
What you will see
The documentary collection is particularly rich (5000 ship plans, 10000 ship photos, 300 tools used in the shipyard...) and highlighted through :
- a permanent exhibition"Shipbuilders" which tells 200 years of naval history around 120 objects... An exciting and interactive exhibition that allows you to discover the different trades, but also the working culture at the naval shipyard.
- You will also be able to see different engravings of the city before the waterways were filled in, making you realize that in Nantes, we walk on water! We literally changed our view of the city after discovering these boards...
- Temporary exhibitionsallowing youto deepen one of the points of the rich history of the navy in Nantes.
How much time to allow
For the visit of the museum, count 1 hour minimum. We also recommend a tour of the former Dubigeon shipyard site, with the boat launching docks and the famous yellow crane, symbol of this naval past.
More information on the House of Men and Technology
Museum open every day all year round, mornings and afternoons on weekdays, only afternoons on weekends.
13. Parc du Grand Blottereau
Why visit the Grand Blottereau Park?
With 22 hectares, the Grand Blottereau park is the largest in Nantes and also one of the most amazing. Some good reasons to go there:
- This garden has the particularity of being a park with an exotic vocation to respect the wishes of the patron of the place, the rich merchant from Nantes, Hyppolite Durand-Gasselin. It has a collection of rare species in France (apricot palm, bald cypress or eucalyptus).
- The site of the colonial agronomy section of the Nantes business school at the beginning of the 20th century, and today of the Nantes horticultural high school, it is a place of experimentation and learning about plants in life size.
- It houses the green spaces department of the city of Nantes where thousands of flowers and plants are produced to bloom the city each year.
- In addition to this botanical vocation, it has infrastructures for the youngest (games, hut, slide, climbing...) and the oldest (health course, petanque grounds...).
What you will see
Today, the park already offers routes through the landscapes of different continents:
- The American bayou: a landscape of swamps typical of the natural spaces between the old branches and meanders of the Mississippi.
- Suncheon Hill (Korea): an area with a small rice field and a tea plantation, with a Korean pavilion on top of the hill. This garden is a gift from the city of Suncheon to Nantes.
- The Mediterranean rock garden: this part is dedicated to rock garden plants: sage, lavender or marigolds.
- The parterre à la française: the geometrical universe characteristic of French gardens extends in front of the 18th century castle built in the park.
- The natural garden: a space where horticulture and respect for the environment are combined.
The greenhouses are divided into 2 spaces:
- a dry one that hosts jojoba, baobab and other kapok
- the other wet one reserved for spicy plants (pepper, cinnamon, vanilla...), precious woods (ebony, mahogany, teak...) but also fruit trees (banana, cacao, papaya...)
How much time to allow
The tour of the park and greenhouses takes about 2 hours, but if you decide to visit the entire park, plan on spending half a day.
More information on the Grand Blottereau park
The garden is freely accessible. It is open year-round from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (7:15 p.m. in summer).
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14. Natural History Museum of Nantes
Why visit the Natural History Museum?
In a port city, what could be more logical than to find a richly endowed museum. Adventurers, ship owners and other naturalists have contributed over the last two centuries to make the Natural History Museum of Nantes one of the most important in France.
Far from the cabinets of curiosity, these museums have become real places of preservation and transmission of the culture of the living and its innumerable and incredible wealth.
The succession of illustrious curators and the evolution of knowledge have allowed the enrichment of the collections in each of the major families: animals, geology and plants.
What you will see
The galleries that you will walk through:
- Zoology gallery: more than 1000 vertebrate animal specimens, including the impressive skeleton of a whale over 18 meters long.
- Gallery of Earth and Universe Sciences: 5,000 minerals, 3,000 rocks, more than 100,000 fossils, including pieces of meteorites and a 50-million-year-old leaf.
- Vivarium: Eugenie's favorite passage... The vivarium of Nantes is specialized on snakes and lizards, with more than twenty living species represented.
- Malacology: this branch of zoology is devoted to the study of mollusks. On the program more than 5000 shells of gastropods (snails, slugs and other slugs)! What to return in its shell...
- Botany: 6,000 wood cuts and 300,000 herbarium plates, including Professor Tonnelier's herbarium dating from 1789! Revolutionary, isn't it?
How much time to allow
Several days or 2 hours depending on the intensity of your interest in the world of life and your endurance.
More information on the Natural History Museum
The museum is open all year round at least from Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm.
15. The Talensac market
Why go to the Talensac market?
After all these efforts to discover our 15 things to do in Nantes, it's time to regain strength and for that, what better than to go shopping.
- The Talensac covered market is located on the site of the former municipal slaughterhouses (nicely called by the people of Nantes "la tuerie aux bestiaux"). The current building was inaugurated in 1937, and has a surface area of 2655m2, to which must be added the uncovered spaces. The nerve center of Nantes' gastronomy!
