Things to do in Nantes

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic castle with multiple towers and a moat.
A historic stone wall with a tower, a green park with a canal, and a modern cityscape in the background.
A cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, a bustling street with pedestrians, and storefronts with signs.
A historic fortification with a moat, lush green lawn, and a pathway.
A row of historic European buildings with timber framing, signage for 'NANTES', and a 'la maison de prune' sign.

Things to do

Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Activity

Nantes Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

HK$98
per adult
Nantes Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour
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What to do in Nantes

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A stone bridge leading to a historic building with banners and a coat of arms.
Photo by Mircea L
Open Photo by Mircea L

Château of the Dukes of Brittany

8.8/10 (537 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.
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Where to stay in Nantes

Find the best Nantes areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Nantes
Learn more about Nantes
A historic building with a large tower and a moat.

Nantes Centre

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

A river with boats docked on the left, a bridge in the background, and trees on the right.

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.

A cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, a bustling street with pedestrians, and storefronts with signs.

Decré-Cathédrale

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.

Vieux Malakoff

Visitors to Vieux Malakoff appreciate its river views. A visit to Le Lieu Unique and Château of the Dukes of Brittany might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

A historic European building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a prominent entrance.

Gloriette - Feydeau

While there might not be top attractions in Gloriette - Feydeau, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Passage Pommeraye and Place Royale.

A calm lake with a green boat, a white boat, and a red building with ivy.

Vertou

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.