Are you thinking about visiting Nantes on your next trip?
A great idea: this city in western France offers a diverse cultural heritage, ranging from castles and gardens to contemporary art.
Before you go, here are all the details to answer your question: Is Nantes a safe city?
Check out all our practical tips for a worry-free trip.
Is Nantes safe? Quick response
Yes, overall, Nantes remains a safe city for visitors. The historic district, where most of the tourist attractions are located, poses no particular risk in everyday life. In recent years, Nantes has been the subject of highly mixed media coverage, with some commentators describing a dramatic decline in public safety. We prefer to rely on the numbers rather than on this media hype: according to data from the Ministry of the Interior, crime in Nantes fell by 22.5% between 2019 and 2024, and the city has one of the lowest rates of intentional violence among major French cities. We have observed for ourselves, during our repeated visits to the city, that a visitor following the usual tourist routes has no particular reason to worry. In short, it's a pleasant destination with plenty to do. Find all the ideas for things to do in Nantes here.
Nantes is a French city where French laws apply, just like in any other major city in the country. The few things to watch out for mainly involve pickpocketing in crowded areas, certain outlying neighborhoods far from tourist sites, and the immediate vicinity of the train station in the evening.
WHERE TO STAY IN Nantes
Downtown
Would you like to sleep in the heart of Nantes and enjoy its invigorating vitality? We liked it:
- Blu Radisson Hotel - see our article - see photos prices and availability
- L'Oceania - hotel de France - see our article - see photos prices and availability
Near the station
A train to catch at dawn, there's a truly magical address just 2 steps from Nantes train station:
- Le Sozo Hotel - see our article - see photos, prices and availability
On the banks of the Erdre
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Nantes? 2 addresses on the banks of the Erdre river:
- La Rivière House - see photos, prices and availability
- Le Best Western Plus Hôtel de la Régate - view photos, prices and availability
Pickpocketing
As in any city the size of Nantes, pickpocketing can occur in the busiest areas. These are almost always opportunistic thefts rather than assaults. We always keep our bags closed and in front of us in the busiest shopping areas—a habit that significantly reduces the risks. We also remain vigilant on the tram at the end of the day, when the cars get crowded and people tend to let their guard down. This level of risk remains comparable to that of most major French cities.
Advice:
- Carry your bag in front of you in crowded places
- Please be careful on the tram during rush hour
- Keep your valuables out of sight on the terraces
- Don't leave anything in plain sight in your vehicle
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 Station District
The immediate vicinity of the Nantes train station may be one of the areas where you need to be more vigilant, especially in the evening: there are people living in precarious circumstances, some disturbances related to substance abuse, and an atmosphere that can sometimes feel oppressive during off-peak hours. Please note that the train station remains a functional, monitored transit area during the day; however, caution is especially advised at night in the streets immediately surrounding it. This finding applies to a limited area and does not call into question the safety of the rest of the downtown area.
Advice:
Stick to the main streets and avoid lingering on the plaza or in the adjacent streets late at night. If you arrive at night, take a taxi or book a ride-hailing service instead of walking to your lodging.
Neighborhoods Worth Exploring, Off the Beaten Path
Certain outlying neighborhoods of Nantes—notably Malakoff, Bellevue, Le Breil, Dervallières Zola, Nantes Nord, and La Bottière—account for a larger share of the criminal incidents recorded in the metropolitan area, linked to drug trafficking and local social tensions. Several of these areas are undergoing urban renewal programs, accompanied by an increased police presence. We would like to clarify an important point for travelers: these neighborhoods are residential and located away from tourist attractions, so they are not part of the usual sightseeing routes. In fact, we’ve never had a reason to go there during our trips dedicated to exploring the city’s heritage and cultural activities.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Nantes
Itineraries
Visits
Safety in the City Center and in the Evening
The historic center of Nantes, the Bouffay district, Feydeau Island, the main squares, and Nantes Island remain lively and bustling until late at night, especially on weekdays when bars and restaurants are packed. We've always felt comfortable there, even when walking home after a night out. A few quieter or less well-lit streets, such as those near the Parvis des Nefs on the Île de Nantes, are still worth paying a little more attention to once night falls. In this case, we prefer to take the main roads rather than shortcuts through deserted streets.
Advice:
When traveling at night, stick to busy, well-lit streets. Avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas, even if they seem faster.
Traffic, Trams, and Parking
Driving in Nantes isn't particularly difficult, aside from the heavy traffic. It's very crowded, and the historic district is partially pedestrianized, which makes it easier to explore on foot once you've parked your car. We recommend using public transportation, which is very well organized, and purchasing the Nantes City Pass, which provides unlimited access to public transportation and many museums. If you do decide to come by car, we also recommend that you don't leave anything in plain sight inside the vehicle—a precaution that applies in any major city.
Advice:
- Use a park-and-ride facility on the outskirts and finish your trip by tram
- Don't leave anything in plain sight in your vehicle
- Stay alert on the tram during rush hour
- Please respect the pedestrian zones in the historic district
- Book your CityPass now for free admission to museums and free public transportation
Is the water safe to drink in Nantes?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink throughout Nantes and meets current European standards. It is treated and monitored regularly, just as it is in the rest of France.
Emergency Numbers in Nantes
Keep these numbers handy during your stay:
- European emergency number: 112
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS): 15
- Police: 17
- Firefighters: 18
The city has a comprehensive hospital system, with the Nantes University Hospital (CHU de Nantes) among the region's leading medical facilities.
Safety in Tourist Areas
Here are some useful tips based on the main neighborhoods visited by travelers.
Are downtown and the Bouffay neighborhood safe?
Le Bouffay and Île Feydeau, the historic heart of Nantes, remain safe and pleasant neighborhoods to explore at any time of day. The narrow alleys are lined with bars and restaurants, ensuring a constant flow of people in the evenings. We especially enjoy this neighborhood for a late-afternoon stroll, when the outdoor seating areas start to fill up. Nevertheless, we remain vigilant when out and about in the narrowest and most crowded streets, where pickpocketing is still a possibility, just as it is everywhere else.
Is the Île de Nantes safe?
The Île de Nantes, home to the Machines de l'Ile and numerous cultural venues, is a safe neighborhood both during the day and in the evening in its bustling areas. Some more out-of-the-way areas, particularly those around former industrial sites, remain quiet and deserted after dark. We recommend choosing routes close to busy areas if you're out late at night.
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Is Trentemoult safe?
The village of Trentemoult, accessible by Navibus from downtown, is a quiet and safe neighborhood, even in the evening. Its residential atmosphere and colorful alleyways make it a peaceful place, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
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