Bouffay and the château
Narrow streets, restaurants and a short walk to Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
A good choice for a first visit.
Western France · Art, history and the LoireA ducal castle, mechanical creatures and green urban spaces – all brought together in a creative city on the Loire.
Historically a major city in Brittany, Nantes later became an important port and industrial centre. Today, this heritage comes together at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, in the medieval streets of Bouffay and throughout the elegant Graslin quarter.
On the Île de Nantes, former shipyards have been transformed into spaces for art and culture. Les Machines de l’Île, the great mechanical elephant and contemporary installations give the city a playful identity that appeals to adults and families alike.
Nantes is easy to explore on foot, by tram or by bicycle. Follow the Green Line between monuments, museums and contemporary art, and use the city as a base for Clisson, the Muscadet vineyards and the Atlantic coast.
Follow the Green Line between the castle, art, gardens and former shipyards, moving effortlessly between the city’s historic and imaginative sides.
Explore botanical collections, glasshouses, art and surprising installations in a large garden beside the station.
Walk through one of Europe’s most beautiful covered shopping arcades.
See nine centuries of art in a setting where a historic palace meets contemporary museum architecture.
Let a green line through the streets guide you between monuments, artworks and historic lanes.
Choose the length of your stay and combine history, Machines de l’Île, parks, food and excursions at a comfortable pace.
The main highlights can be combined on foot with one short tram journey.
A long weekend allows time for museums, peaceful urban spaces and one excursion beyond the centre.
With five days, you can use Nantes as a base for both the Loire estuary and the Muscadet countryside.
Choose between medieval streets, elegant city quarters, a practical location near the station or creative urban life on the Île de Nantes.
Narrow streets, restaurants and a short walk to Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
A good choice for a first visit.The theatre, shopping, classical architecture and several of the city’s best restaurants.
Ideal for couples and long weekends.A central transport hub with trams, the river, shops and most highlights within walking distance.
Easy without a car.Convenient for arrivals, the château, the art museum and a green start to the day.
Good for short stays.Machines de l’Île, former shipyards, contemporary architecture and restaurants beside the Loire.
Ideal for art and contemporary urban spaces.Here are all the hotels we have selected in Nantes, across categories and price levels. Use the map to compare locations near Graslin, the station, the château and the Île de Nantes.
★★★★4-star hotel in Nantes with restaurant options and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★★4-star hotel in Nantes with restaurant options and stylish design and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★★4-star hotel in Nantes with spa and stylish design and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★★4-star hotel in Nantes with restaurant options, rooms and suites and breakfast service and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★3-star hotel in Nantes with restaurant options, boutique feel and garden surroundings and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★3-star hotel in Nantes with comfortable rooms, well-kept setting and good local access and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★3-star hotel in Nantes with restaurant options and garden surroundings and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★3-star hotel in Nantes with old town and garden surroundings and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★2-star hotel in Nantes with parking and breakfast service and a comfortable, well-located feel.
The map shows campsites with their own websites near Nantes. The closest options are prioritised, making it easy to combine the city with the Loire, the Muscadet vineyards, Clisson and excursions towards the Atlantic coast.
Machines de l’Île, Parc des Chantiers and contemporary urban spaces have given the former shipyards a new life.
A large botanical garden beside the station with collections, glasshouses, play areas and art installations.
Use the Navibus, a bicycle or your own two feet to explore quays, islands and quieter districts beside the water.
Nantes combines Atlantic fish and seafood with vegetables, local producers, Muscadet and an exceptionally creative restaurant scene. Each card links to the restaurant’s official website.
Modern, nature-led gastronomy beside the Erdre, with a strong focus on local produce and a leafy setting.
L’Atlantide 1874Refined cooking with a clear emphasis on fish, panoramic windows and views across the Loire and the Île de Nantes.
LuluRougetA creative and personal dining experience with changing menus and close attention to produce and wine.
FreiaA seasonal restaurant inspired by nature, with its own urban garden and carefully considered menus.
La CigaleA historic brasserie dating from 1895, with an iconic Art Nouveau interior beside Place Graslin.
PicklesA relaxed, creative address with seasonal cooking and a distinctly contemporary Nantes style.
BairozA modern restaurant serving calm, characterful cooking with ingredients chosen precisely.
OmijaAn ambitious restaurant combining French techniques with personal and international flavour references.
Regional trains, the Navibus and a car offer very different excursions. Choose one main experience per day and allow time for meals and stops along the way.
Discover a medieval castle, Italian-inspired scenery and the wine country south-east of Nantes.
Best for: history, wine and small-town life Navibus across the LoireWander among colourful houses in a former fishing village and enjoy a meal by the river.
Best for: a relaxed excursion, photography and lunch Train or drive westFollow the Loire towards the sea through industrial heritage, large-scale artworks and the open landscapes of the Atlantic.
Best for: architecture, art and maritime history Train or drive to the coastCombine the harbour, coastal paths and the beach on a day away from the city.
Best for: sea air, small-town charm and the beachRead the full Nantes guide, plan a journey farther along the Loire or combine the city with a trip to the Atlantic coast.
Delve into the city’s history, art and neighbourhoods, with ideas for a longer itinerary.
Read the Nantes guide →
Plan visits to châteaux and vineyards, with gentle routes eastwards along France’s longest river.
Read the Loire Valley guide →
Find inspiration for the Atlantic coast and other beach destinations before or after your city break.
Read the beach guide →Find inspiration in travel guides, wine, food, nature and new destinations across the Loire region and the rest of France.