Nantes, France

Things to do

2 days in Nantes

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and walk its ramparts for free.
  2. AfternoonRide the 12-metre Great Elephant and see the Carousel at the Machines de l'Île.
  3. EveningHave dinner in the medieval Bouffay quarter.

Day 2

Follow the green line of the Voyage à Nantes art trail, or visit the Loire estuary.

What to eat

Beurre blanc with river fish and LU Petit Beurre biscuits, made in Nantes.

Local tips

Make the most of Nantes

Beat the crowds

Nantes is relaxed. The big mechanical elephant draws crowds on weekend afternoons.

Best photo spot

The giant mechanical elephant walking on the Île de Nantes.

Getting there

Trains from Paris take about 2 hours. Trams make getting around easy.

Don't miss nearby

Clisson, an Italian-style town on a river, about 30 minutes away.

Good to know

Follow the green line painted on the pavement to discover the city's art route. The castle courtyard and ramparts are free.

Plan your visit

Getting to Nantes

Getting there

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryFrance

Questions

Nantes: good to know

Is Nantes worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns. A creative city with a castle and a giant mechanical elephant.

How many days do you need in Nantes?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Nantes?

You can visit all year. Nantes is relaxed. The big mechanical elephant draws crowds on weekend afternoons.

How do you get to Nantes?

The nearest airport is Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), about 8 km away. Trains from Paris take about 2 hours. Trams make getting around easy.

What is there to see near Nantes?

Nearby hidden places include Rennes (100 km), Vannes (103 km) and Île de Ré (114 km).

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