Things to do in Nantes

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A historic castle with multiple towers and a moat.
A historic stone wall with a tower, a green park with a canal, and a modern cityscape in the background.
A cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, a bustling street with pedestrians, and storefronts with signs.
A historic fortification with a moat, lush green lawn, and a pathway.
A row of historic European buildings with timber framing, signage for 'NANTES', and a 'la maison de prune' sign.

Things to do

Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Activity

Nantes Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

￥550
per adult
Nantes Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour
Saint-Léger-les-Vignes: a treasure hunt and wine tasting

Saint-Léger-les-Vignes: Scavenger hunt and wine tasting

￥2,760
per adult
Saint-Léger-les-Vignes: Scavenger hunt and wine tasting
GPS Audioguide application: From the Castle of the Dukes to the Passage Pommeraye

Nantes Audioguided Walking Tour 2h30 and 30 Audio Commentaries

￥1,086
per traveler
Nantes Audioguided Walking Tour 2h30 and 30 Audio Commentaries
Nantes Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide

Nantes Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour)

￥16,692
per adult
Nantes Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour)
Outdoor escape game | Jules Verne - The extraordinary challenge

Outdoor escape game | Jules Verne - The extraordinary challenge

￥2,760
per adult
Outdoor escape game | Jules Verne - The extraordinary challenge
Outdoor escape game One for all, all for one

Outdoor escape game One for all, all for one

￥2,760
per adult
Outdoor escape game One for all, all for one
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What to do in Nantes

Stay near popular Nantes attractions

A large, metallic frog sculpture with a basket hanging from its mouth.
Photo by Damien Petit
Open Photo by Damien Petit

Machines of the Isle of Nantes

9.0/10 (505 reviews)
You can study the exhibits at Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Nantes. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.
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Where to stay in Nantes

Find the best Nantes areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Nantes
Learn more about Nantes
A historic building with a large tower and a moat.

Nantes Centre

If you're spending time in Nantes Centre, you might enjoy attractions like Place Royale and Bouffay Square. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Commerce Tram Stop to see more of the city.

A river with boats docked on the left, a bridge in the background, and trees on the right.

Madeleine-Champ de Mars

Visitors to Madeleine-Champ de Mars enjoy its historic sites, and if you want to do some exploring, Le Lieu Unique is worth a stop.

A cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, a bustling street with pedestrians, and storefronts with signs.

Decré-Cathédrale

Historic sites and bars are highlights of Decré-Cathédrale. Make a stop by Nantes Cathedral or Château of the Dukes of Brittany while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Commerce Tram Stop to get around town.

A historic European building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a prominent entrance.

Gloriette - Feydeau

While Gloriette - Feydeau isn't home to many top sights, Passage Pommeraye and Place Royale are some notable places to visit nearby.

A large elephant statue, a carousel, and a building with a sign.
Photo by Damien Petit
Open Photo by Damien Petit

Ile de Nantes Palais des Congrès

Ile de Nantes Palais des Congrès is noteworthy for its river views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Machines of the Isle of Nantes and Centre Commercial Beaulieu.

Popular day trips from Nantes

A town with a prominent church spire, surrounded by residential houses and greenery.

Carquefou

A cable-stayed bridge over a calm river, with a city skyline in the background.

Saint-Herblain

A historic castle with a moat and a clear reflection in the water.

Bouguenais

Frequently asked questions

Is Nantes worth visiting?
With a mix of festivals and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in Nantes. When you're here, head to Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nantes?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes and Château de la Gournerie. Then, explore different parts of Nantes for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nantes?
You can't leave without visiting Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, rated the top tourist attraction in Nantes.
Is three days enough to stay in Nantes?
Three days in Nantes is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many travelers book for two days on average. Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, Château de la Gournerie and Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Bouguenais.
Is Nantes a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to do and see in Nantes. Several top attractions, such as Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes and Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Nantes's best neighborhoods, Nantes Centre is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Graslin - Commerce is 0.80 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Nantes with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all the family, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Nantes with kids.

What to do in Nantes for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Nantes, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Domaine du Moulin or Zenith de Nantes.
Are there free things to do in Nantes?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Nantes. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their traveling adventures.

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