In this article, discover 10 good reasons<\/strong> to discover Nantes!<\/p>\n\n This guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Nantes is definitely worth a visit for several reasons. The astonishing Machines de l'Ile were our first attraction. Perched on the back of the huge mechanical elephant, we admired the Loire. A few steps away, we fell under the spell of the superb Ch\u00e2teau de Nantes. A journey into the city's medieval past!<\/p>\n\n During our visit, we felt the strength of the city's cultural and artistic life. Its museums, open-air works of art and curiosities had us on the edge of our seats! Nantes' gastronomy is also a good reason to visit. We enjoyed wandering around the markets and discovering good restaurants. Finally, our footsteps led us through some extraordinary gardens, making our exploration of the city a nature getaway too!<\/p>\n\n Downtown<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Would you like to sleep in the heart of Nantes and enjoy its invigorating vitality? We liked it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Near the station<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A train to catch at dawn, there's a truly magical address just 2 steps from Nantes train station:<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the banks of the Erdre<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You'll be amazed by the wonders of the Ile de Nantes. Between 2 arms of the Loire, these former shipyards are home to some very unusual animals. From the fantastic world of Jules Verne, the city's famous writer, the Machines de l'Ile<\/a> will impress you with their size and strangeness!<\/p>\n\n Made of iron and wood, the gigantic elephant is now the symbol of the city. You'll feel very small next to him. It's as tall as a 4-storey building! Join the 52 visitors it carries several times a day. If you're interested in this giant backpacking tour, buy your tickets when you arrive on site. The walk is a great success.<\/p>\n\n Enter Jules Verne's bestiary in the Galerie des Machines. You'll come across some funny birds and discover the secret of the ingenious mechanisms that drive them. The Carrousel des Mondes Marins will plunge you 20,000 leagues under the sea if you decide to take a ride. Take the City Pass, which also gives you access to the Machines de l'Ile<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n Nantes is also famous for its castle. The Ch\u00e2teau des Ducs de<\/a> Bretagne will impress you with its stature and history. Built in the 13th century, it was made famous by Anne de Bretagne, the duchess who successively married kings Henry VIII and Louis XII, thus ensuring Brittany's attachment to France.<\/p>\n\n Join us in admiring the defensive structures and walking the walkway. Surrounded by the moat and the keep, you'll plunge right into the Middle Ages! Then enter the courtyard and admire the magnificent royal dwelling. A blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, its facades are beautifully decorated. We particularly appreciated the finesse of the tower and window carvings.<\/p>\n\n The interiors are not open to the public, but you can continue your visit by discovering the Grand Government and its neoclassical style. Other buildings on the estate include the conciergerie, the petit gouvernement and the harness building. Take the City Pass, which also gives you access to the castle<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n See our tips<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Discovering Nantes also means discovering its superb historical heritage. Along the streets and avenues, you'll come across some remarkable monuments. Open your eyes! Scattered throughout the city, majestic churches reach for the sky. Nantes' Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul is well worth a visit! You'll also be charmed by the splendor of the Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Graslin and the curves of the Place Royale.<\/p>\n\n Don't be surprised. The city also boasts a rich artistic heritage. In Nantes, many works of art are in the open air. There are over 100 of them! Take a look at the large rings by contemporary artist Daniel Buren that line the Quai des Antilles. Look out, too, for street art and frescoed walls.<\/p>\n\n Looking for a multi-day itinerary in Nantes? We've put together a number of different routes for you. Read our article on the subject here<\/a>! You can also take advantage of the city's many guided tours, each more original than the last. Choose and book your tour now<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n Here's a map of the main sights to see and do in Nantes:<\/p>\n\n Nantes is not to be outdone in terms of its museums, which are of the highest quality. The choice is yours! We recommend you buy the famous city pass. It gives access to all the city's museums, as well as to the transport network! Avoid queuing on site and book it now here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n We particularly enjoyed visiting the Mus\u00e9e des Arts, one of the most beautiful in France. Its grandiose settings and magnificent collections will blow you away. At the Jules Verne Museum, you'll learn all there is to know about this visionary writer and immerse yourself in his extraordinary world. The Natural History Museum is also well worth a visit! Rediscover the genius of life.