Things to do
2 days in Nantes
Day 1
- MorningVisit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and walk its ramparts for free.
- AfternoonRide the 12-metre Great Elephant and see the Carousel at the Machines de l'Île.
- 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
- Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)8 km away
- Rennes100 km away
- La Rochelle120 km away
The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.
Weather this week
Best time to visit: All year
At a glance
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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