- Nantes was historically part of the Duchy of Brittany and is still frequently referred to as the capital of Brittany by locals, despite being administratively part of the Pays de la Loire region.
- The city is the birthplace of science fiction author Jules Verne, whose imaginative influence is evident in the local public art scene.
- During the 18th century, Nantes was the largest port in France, fueled heavily by the maritime trade that shaped the city's architectural landscape.
- The 'Voyage à Nantes' project is an annual summer event that transforms the urban layout with a permanent trail of public art installations.
About Nantes
Nantes is a former industrial port city on the Loire River, now a hub for avant-garde public art and mechanical engineering. The city is defined by the juxtaposition of its medieval history, epitomized by the Château des ducs de Bretagne, and its whimsical modern art installations. Visitors can explore the surreal contraptions at Les Machines de l'Île or enjoy the refined collections at the Musée d’arts de Nantes. Nantes serves as the gateway to the Loire Valley and remains one of France's primary centers for culture and aerospace technology.
Highlights of Nantes
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
See the iconic giant mechanical elephant that walks and sprays water through the shipyard area.
Historical places
Walk the ramparts of this 15th-century fortress that once served as the seat of the Dukes of Brittany.
Parks
Explore one of the oldest public botanical gardens in France, featuring rare camellias and 19th-century greenhouse architecture.
Parks
Visit this peaceful Japanese-style garden tucked away on an island in the Erdre River.
Museums
View a vast collection of fine arts ranging from the 13th to the 21st century housed in a neoclassical building.
Temples
Admire the Flamboyant Gothic architecture and the tomb of Francis II, Duke of Brittany.
Parks
Enjoy panoramic views of the Loire River from a former quarry turned into an expansive, lush public park.
Museums
Browse an extensive collection of specimens that highlights the region's historical connection to global exploration.
Top things to do in Nantes
The 348 highest-rated places in Nantes, ranked by travellers.
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Places of interest
Les Machines de l'Île is an artistic, mechanical attraction located in former shipyards in Nantes. It features a collect...
2
Historical places
The Château des ducs de Bretagne is a 15th-century fortress and residence located in the historic heart of Nantes. It se...
3
Parks
The Jardin des Plantes de Nantes is a 7-hectare 19th-century botanical garden located in the heart of Nantes. It maintai...
4
Zoos
Planète Sauvage is a 85-hectare safari park located in Port-Saint-Père, France, offering both a vehicle-based safari tra...
5
Parks
Île de Versailles is a 1.7-hectare artificial island located on the Erdre River in Nantes. Originally an island for tann...
6
Venues
Stade de la Beaujoire is the primary multi-purpose stadium in Nantes, serving as the long-term home ground for the profe...
7
Venues
Hellfest is one of the world's largest extreme music festivals, held annually in the town of Clisson, France. It hosts o...
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Museums
The Musée d’arts de Nantes holds one of the most significant fine arts collections in France, spanning from the 13th cen...
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Zoos
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Temples
13
Historical places
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Parks
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Parks
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Parks
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Museums
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Venues
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Zoos
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Amusement parks
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Parks
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Museums
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Venues
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Historical places
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Historical places
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Temples
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Historical places
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Museums
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Nantes on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Nantes
May to September, when the city's extensive park system, such as the Botanical Garden and Parc de Procé, is in full bloom and outdoor cultural programming is most active.
2-3 days, allowing enough time to explore the historic city center and take a day trip to the surrounding vineyards or the Loire estuary.
The city features a highly efficient integrated network of three tram lines, comprehensive bus routes, and a bike-share system, making it largely car-free friendly.
Stay in the Bouffay or Graslin districts for proximity to major historic sites and dining, or near the island of Nantes for a more contemporary industrial atmosphere.
Nantes is a mid-range destination where costs are generally lower than in Paris for dining and accommodation.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 348 curated attractions in and around Nantes, ranked by traveller ratings.
Les Machines de l'Île is the highest-rated place to visit in Nantes right now.
The largest category is venues, with 105 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
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