Nantes is a city that is hidden away in the North west of France. It does not get enough attention as the big cities such as Paris or Marseille. However, you might be surprised about all the things this place has to offer. It is known for its mix of medieval history, artistic flair and vibrant culture. Here are 10 reasons to visit Nantes, a city everyone should visit, and if it’s worth it.
This is one of the most famous attractions in Nantes. It is an experience like no other and really makes you wonder about how amazing the brains behind it were. It is a magical and imaginative world, that combines art and mechanics. There is a variety of creatures that come to life through mechanics.
The main star is surely the Great Elephant. It is a 12 meter tall, mechanical giant that walks and sprays people with water. It is magical to look at, and people are also able to ride the elephant, which is perfect for kids. These machines can also be found in other places around the city. For example at the Nantes Atlantique Airport, there are usually some mechanical birds moving around the ceiling.
Tip:
Try to visit early in the day and book tickets in advance to avoid crowds especially around the holidays. While you are there, don’t miss out on the Carousel of Marine Worlds nearby for even more mechanical marvels. Just looking at the elephant walk, and some other machines is free. However, we definitely suggest you purchase a ticket, ride the elephant and be able to see some exclusive machines.
This is the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. It is a magnificent medieval fortress in the heart on Nantes. This Castle offers a glimpse into the city’s historical importance. The history museum is spread over 32 rooms and offers more than 1,150 collectibles. It reveals remarkable architectural elements. It also portrays significant events in history such as world wars, industrialization and much more, and how these changed and evolved to make the world as we know it today. You can walk along the ancient walls, explore the grounds, and learn all about the city’s past. We personally love the mix of traditional architecture with modern exhibitions.
Tip:
To enter, the grounds are free but a fee of €9 applies to enter the museum. Nantes in general is not very expensive hence, we do suggest that you buy tickets and go inside as you definitely won’t regret it. This castle definitely makes you feel empathy for all the people who suffered throughout the years, to make life as we know it. Moreover, it makes you reflect about how some of us should be lucky to be living the way we do.
This is a stunning 19th century shopping arcade that takes you through time. It includes grand staircases, intricate architecture and beautifully detailed statues. The Passage Pommeraye feels more like an art gallery than a typical mall. Construction started at the end of 1840 and was completed on the 4th of July 1843. The Passage Pommeraye has been classified as a historic monument since 1976. It is the most ideal place to shop for unique French gifts, or to simple just stop by for a delicious macaroon. It is also a stunning place to take some photos if it is something that interests you.
Tip:
Check out the luxurious boutiques and independent shops as they offer one of a kind finds. It is truly the place where you can experience the typical French stereotypical styles. The first time we visited, we had no idea what it was to be honest. However, as we went inside, mostly to take shelter from the rain, we were amazed by the beauty of this mall. We were captivated by the charm of this place, and it’s definitely photo worthy.
France as a whole, is definitely the country that loves art, and Nantes certainly keeps up with this tradition. Nantes is the city that loves art and creativity, as we already saw above. It is home to the Lieu Unique. This was a former biscuit factory that was turned into an art center with countless galleries, street murals and unique installations. The art scenes here are quirky, and definitely reflect the city’s personality. It is definitely unique, and not something that you can find in big cities like Paris. However, it is the space for artistic exploration and cultural liveliness.
Tip:
The arts here are more accessible and inclusive rather than in larger French cities. Art is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, not just serious art lovers. You should look out for the “Voyage à Nantes,” which is an annual art festival that turns the entire city into an open-air gallery. In every corner in Nantes, you can find an unexpected surprise.
If you want to take a break from the city life, a cruise along the Erdre River would be very ideal for you. It is a peaceful and scenic experience, that can help you relax from a day of exploring the city. As you roam around, you can see beautiful castles, picturesque villages and the stunning greenery along the riverbanks.
It is a very ideal way to take in Nantes natural beauty without actually leaving the city. Everywhere around the city, you can witness beautiful greenery, stunning flowers and many different types of trees.
Tip:
Cruises start at around €10 per person, and offer different tour options. We suggest that you first take a look at their website, assess all the different options and see which one is the most suitable for you. If you want to see the best views, we definitely suggest that you take the sunset cruise to experience the ideal moments.