<\/p>\n\n To learn more about the history of the city and of France, visit the Mus\u00e9e de l'Histoire de Nantes and the M\u00e9morial de l'Abolition de l'Esclavage. Are you an engineering enthusiast? The Maison des Hommes et des Techniques and the Mus\u00e9e de l'Imprimerie will meet all your expectations! There's more to come. The city is home to other museums. See our dedicated article<\/a> to find out more.<\/p>\n\n All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley<\/strong> a success, will soon be gathered<\/strong> in a single ebook!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire<\/strong>, register:<\/p>\n\n\n![\"why](\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/is-nantes-worth-visiting.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nIs Nantes worth a visit?<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Nantes](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateau-de-Nantes\/i-BbmMc5W\/1\/DrZzJrsHmXrgq3NCKjhrMVjqhwM5g3tcTzQR3GVzf\/L\/chateau-nantes-tour_fer_cheval-1-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Garden](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Nantes-ville\/i-D8Z6qJ3\/0\/FHKT6v4WfpBQzBkSFnhX7drrsLVsLvhdCfvz8zwbc\/L\/nantes-jardin-plantes-2-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWHERE TO STAY IN Nantes<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Hotels\/Hotel-Radisson-Blu-Nantes\/i-4MqcQLz\/0\/231987d2\/L\/nantes-hotel-radisson-1-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Hotels\/Hotel-Sozo\/i-zcRnmwF\/1\/ca7a187f\/L\/nantes-hotel-sozo-1-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Hotels\/Riviere-House-Peniche-Carpe-Diem\/i-PVFxjVL\/0\/03b94d4c\/L\/nantes-hotel-peniche-carpe-diem-4-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\")
<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nReason 1 - For the Machines de l'Ile<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Mechanical](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Machines-de-lile\/i-r8w2v9t\/0\/QmS7Jb6Ps4bRqvVXDpBWVQFzFXHCXbLVCWFvBnjS\/L\/nantes-elephant-machines-heron-2-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Machines-de-lile\/i-Df8MW45\/0\/T93Jvqkp7szHhdFDV6CqKktcvtGNBDhGkfW2Gv3x\/L\/nantes-machines-ile-éléphant-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Carrousel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Machines-de-lile\/i-gxhrh5Q\/0\/FHVXZcKZc25rKtsmR4kmt9vpN6Nxjp3dfntRt742x\/L\/nantes-elephant-machines-ile-carrousel-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nReason 2 - For its Ch\u00e2teau des Ducs de Bretagne<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Nantes](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateau-de-Nantes\/i-3zjxHpq\/1\/CJ6xn9d22ZXpsgRShrsNdRCLNNXsrv44zxSRmcDmz\/L\/chateau-nantes-tour-rivière-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Nantes](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateau-de-Nantes\/i-d2TmXPM\/1\/FVZRXJBCDD4bJNJKhs6q8f4J6jPKjGFSP8TKd8dzd\/L\/chateau-nantes-loggia-tour-couronne-or-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Nantes](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateau-de-Nantes\/i-kmXQKFL\/1\/qB28KCbZMrkkMm2CPmVQLXqcd8TbxHcSd4z48WMg\/L\/chateau-nantes-tour_fer_cheval-3-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nOUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nReason 3 - For its historical and artistic heritage<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Nantes](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Nantes-ville\/i-MZzmcS5\/0\/DHkxfqdL27vDH3rjmsnHBn4SSNMkMnmfHnTDjwpcV\/L\/nantes-cathedrale-3-L.jpg\")
![\"Buren](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Nantes-ville\/i-xTnLMqF\/1\/CHt4BvMS6fDXhSb6HRM69L5P4KRtDddRwwg7jpr9V\/L\/nantes-ile-anneaux-buren-L.jpg\")
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Map-best-things-to-do-nantes.jpg\")
Reason 4 - For its many museums<\/h2>\n\n
![\"City](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Nantes-ville\/i-MFPqPJb\/0\/D95WNHcNgP8btVTXc6JpsXhvJfhqkKxhKWRTKrvDz\/L\/nantes-city-pass-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Art](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Musée-dArts\/i-qk2f34d\/0\/CNW9sC7bGSdQCC4v7WHvQL3rCTHcbdzsbt6wtzb9m\/L\/Musée-Arts-Nantes-57-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Jules](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Nantes-ville\/i-KPNdTHk\/0\/zTrVd3KgXzNTLkKdQ3Mj5LNt8djHT9nmhCJgZxQM\/L\/nantes-julesverne-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nA LITTLE MORE patience<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n