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 & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

Nantes Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

RM14
per adult
Nantes Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour
Saint-Léger-les-Vignes: a treasure hunt and wine tasting

Saint-Léger-les-Vignes: Scavenger hunt and wine tasting

RM70
per adult
Saint-Léger-les-Vignes: Scavenger hunt and wine tasting
Nantes Must-see Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide

Nantes Must-see Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide

RM182
per adult
Nantes Must-see Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide
Nantes: House of Banksy - An unauthorized exhibition

Nantes: House of Banksy - An unauthorized exhibition

RM77
per adult
Nantes: House of Banksy - An unauthorized exhibition
Nantes Audio Tour, Castle to Machines de l'Île

Nantes Audio Tour, Castle to Machines de l'Île

RM37
per adult
Nantes Audio Tour, Castle to Machines de l'Île
AccroCamp Nantes Treetop Adventure Park Entry Ticket

AccroCamp Nantes Treetop Adventure Park Entry Ticket

RM131
per adult
AccroCamp Nantes Treetop Adventure Park Entry Ticket
Discovery game in Nantes

Discover the Mysteries of Nantes

RM182
per traveller
Discover the Mysteries of Nantes
Guided Tour of the Island of Nantes Urbanism and Contemporary Art

Guided Tour of the Island of Nantes Urbanism and Contemporary Art

RM113
per adult
Guided Tour of the Island of Nantes Urbanism and Contemporary Art
Guided tour of Nantes Discover the historic centre

Guided tour of Nantes Discover the historic centre

RM117
per adult
Guided tour of Nantes Discover the historic centre
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What to do in Nantes

Stay near popular Nantes attractions

A large elephant statue, a carousel, and a building with a sign.
Photo by Damien Petit
Open Photo by Damien Petit

Machines of the Isle of Nantes

9.0/10 (505 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.
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Where to stay in Nantes

Find the best Nantes areas for the activities you enjoy most.
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 large Gothic cathedral with pointed arches, intricate stone carvings, and tall spires.

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.

A covered shopping arcade with ornate statues and a central staircase.
Photo by François de Dijon
Open Photo by François de Dijon

Graslin - Commerce

Graslin - Commerce is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Passage Pommeraye and Place Royale.

A river with boats docked on the left, a bridge in the background, and trees on the right.
Photo by Llann Wé²
Open Photo by Llann Wé²

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 stone house with a sloped roof, surrounded by purple heather and trees.

Beaujoire

You'll enjoy the bars and gardens in Beaujoire. You might want to make time for a stop at Stade de la Beaujoire or Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire.

A large castle by a lake surrounded by greenery.

Treillieres

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.