Combines Rich History with Modern Cultural Attractions

A. About Nantes

Nickname: Venice of the West The City of the Dukes

Historically a major port and industrial center, Nantes is now known for its vibrant cultural scene and historical architecture.

Nantes, a dynamic city near the Atlantic, blends historical significance with modern culture, green initiatives, and educational prominence.

It is the sixth-largest city in France, with a population of approximately 300,000 residents.

The Loire and the Erdre River run through Nantes, adding to its scenic beauty and historical significance.


The Good

The large city center of Nantes is car-free and pedestrian zones are well-maintained, lined with shops, cafes, and cultural sites.

Moreover, the city has an efficient public transport system, including trams, buses, and bike-sharing programs. Transport links are reliable and convenient.

In addition, Nantes is a clean and safe destination.

The city has many dining options to explore, making it a delightful destination for food enthusiasts.

Negative Aspects

Nantes demonstrates a balanced profile with no category receiving a poor rating.


B. Best Things to Do in Nantes in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than twenty sights in Nantes. The following sights contribute to a good score of 5.25/10 in this most important category:

# Château des ducs de Bretagne 6 3.2 out of 5 stars

The Château des ducs de Bretagne in Nantes, a historical monument, served as the residence for the Dukes of Brittany. 

This impressive castle's architecture blends medieval fortifications with Renaissance elegance, reflecting the region's rich heritage. Visitors can explore its ramparts, courtyards, and gardens for a comprehensive historical experience.

Castle

# Musée d'Arts de Nantes 6 3 out of 5 stars

The Musée d'Arts de Nantes, established in 1801, features an extensive collection of artworks from the 13th century to contemporary times in a beautifully renovated space.

      • Important Masterpieces: 3
      • Highlight of the Collection: Diana the Huntress, Orazio Gentileschi (c. 1626), 215 × 135 cm

Show Top 5 Paintings (click here)
Show Museum Score (click here)

Fine Arts Museum Gallery Space: ca. 16,000 m2 | Galleries: ca. 40 | Artworks on Display: ca. 500 | Established: 1801

(Click on images to open in lightbox, recommended)

# Les Machines de l'Île 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Les Machines de l'Île in Nantes is a unique artistic project combining the imaginations of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. It features mechanical animals and structures, including the famous Grand Éléphant.

Entertainment Center  

# Passage Pommeraye 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This 19th-century shopping arcade is renowned for its elegant architecture and historical significance. It spans three levels, adorned with ornate sculptures and ironwork.

Shopping Arcade

# Old Town 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Old Town Nantes, a historic district for pedestrians known as Bouffay, is characterized by its medieval and Renaissance architecture, with narrow streets filled with vibrant cafes, shops, and historical landmarks.

City District 

# Musée Histoire Naturelle 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Encounter prehistoric fossils, geological specimens, and lifelike taxidermy displays that showcase the diversity of nature.

Natural History Museum  

by Didier Descouens / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Jardin Extraordinaire 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Jardin Extraordinaire, located in a former quarry, is a lush, scenic garden featuring waterfalls, exotic plants, and unique rock formations.

Opened in 2019, the garden is part of Nantes' extensive green initiatives and offers panoramic views of the Loire River from its elevated vantage points.

Park

# Musée de l'Histoire de Nantes 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Musée de l'Histoire de Nantes, located in the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, features exhibits on the city's maritime history and the Atlantic slave trade. Renovated in the early 2000s, the museum's collections span from ancient to contemporary times, offering a comprehensive overview of Nantes' evolution.

City Museum

# Cathédrale Saint Pierre Saint Paul 4 2.5 out of 5 stars (⚠️closed until 2025)

The Cathédrale Saint Pierre Saint Paul, also known as Nantes Cathedral, is a Gothic masterpiece that took over 400 years to complete, featuring impressive stained glass windows and a richly decorated interior. The Cathedral suffered major interior and organ damage due to a severe fire in 2020. It is currently closed for restoration work as of 2024.

Cathedral

#10 | Botanical Garden 4 2.5 out of 5 stars

Nantes' Botanical Garden is a vast and diverse green space, offering educational and recreational opportunities through its extensive plant collections and themed exhibits.

Botanical Garden

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Nantes

#11 | Japanese Garden 4 2.4 out of 5 stars

The Japanese Garden, located on the Île de Versailles, is a serene space featuring traditional Japanese landscaping elements such as koi ponds, stone lanterns, and meticulously pruned plants. It reflects the city's appreciation for Japanese culture and aesthetics.

Park

    • Trentemoult (Village) 4
    • Basilique St. Nicolas (Church) 4
    • Place Royale (Square) 4
    • HAB Galerie (Modern Art Museum) 4
    • Place Graselin (Square) 4
    • Île Feydeau (City District) 4
    • Musée Jules Verne 4
    • Gare de Nantes (Railway Station) 4
    • Le Maillé-Brézé (Battle Ship) 4
    • Eglise St. Croix (Church) 4
    • Tour LU (Tower) 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Nantes

Angers 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Angers is a historic city in the Loire Valley, famous for its medieval Château d'Angers, which houses the Apocalypse Tapestry, one of the largest and oldest surviving medieval tapestries.

City  Distance from Nantes: 90 km

by Tango7174 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Pornic (55 km from Nantes) 6

Vannes (116 km from Nantes) 6

🌍 Château de Villandry (195 km from Nantes) 6


E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Nantes (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Nantes for at least two entire days:

Château des ducs de Bretagne 6 

Musée d'Arts de Nantes 6

Les Machines de l'Île 5 

Passage Pommeraye 5

Old Town 5 

Musée Histoire Naturelle 5

Jardin Extraordinaire  5

Musée de l'Histoire de Nantes 5

Cathédrale Saint Pierre Saint Paul 4  (⚠️closed until 2025)

Botanical Garden 4