- In Nantes, you are in the heart of a rich agricultural region: livestock in the Mauges, fruits and vegetables in the Loire Valley, fishing in Vendée and Brittany! Closer to Nantes, market gardening dominates, with lamb's lettuce and radishes being the main products.
- And if you don't have the courage to cook, take advantage of the many restaurants that offer nearby... market cuisine!
What you will see
A French market is a guarantee of fresh products and nice little discoveries at the stalls. You will be spoilt for choice:
- 158 merchants present all year round in about 50 different trades!
- Raw materials: pork butchers, butchers, fishmongers, oyster farmers, fruit and vegetable growers, cheese makers, spices and honeys...
- or ready-to-eat dishes: world cuisine, caterers, bakers...
How much time to allow
To walk around the market, allow at least 1 hour , but if you decide to taste each stall, allow for the morning. To take advantage of the best products, it is recommended to arrive early. If you want to get the best prices, aim for the closing...
More information on the Talensac market
Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 1pm (and even 1:30pm on Saturday and Sunday).
Best things to do in Nantes: other ideas
They didn't make it into our top 15, but they may be worth a visit too!
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What to visit in Nantes : Other museums
16. Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery
A long gallery of rough concrete, under the quays of the Loire, takes you into the memory of slavery, but also to the discovery of the enlightened minds that led to its abolition.
A solemn and necessary place, in the heart of one of the main former French slave ports of the not so distant 18th century.
See the official website
17. Planetarium
Located not far from the Jules Verne Museum, the Nantes planetarium takes you to the farthest reaches of the universe with sessions adapted to all ages. Travel time from 30 minutes to 1 hour!
See the official website
18. Museum of Printing
In the digital age, a museum that preserves the memory of the printers' trade, in the land of typos, inks and paper rolls. And the printing press is still in operation with these antique machines with such a particular rendering.
See the official website
19. Companion museum
In a beautiful and unexpected manor house in this rebellious district of Chantenay, discover some of the most beautiful pieces made by the Compagnons du Tour de France des Devoirs Unis.
The companionship gathers since the antiquity men and women eager to learn and to help each other to seek together to reach the perfection in the exercise of a trade (building, art, mouth...).
20. Dobré Museum
Named after a rich shipowner and merchant from Nantes, this museum presents the donations made by collectors to a public authority, that is to say a collection of 135,000 works (archaeology, stamps, sculptures, autographs...)!
It is possible that this museum will join our top 15, after its reopening scheduled for 2024. To be continued...
See the official website
21. Ship-Museum Le Maille Brézé
This escort ship is known to all the people of Nantes as its presence along the festive Quai de la Fosse is unexpected. It is a reminder of the role played by the shipyards in the construction of warships and an opportunity for visitors to discover a warship afloat.
See the official website
What to see in Nantes: other parks and gardens
22. The park of the island of Versailles and the house of the Erdre
Two steps from the city center, on former marshes, enjoy the animations of the Maison de l'Erdre and discover the Japanese garden in the heart of the island, with tea room and composition of rock gardens and mini waterfalls.
You can also rent small electric boats to discover the surroundings (very nice to have a quiet aperitif at sunset, we tested!).
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Nantes
Itineraries
Visits
23. The park of Procé
Maybe because we lived right across the street for 3 years, but this park has something extra for us. With its mini-sled track and its old merry-go-round, it transports us to the world of the well-behaved children of the 19th century.
24. The floral park of Beaujoire
By going up the Erdre river for 6 km from the city center, you will reach the magnificent floral park of Beaujoire, which presents on more than 14 hectares, 16000 varieties of roses (flowering mostly in May-June), but also 400 species of magnolias (flowering from the beginning of March to June) and a beautiful iris garden (flowering in March-April).
25. The park of Beaulieu
At the end of the island of Nantes, this park offers large grassy areas, games for children, petanque courts and natural barbecues. An invitation to conviviality and relaxation!
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Other remarkable churches
26. Basilica of Saint Nicholas
One of the very first neo-Gothic churches built in France in the mid-19th century, which is expressed in both the architecture and the furnishings of the building. Literally cramped in the city, you will surely be seized like us by the verticality of the architecture once inside.
27. Holy Cross Church of Nantes
In the heart of the historic district of the city, this church was formerly adjoining the castle of Bouffay which housed the lords of Nante and which was razed during the 19th century. Before entering the church, look up to admire the clock and the angels of the Belfry.
28. Church of Saint-Clement in Nantes
This church built on a Latin cross plan is in the neo-Gothic style. It was in this church that Hélène de Chappotin, founder of the Fransciscan Missionaries of Mary, was baptized and beatified by John Paul II in 2002.
What to do with your family in Nantes
Nantes is a young city and the range of activities for families and children has increased in recent years. There is really something to keep them busy and happy during your stay.
Particularly suitable activities:
- The elephant and the machines on the island: even if they have not (yet) read Jules Verne, they will be carried away by the playful and poetic side of the funny animals of the machines on the island. If you feel tired, choose the elephant and the carousel.
