Thinking of spending a few days in Nantes in winter? It's a great idea. The city is bustling with activity, even at this time of year. The atmosphere is just as warm despite the temperatures! Take advantage of an off-season getaway and discover the wonders hidden in this emblematic city in western France.
Here are our tips for visiting Nantes in winter: activities, weather, temperatures... Plus, information on how to spend Christmas or New Year's Eve in this city full of surprises!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Nantes in winter: is it worth it?
Our review
Nantes in winter is definitely worth a visit! The city boasts an exceptional cultural offering even at this time of year. If you're traveling at the end of the year, you can also enjoy Christmas and New Year's Eve entertainment. Admire the city decked out in light and brimming with magic.
Every year, Nantes organizes a major winter event, Le Voyage en Hiver. You'll be enchanted by the myriad artistic light installations that adorn the city with enchantment. The many cultural venues and museums also feature special exhibitions that are well worth a visit. Find out more here.
We recommend you take the City Pass, which gives you access to most of the city's museums and transport network. Book it now! A host of original tours and guided visits will also brighten up your stay. Let yourself be tempted by one of them! Find our list of the best things to do in Nantes here!
Benefits
- The city shines with a thousand lights from December to January.
- It's less crowded than in summer.
- Outside Christmas, New Year's Day and Valentine's Day, hotels are less expensive.
- Almost everything remains open.
- Unprecedented artistic and cultural events take place this season.
Disadvantages
- It's getting colder.
- Rain and wind can be a problem during your stay.
- The beautiful parks and gardens are less verdant.
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
Weather, temperatures and conditions
In winter, the average temperature in Nantes is around 6°C. Bring warm clothes and a good coat. It may rain. We advise you to bring a raincoat. With the winter wind, your umbrella might just blow away!
You can also have beautiful sunny days. It's not unusual for a rainy day to be punctuated by sunny spells. The weather in Nantes is very changeable!
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.
Things to do in Nantes in winter
Nantes is full of things to do in winter! You can:
- Take a trip back in time at the beautiful Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
- Discover the Machines de l'Ile and be transported into the fantastic world of Jules Verne, the great writer born in Nantes!
- Take advantage of the city's museums and visit, for example, the Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History, both of which we fell in love with!
- Treat yourself at La Cigale, the magnificent arts deco restaurant that dazzled us.
- Enter the Passage Pommeraye, one of the city's finest shopping arcades.
- Stroll through amazing green spaces (even in winter), in the Jardin Extraordinaire, the Jardin des Plantes or the Parc du Grand Blottereau.
Why not too:
- Stroll through the city center, following the surprising green line and passing through the majestic Place Royale.
- Admire the works of art that embellish the city thanks to Voyage à Nantes and discover Buren's rings of light along the river.
- Savor the colors of the Talensac Market and sample local specialties.
- Visit Nantes' Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul.
- Have fun exploring the city with an escape game.
- Enjoy winter events like Le Voyage en Hiver and Christmas markets. Find out more here.
Near Nantes, you can:
- Escape to the colorful village of Trentemoult by Navibus!
- Visit the Loire castles and discover the 10 most beautiful around Nantes!
- Stroll through the magnificent medieval town of Clisson and discover its castle.
- Visit the Guérande salt marshes.
- Go to the seaside in the pretty town of Pornic and stroll along its beaches.
- Stroll along the white sands of the prestigious Bay of La Baule.
- Discover the Saint-Nazaire shipyards.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
How do I get to Nantes?
To get to Nantes, you've got a choice! You can get there by car. Read our article on renting a car here. However, in the city center, we strongly advise you to use the public transport network, as it's a real nightmare to get around! Take the City Pass, which gives you access to all public transport, including the Navibus, the city's boat bus! The pass also gives access to museums in the conurbation. An excellent bargain.
If you're coming from Paris or another major city, you can also choose to come by train. The station is in the city center and has excellent connections. Book your train tickets here.
Nantes is also accessible by air and has its own airport, Nantes Atlantique. Buy your ticket now!
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Christmas in Nantes
At the end of the year, Nantes lights up! The streets, the stores, the river banks, everything lights up! Stroll through the alleys of the town center and you'll be amazed by the magic of Christmas. We also recommend exploring the city's huge Christmas market and browsing the pop-up stores of local designers that liven up the streets. An opportunity to immerse yourself in a traditional festive atmosphere and find unique gifts! You can also enjoy specially designed Christmas-themed activities, including tastings and treasure hunts!
Christmas is also a time to treat yourself! Treat yourself and stay in a prestigious hotel. Why not try the elegant Radisson Blu Hotel, one of our favorites? See our other suggestions here! Complete the experience by dining in a gourmet restaurant. The warm welcome of our restaurateurs and the refinement of our French cuisine will warm everyone's heart! Ideas for succulent tables here!
New Year's Eve in Nantes
In Nantes, New Year's Eve is a big party! Marvel at the dazzling fireworks display organized by the town every year on the evening of December 31st. Taste the festive atmosphere that will delight the whole city.
You can also make the evening an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Many restaurateurs are offering special menus for New Year's Eve. Let yourself be seduced by one of the city's best restaurants, thanks to our list of top addresses!
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Nantes
Itineraries
Visits
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
