Are you visiting Nantes and looking for a hotel like no other? This great city has a few surprises in store for you! There, "unusual" doesn't mean yurts and teepees, but charm and romance. We've unearthed some surprising addresses just for you!
To guide you in this bold search, here are our ideas for an unusual night in Nantes!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Sleeping in an unusual hotel: an unforgettable experience
Nantes is a city of many attractions, with a thriving cultural life. Its range of hotels is extensive, but reveals surprisingly few out-of-the-ordinary options. While it's easy to imagine an unusual weekend in the Loire Valley, it's not so easy in Nantes. The metropolis did, however, have some surprises in store for us, with a more urban feel. Chapel, former courthouse or barge... It's an experience you won't soon forget!
These highly sought-after accommodations are a great success. Book in advance and check available hotels for your dates right away!
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.
1. Sleep in a chapel: Hotel Sozo
Why stay at Hotel Sozo?
We were dazzled by this former 19th-century chapel transformed into a 4-star hotel. Elegantly blending modernity and solemnity, the place stands out for its history and originality. Beneath the vaulted stone ceilings, we spent a night caressed by the soft play of light in the stained glass windows. Choose this hotel and travel back in time in style!
The establishment is also ideally located. Located in the city center, it's just a few steps from the magnificent Jardin des Plantes and the SNCF train station. To find out more, read our full article onHotel Sozo!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Station
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: no
- Family rooms: no
- Facilities: sauna, steam room, ice room and sensory shower
- Parking: yes
- See prices, photos and availability - and book now!
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
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2. Sleeping on a barge: Rivière House Carpe Diem
Why stay at Rivière House Carpe Diem?
Moored on the Erdre River, a twenty-minute drive from downtown Nantes, the Carpe Diem barge invites you to come aboard for a unique experience.
Although the weather didn't cooperate, we had a great time that we'll always remember. The magnificent common room, beautifully decorated and flooded with light, offers a breathtaking view of the river. In fine weather, you can easily picnic on the deck! Lulled by a gentle lapping sound, we also appreciated the room's nautical decor, spiced up with touches of humor to bring smiles to our faces.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Erdre/Périphérique
- Price range: 3 stars
- Restaurant: no
- Family rooms: no
- Facilities: terrace, activities and massage on request
- Parking: yes
- See prices, photos and availability - and book now!
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Nantes
Itineraries
Visits
3. Sleep in a former courthouse: the Radisson Blu Hotel
Why stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel?
Ever thought of sleeping in a courthouse? Neither did we, and it was a great experience! Since 2014, the Radisson Blu Nantes has occupied the former Palais de Justice, an imposing 19th-century neoclassical building that has been completely renovated.
Ideally located just a few minutes from downtown, the hotel's prestigious decor will win you over. A real success that we owe to the interior architect and designer Jean Phillipe Nuel. An unprecedented opportunity to discover the elegant backstage world of justice. While a cocktail bar occupies the former Salle des Pas Perdus, breakfast is served in what was once the Salle d'Assises, where now only light and luxury are summoned. We loved it! To find out more, read our full article on theRadisson Blu Hotel.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: downtown
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes
- Parking: yes
- See photos, prices and availability - and book!
4. Sleep in a former private mansion: Hôtel de France Océania
Why stay at the Hôtel de France Océania?
In the prestigious Rue Crebillon, close to Place Graslin, lies the Hôtel de France Océania. We enjoyed the splendor of this sumptuous 18th-century townhouse, where history meets style!
This staple of the Nantes hotel scene had fallen a little asleep over the years, and it took all the expertise (and investment) of the Breton brand Océania to restore it to its former glory. Today, the hotel shines with luxury and modernity. Like us, you'll be transported into the city's past! Read more in our dedicated article here.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: no
- Family rooms: yes
- Parking: no
- Facilities: fitness room
- See prices, photos and availability - and book now!
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5. Sleeping at Château des Forges
Why stay at Château des Forges?
Ever dreamed of sleeping in a castle? Make your wish come true with the Château des Forges hotel. Although slightly removed from Nantes, 1 hour east of the city, this magnificent place will transport you into the life of a châtelain.
This 14-room hotel belongs to the Slow Village, which advocates the development of tourism at a calmer pace that respects nature. We liked the contemporary Bauhaus-inspired decor and the spaciousness of the rooms. You can also enjoy the exceptional view over the green valley! Read more about this accommodation in our dedicated article.
Practical information
- Location: 1 hour from Nantes
- Price range: castle
- Restaurant: no
- Family rooms: yes
- Parking: yes
- Facilities: swimming pool, terrace, 6-hectare park
- See prices, photos and availability - and book now!
Other unusual accommodations around Nantes
Other options for unusual stays exist near Nantes. We've put together a few ideas for where to sleep:
- In a maisonette in the heart of the city, you'll be immersed in the extraordinary world of Jules Verne, the famous Nantes writer.
- In the charming village of Trentemoult, 10min by navibus! Our article on the subject here.
- In one of the 6 artistic rooms at Château du Pé.
- In one of the Charron's perched cabins to admire the ground from the treetops. Visit the official website here to find out more.
Venture further into the Loire Valley and discover our unusual weekend ideas! The town of Saumur, for example, surprised us with its wide choice ofhotels and troglodyte sites. Read our article "where to sleep in Saumur" here and get inspired by our selection of unique accommodations!
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
Frequently asked questions
Where to spend an unusual romantic night in Nantes?
Insolite can also mean glammour! Here are our suggestions for atypical romantic hotels in Nantes that will delight lovers:
- Even if you don't want to show him off, offer him the hotel preferred by stars shooting in Nantes, the Hôtel de France. French celebrities Jean Marais, Mireille Darc and Jacques Demy have stayed here. Book a room now.
- In the mood for cocooning and feeling at home? In the heart of the city, the Hotel Maison du Monde is just for you. See photos and availability.
- What better place to propose than in a church? Experience the Hotel Sozo. Check prices and availability here.
Where can I stay around Nantes and in the Loire Valley?
Located on the banks of the Loire Valley, Nantes is close to numerous châteaux. Some open their doors to you and invite you to sleep in! Here are some of our suggestions:
- 1h20 drive from Nantes, Château des Briottières is set in 40 hectares of English parkland. Sleep in one of its 15 rooms and enjoy its beautiful swimming pool and tennis court. Reserve your suite now!
- Also 1h20 away by car, the Château du Plessis-Bourré will charm you with its history and prestige! More info on the official website here.
More ideas in our article Sleeping in a Loire château here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