Nantes is definitely the place if you want to try unique French dishes. From savory Galettes, Raclette and Tartiflette to sweet Crepes, Croissants and Macaroons, there is definitely something that will for sure satisfy your taste. One must also not miss out on the several famous wines locally made such as the Muscadet wine. The city is filled with cozy bistros, food markets and wine bars, where you can taste all these amazing dishes and much more. We also highly suggest trying the delicious cheeses, pastries, and mouthwatering baguettes.
Tip:
We definitely recommend visiting the bakery early in the morning and buying some fresh pastries for breakfast and baguette for lunch. Make sure to try Raclette, which is definitely a favorite of ours. We also highly suggest sampling Muscadet, a crisp white wine perfect with seafood, which is also a specialty in Nantes. Don’t forget to try the Gâteau Nantais (Nantese Cake), a delicious local almond cake with a hint of rum.
A large botanical garden that has beautiful landscape paths, flower beds and amazing greenhouses. Its original name was Jardin Royal des Plantes Médicinales which relates to the original purpose of the garden back in the 17th century. It was formally founded in 1635 as the Royal Garden of Medicinal Plants by King Louis XIII. Today, it is the perfect spot to stroll around and enjoy the natural beauty of greenery and animals. Every time we visit, we are especially charmed by the stunning animal sculptures made from plants.
Tip:
Entrance is free, which makes it an ideal visit especially if you are budget traveling. It is an attraction that is suitable for everyone, and kids especially love it for the playground, ponds and the big open spaces. We highly recommend it as the perfect picnic spot. We definitely love to prepare some homemade baguettes and spend a morning exploring, relaxing and taking in all the beauties around us.
After the sun sets, the Les Anneaux installation lights come to live at the Nantes waterfront. This unique artwork, consists of a series of illuminated rings along the river, that create a captivating display at night. The lights, perfectly reflect on the water, creating a magical ambiance that is ideal for a peaceful evening stroll. It is a simple concept, yet very unique and beautiful, much different than the typical city lights. It is a great place to take photos and capital memories of this special adventure.
Tip:
The best time to visit is just after dusk, when the rings are fully illuminated and the river is calm. If it’s busy, there will be a queue of people waiting to take photos of people sitting on the rings. There are a few restaurants open in that area that serve nibbles and drinks. However, these usually get crowded very quickly so make sure to plan in advance. These are definitely something you should pass by during your trip in Nantes.
Nantes has an exciting festival scene that adds energy to this amazing city all year-round. There is always something going on, from jazz to contemporary art. We had the chance to experience the Les Rendez-vous de l’Erdre jazz festival, which combines music with river cruises. It is such a memorable experience, and something that jazz lovers must experience once in their life time.
Tip:
We recommend that you check out the events calendar. Thus, they update you on the events there are taking place in the period you are visiting. Moreover, this can help you plan better your trip or decide which date is best for you to visit.
Nantes is quite a compact city that is easy to explore by foot if you plan well. This saves you the hassle and money of renting a car. Not to mention that parking in Nantes is extremely hard and is likely to cost a lot of money. Hence, we don’t recommend renting a car either way. The public transportation and bike rentals, make it much easier to get around.
The historic sites and the riverside paths, are all easy to navigate and explore by foot or bike. Bike lanes are very prominent all around the city, making it much easier and safer to travel around. Public transport is also very affordable and quite reliable.
Tip:
Nantes is more quiet than other big cities. You can easily walk around, enjoy at your own pace and not rush to keep up with everything. We highly suggest using bikes to get around the city. If you prefer public transport, keep in mind that on the weekends it is free of charge. Moreover, don’t forget that Nantes is just a few hour train ride away from more amazing French cities such as Paris, La Rochelle, Bordeaux and more.
So finally, is it worth it? We definitely think so. We fell in love with Nantes from the first moment we visited and would surely not mind visiting again. It is full of history, art, food and amazing attractions that you also find in big cities in France, but without the unnecessary hassle.
The nature surrounding the city is also stunning, and something that you can hardly find in big cities anymore. If you’re planning on visiting France, we definitely suggest that you take a look at this surprising city. Don’t forget to check out our other posts on France, such as La Rochelle or Angers and tell us what you would like to see next.
We are Martina and Cyprien, a long-distance couple with a passion for travelling.
Click on the picture to discover Our Story!
Click On The Picture to Check our Pinterest!
© Match On The Map 2025 – All rights reserved
Website Designed and Built Exclusively by Us (Cyprien & Martina)!
Submit Your Travel Pictures Here!
