Things to do in Nantes

Activities, attractions and tours

Nantes featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements
Nantes which includes heritage elements
Nantes which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Nantes which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
Nantes featuring a garden and heritage elements

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What to do in Nantes

Popular places to visit

Machines of the Isle of Nantes

Machines of the Isle of Nantes

4.5/5(27 reviews)

You can study the exhibits at Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Nantes. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Machines of the Isle of Nantes
Nantes featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Château of the Dukes of Brittany

4.5/5(22 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Nantes with a visit to Château of the Dukes of Brittany. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Château of the Dukes of Brittany
Passage Pommeraye

Passage Pommeraye

4/5(17 reviews)

During your trip to Nantes, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Passage Pommeraye. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Passage Pommeraye

La Cité Nantes Event Center

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Learn about the events happening in La Cité Nantes Event Center during your trip to Nantes. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

La Cité Nantes Event Center

Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire

4.5/5(6 reviews)

After visiting Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nantes. Wander the parks or discover the countryside in this trendy area.

Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire

Stade de la Beaujoire

3/5(1 review)

Catch an event at Stade de la Beaujoire during your trip to Nantes. Stroll along the waterfront or discover the countryside in this trendy area.

Stade de la Beaujoire

Hotel Dieu Hospital

If Hotel Dieu Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Nantes.

Hotel Dieu Hospital

University of Nantes

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Nantes during your travels in Nantes. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

University of Nantes

Jardin des Plantes

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Jardin des Plantes is just one of the places to see in Nantes, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Jardin des Plantes

Areas of Nantes

Nantes which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture

Nantes Centre

4.5/5(59 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Nantes Centre for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Place du Commerce and Place Royale. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Commerce Tram Stop.

Nantes Centre
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Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra (CC BY)

Hauts-Paves - Saint-Felix

4/5(1 area review)

Hauts-Paves - Saint-Felix is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Japanese Garden and BabyBob.

Hauts-Paves - Saint-Felix
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Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra (CC BY)

Madeleine-Champ de Mars

Visitors to Madeleine-Champ de Mars enjoy its historical sites, and if you want to do some exploring, Le Lieu Unique is worth a stop.

Madeleine-Champ de Mars
Nantes which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture

Decré-Cathédrale

5/5(1 area review)

Historical sites and bars are highlights of Decré-Cathédrale. Make a stop by Nantes Cathedral or Château of the Dukes of Brittany while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Commerce Tram Stop to get around town.

Decré-Cathédrale
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Ile de Nantes Palais des Congrès

4/5(3 area reviews)

Ile de Nantes Palais des Congrès is noteworthy for its river views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Machines of the Isle of Nantes and Centre Commercial Beaulieu.

Ile de Nantes Palais des Congrès
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Nantes Sud

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers enjoy Nantes Sud for its restaurants, and if you want to see some more of the area, you can jump on the metro at Clos Toreau Tram Stop.

Nantes Sud

Frequently asked questions

Is Nantes worth visiting?
With a mix of festivals and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in Nantes. When you're here, head to Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nantes?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes and Château de la Gournerie. Then, explore different parts of Nantes for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nantes?
You can't leave without visiting Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, rated the top tourist attraction in Nantes.
Is three days enough to stay in Nantes?
Three days in Nantes is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers book for two days on average. Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, Château de la Gournerie and Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Bouguenais.
Is Nantes a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to do and see in Nantes. Several top attractions, such as Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes and Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Nantes's best neighbourhoods, Nantes Centre is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Graslin - Commerce is 0.80 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Nantes with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all the family, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Nantes with kids.

What to do in Nantes for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Nantes, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Domaine du Moulin or Zenith de Nantes.
Are there free things to do in Nantes?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Nantes. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.