France travel guide

Nantes

A lively cultural city by the Loire – where medieval history, creative energy and relaxed French city life meet in one of western France’s most exciting cities.

On the banks of the Loire River lies Nantes, a city that combines dramatic history, creative energy and a pleasant, down-to-earth atmosphere. Nantes was once the capital of Brittany and later an important port and trading city, and today it has developed into one of France’s most interesting cultural cities.

The historic heart of the city beats around the impressive Château des Ducs de Bretagne, where medieval walls and elegant Renaissance façades tell stories of dukes, kings and political upheaval. At the same time, Nantes is a city that constantly looks ahead, and this blend of heritage and innovation gives it a distinctive identity.

In the former shipyard area you will find Les Machines de l’Île, where the famous mechanical elephant has become a symbol of Nantes’ imaginative and artistic side. The city is also the birthplace of Jules Verne, and traces of his spirit of adventure can still be felt in its creative expression, green parks, lively markets and increasingly exciting gastronomic scene.

Nantes guide

Experiences

10 things to do

Nantes is a city where history, art, green spaces and modern urban life blend naturally. Here you can combine castles, museums and grand architecture with creative urban spaces, good restaurants and quiet walks along the Loire and Erdre.

Whether you want to dive into culture, experience the city’s imaginative side or simply enjoy the atmosphere in the streets, Nantes has many experiences that make it varied and easy to like.

Visit Château des Ducs de Bretagne and explore both the impressive ducal castle and the city museum that tells the story of Nantes.
Experience Les Machines de l’Île and see the famous mechanical elephant in an imaginative universe inspired by Jules Verne and industrial history.
Take a break in Jardin des Plantes, a beautiful botanical garden with greenhouses, ponds, exotic plants and artistic installations.
Walk through Passage Pommeraye, an elegant 19th-century shopping arcade with beautiful staircases, glass roofing and classic atmosphere.
Visit Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and experience one of the city’s key monuments, with bright vaults and Gothic details.
Explore Musée Jules Verne, an atmospheric museum dedicated to the writer who was born in Nantes.
Sit down on Place Royale and enjoy life on one of the city’s classic squares, surrounded by elegant buildings and pleasant places to eat.
Visit Musée d’Arts de Nantes, which offers both classical works and contemporary art in bright, stylish surroundings.
Experience Le Lieu Unique, a lively cultural venue in a former factory building with concerts, exhibitions and a relaxed urban mood.
Follow the green city line, La Ligne Verte, which makes it easy to discover many attractions and several of Nantes’ creative installations on foot.

Gastronomy

Restaurants

Food experiences

Nantes has a food scene that combines classic French gastronomy with modern, seasonal cooking and a clear local identity. You will find Michelin-starred restaurants, creative bistros and historic brasseries, making the city a very good choice if you want to eat well during your trip.

Many of the best restaurants in Nantes place strong emphasis on regional produce, fish and shellfish, seasonal vegetables and well-crafted menus that highlight the city’s gastronomic range.

Le Manoir de la Régate – Michelin-starred restaurant by the Erdre, known for creative and sustainable gastronomy with a strong focus on local ingredients.
L’Atlantide 1874 - Maison Guého – One of Nantes’ most exclusive restaurants, with refined French gastronomy and beautiful views over the Loire.
LuluRouget – Modern gourmet restaurant with a creative signature, exciting flavours and polished presentation in elegant surroundings.
Freia – Intimate and elegant restaurant with seasonal menus, high quality and an experience that feels both modern and personal.
La Cigale – Historic brasserie from 1895 with spectacular Art Nouveau interiors and classic French dishes in iconic surroundings.
Pickles – Small and popular restaurant with a creative, seasonal menu and a more relaxed but carefully executed style.
Bairoz – Modern restaurant with an urban feel, focus on regional ingredients and a menu balancing finesse with clear flavours.
Art’n Blum – Creative restaurant in central Nantes with seasonal cooking, carefully prepared dishes and a warm, modern atmosphere.

Tip: In Nantes, it is smart to combine one classic restaurant experience with a more modern tasting menu. This gives you both the historic side of the city’s gastronomy and a sense of how creative and current the food scene has become.

Atlantic favourite Nantes med historiske bygninger, elv og kreativ bystemning

Round trip in Nantes

Welcome to a complete travel guide to Nantes – the Atlantic coast’s creative powerhouse. Once the capital of Brittany, later one of France’s most important port cities, and today a lively centre for culture and innovation, Nantes is a destination that continues to surprise.

This is the city where medieval walls meet mechanical fantasy creatures, where former shipyards have become art venues, and where green parks and river promenades invite both reflection and enjoyment. Nantes combines history, art, modern city life and a relaxed atmosphere in a way few other French cities do.

Why choose Nantes?

Château des Ducs de Bretagne, old quarters and clear traces of the city’s rich history.
Les Machines de l’Île and a creative urban environment that make Nantes one of France’s most innovative cities.
A good starting point for day trips, food experiences and onward journeys towards the Loire Valley and the Atlantic coast.

Nantes is known as one of France’s greenest cities, with a clear focus on sustainability, public transport and cycling. The tram lines connect the centre with the suburbs, and the river promenades invite walks and picnics. We have gathered recommendations and suggestions for a rewarding round trip.

Cultural city Loire Green urban spaces

The Loire Valley – one of France’s best areas for cycling holidays

Châteaux and vineyards Gentle pace

The Loire Valley is one of France’s very best destinations for a cycling holiday. Flat, well-prepared cycling routes combine with grand culture, world-famous châteaux, vineyards as far as the eye can see and a gentle pace that invites you to enjoy both the landscape and meals along the way.

The route suits both beginners and experienced cyclists, with easy access to small towns, fortified castles and local wineries.

The best beaches in France

Atlantic Ocean Mediterranean

Frankrike er et av Europas mest varierte strandland. Med kystlinje mot både Atlantic Ocean, Den engelske kanal og Mediterranean byr landet på alt fra ville sanddyner og dramatiske klipper til turkist vann og små bukter omgitt av pinjetrær.
You will find beaches suited to family holidays, swimming, surfing and quiet days in the sun. Whether you are looking for activity or complete relaxation, there are coastal gems for every taste.

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