- The castle of Nantes (Dukes of Brittany): it can also be a federative choice, with its watchtower that allows you to discover the different buildings while having fun along the curtain walls (secret passages, small staircases, castle atmosphere...).
- The planetarium: a sure value as our children love to have their head in the clouds. The planetarium of Nantes offers many sessions adapted to children, and some from 3 years old.
- The garden of plants: even if they are not already sensitive to botany, this beautiful garden houses 8 works by the illustrator and author of children Claude Ponti. The opportunity to make them discover the universe of "Blaise, the masked chick"!
What to do near Nantes (lake, castle, beaches...)
Lake Grand Lieu
This very large and shallow lake is a paradise for birds and nature lovers.
Located only 20 km from the center of Nantes, the lake's surface area varies from 65 km2 in winter to only 37 km2 in winter, due to its very shallow depth (1.60m on average in summer).
This particularity and its location on a migratory route makes it a real refuge for more than 270 different species of birds. The Grand Lieu lake is today the2nd ornithological reserve of France.
We recommend the routes along the lake in autumn and winter, which will allow you to drive among real floating.
There is no shortage of ways to explore the lake, which you can discover at the Maison du Lac de Grand Lieu and on their website.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The vineyards of Muscadet
The 4 muscadet appellations (muscadet, muscadet-sèvre-et-maine, muscadet-côtes-degrand-lieu and muscadet-côteaux-de-la-loire) have long been criticized, but have been undergoing a revival for the past twenty years. Turning their backs on volume, a new generation of winegrowers is working to get the best out of the Burgundy melon, the king of Muscadet grapes. Largely influenced by the oceanic climate and its changing weather, the wines are lively and mineral.
If you want to discover the vineyard and the secret of Muscadet, we advise you to go to the very educational museum of the Nantes vineyard, installed in the heart of a communal appellation, in Le Pallet. You will discover the conservatory of grape varieties and the cycle of the vine and wine, from the planting of the vines to the tasting of the wine.
To complete your discovery, several domains can welcome you all around Nantes. You will be able to visit the vineyards and the cellar, before being tempted by a tasting.
Some areas that can accommodate you:
- Château Cassemichère offers tastings, accommodation and a 9-step discovery tour of life on the estate - see the site
- Le domaine de l'Ecu which ages its muscadets in amphorae - see the site
- The domain of the barn where the Hardy family will make you taste their muscadets Sèvre-et-Maine in a dedicated room of 70m2 - see the site
You can also follow the wine route which offers 3 different signposted routes to discover the landscapes of the different appellations. You can find out more by following this link.
The castle of Goulaine
15 km from Nantes, a small castle with an early renaissance dwelling located on the famous "Marches de Bretagne" on the border of the Duchy of Brittany and the Kingdom of France.
Owned by the family of the Lords of Goulaine since its construction, with the exception of the first half of the 19th century, the castle offers the little extra soul of castles still inhabited.
To prepare your visit, follow this link.
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Support us
Do you enjoy all the free content you find on our blog, without intrusive ads?
Our independence, the only guarantee of qualitytips, is partly based on your generosity!
We offer you to give us a coffee (or several) in the hope of sharing it with you one day in person!
The beaches of the Atlantic
Need to refresh yourself, to know the charm of the French seaside resorts or just want to discover the beaches of the Atlantic? A small selection of beaches near Nantes:
- Pornic: Less than an hour from the center of Nantes, come and discover this seaside resort created in the nineteenth century. This is the first beach where we spent our vacations when we arrived in the Loire. The small port has a lot of charm and the town is surrounded by small sandy beaches that contrast with the black rock. The walk along the coastal path is really worth it, even in bad weather (if you are careful of course).
- La Baule: the most prestigious beach at 1 hour from Nantes, with its 9 km bay of white sand! It is one of the most popular seaside resorts in France. The shallow depth makes it an ideal place for discovering the sea with children, but also for long walks on the sand at low tide.
- Saint-Jean-de-Monts: change of atmosphere, we leave this time in Vendée, still 1 hour from the center of Nantes. Recognizable by its 400 meters long pier that juts out into the sea, the resort of Saint Jean De Monts is friendly and family oriented. The rock has given way to dunes and forests, and the fine sandy beaches stretch for 19km.
If you want to get off the beaten track:
- Monsieur Hulot's beach in Saint-Marc-sur-Mer : a few kilometers before La Baule, a small beach full of charm and out of time which was used as a setting for Jacques Tati's famous movie, "Monsieur Hulot's vacations". We also celebrated Eugenie's 5th birthday there!
- The beach of gohaud and the domain of the red lands in Saint Michel Chef : a magnificent preserved and protected environment. The particular composition of the soil gives beautiful colors to the rocks and land around the beach. The beach is made of fine sand and the "carrelets", small wooden fishermen's huts that are built on the sea, give a very poetic atmosphere to the whole.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
