Staying in Nantes for a few days? Visit the Jules Verne Museum! The city's most emblematic writer, Jules Verne drew inspiration for his fantastic voyages from his childhood spent just a stone's throw away from the ships he visited. Diving into the extraordinary world of the great man, the museum took us behind the scenes of a unique imagination!
In this article, you'll find all our useful tips for planning your visit to the Jules Verne Museum 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.
Is a visit to the Jules Verne Museum worthwhile?
Housed in a house high up in the Chantenay district, where the Verne family owned a weekend house, the museum offered us a real immersion in the writer's work. Objects that once belonged to the man, manuscripts, books, maps and models will transport you into the extraordinary world of this inventor of stories. As the tour progressed, we were amazed to see how the writer continues to influence the city and its imagination. The proof is in the Elephant and the Machines de l'Ile! We highly recommend this museum, one of the best in Nantes.
>> Book your ticket now with the City Pass, which also gives you access to the city's other museums and public transport network!
What you can see
A museum with unusual architecture
Stop to admire the museum's stunning architecture. The doors with their oriental curves, the tower with its large glass windows and asymmetrical volumes all appealed to us.
We were immersed in the author's life thanks to the Jules Verne family tree and a graphic panel listing the major events in his life.
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- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
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Jules Verne the traveler
A traveler at heart, the writer made numerous trips abroad by boat. Like us, you're sure to be surprised by this map of the great man's cruises.
Model boats
Take a close look at the miniature boats that mark the beginning of the exhibition. We loved the fine details!
The writer's personal belongings
Discovering his crockery, some of his furniture and other personal objects, we almost thought we were at Jules Verne's house!
Unpublished manuscripts
Numerous manuscripts preserved behind glass bear witness to the complex writing process. Seeing these words drawn with a pen by the author's own hand touched us!
The superb Hetzel illustrated books
The museum houses original Hetzel editions, the company that printed Jules Verne's magnificent illustrated albums in the 19th century. A feast for the eyes!
Imaginary maps
You can contemplate the Extraordinary Journeys maps by train, hot-air balloon or boat. We loved it!
Models of fantastic machines
We were particularly interested in the fantasy machines. Stunning and unique, they punctuate the visit, bringing Jules Verne's bold ideas to life.
Lunar objects
Several objects and documents pay tribute to the novel From the Earth to the Moon. We loved the humorous sculptures of the star, typical of the 19th century.
Jules Verne in theater and film
Part of the exhibition is devoted to Jules Verne in theater and film. Posters and miniature theaters testify to the writer's timeless and manifold influence.
Panoramic views to take you back in time
At the end of the tour, head outside to imagine the panorama in the 19th century or colored by the imagination of Jules Verne. We were transported!
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
Jules Verne Museum in Nantes: how to get there
Where to find the museum
- In the city of Nantes
- In the Chantenay district
- 30 minutes by public transport from the railway station and city center
- Opposite the Loire and the Buren rings
Access by car and parking
You can reach the museum by car and park in the adjacent streets. If no spaces are available, go to parking 21 quai Ernest Renaud, a 5-minute walk away.
Public transport access
The museum is accessible by public transport. Nantes is very well served by an exceptional and fluid public transport network! Opt for the City Pass, which not only gets you around, but also gives you access to the city's museums, including the Jules Verne Museum!
- By bus, Chronobus 1, Lechat stop then 10min walk
- By tramway, line 1, Gare Maritime stop, then 15min walk
- By Bicloo, station 106 Garennes and 2min walk
Visiting difficulties
There are no difficulties to visit. Apart from the garden, the entire museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
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Useful tips for visiting the Jules Verne Museum
Schedules and prices
Here are the museum opening times:
- Open all year round except Tuesday
- 2 to 6 p.m. daily except Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.
- Extended opening hours from July 1 to August 31: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Prices are as follows:
- Full adult price: €4
- Reduced rate: €1.50
- Free for children under 18
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow 45min to 1h to visit the museum.
Best moment
Nantes is a lively city all year round, but particularly so in summer. If you're visiting during this season, it's best to come in the morning. Your visit will be that much calmer!
Direction of visit
There's no set direction for visiting the museum, but we recommend that you first admire the building's facade. Then explore the permanent exhibition and immerse yourself in the writer's life and imagination. Then visit the temporary exhibition, if available. Why not drop into the boutique to extend the experience with some readings? Finish your visit in style and admire the superb view in front of the museum!
Visiting with children
The museum is suitable for children, despite the somewhat dated museography. Models of imaginary machines will amaze them, echoing the extraordinary Machines de l'Ile! Depending on their age, the stories of Jules Verne will fascinate them. Stop off at the store to buy a book. On its website, the museum also offers creative workshops to do at home to interest the youngest visitors before or after their visit! Find out more here.
Eating out
The museum is close to the city center, and Nantes is full of great places to visit! Discover our tempting selection of the city's best restaurants.
Hotels
You're close to the center of Nantes, which is home to many hotels. Here are our recommendations.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Nantes
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