- Les Machines de l'Ile is a steampunk fantasy world with a rideable giant elephant.
- Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne is a stunning castle in the city center with a great museum.
- Jules Verne Museum celebrates the sci-fi pioneer who was born here.
- Passage Pommeraye is a gorgeous 19th-century shopping arcade (very Instagrammable).
- The Green Line (Le Voyage a Nantes) is a painted trail leading to all the art spots.
If you want, you can open the search in a new tab via Aviasales. Реклама. Go Travel Un Limited. ИНН 9909520797
When to go: Summer
Summer is when 'Le Voyage a Nantes' festival happens—art installations everywhere.
Spring and Autumn are mild. Winter can be rainy.
- Best: Summer.
- Event: Le Voyage a Nantes.
- Rain: Common.
Getting there: Shuttle or Train
Nantes Atlantique (NTE) is the airport. The 'Navette Aeroport' shuttle takes 20 mins to the center.
The TGV train from Paris takes 2 hours.
- Shuttle: To Commerce.
- Train: TGV from Paris.
- Tram: Efficient.
Where to stay: Center or Graslin
Stay in the center (Bouffay/Graslin) to be near the castle and restaurants.
Ile de Nantes is cooler/industrial and near the Machines.
- Bouffay: Medieval streets.
- Graslin: Elegant.
- Ile de Nantes: Modern.
What to see: Elephant and Castle
Ride the Great Elephant (book ahead!). Visit the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.
Follow the Green Line on the pavement—it takes you to all the key sights.
- Elephant: Must do.
- Castle: History.
- Green Line: Art trail.
- Carrousel: Sea worlds.
Food: Crepes and Muscadet
You are near Brittany, so Crepes and Galettes are everywhere. Curé Nantais is the local cheese.
Drink Muscadet (local white wine) with seafood.
- Galette: Savory crepe.
- Muscadet: White wine.
- Gateau Nantais: Rum cake.
- Curé Nantais: Cheese.
Getting around: Tram and Walk
Nantes reintroduced the tram to France. It's excellent. The Navibus (boat bus) is part of the network.
Walking the Green Line is the best way to see art.
- Tram: Efficient.
- Navibus: Boat ride.
- Walk: Green Line.
Budget: Moderate
Cheaper than Paris. The 'Pass Nantes' includes transport and attractions (good value).
Street art is free.
- Pass Nantes: Recommended.
- Food: Good value.
- Art: Free.
1 Day in Nantes
Morning: Castle of the Dukes. Walk through Bouffay district.
Lunch: Galettes and cider.
Afternoon: Cross to Ile de Nantes. Ride the Elephant. Visit the Marine Worlds Carrousel.
Evening: Dinner at La Cigale (stunning Art Nouveau brasserie).
- Morning: History.
- Afternoon: Machines.
- Evening: Brasserie.
FAQ
Is it in Brittany?
Historically yes, administratively no. It's a touchy subject!
Is the Elephant real?
It's a 12-meter tall mechanical robot made of wood and steel. It sprays water!
What is the Green Line?
A green line painted on the sidewalk that guides you to all the tourist spots. Just follow it.