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Things to do in Nantes range from exploring hidden courtyards and Gothic cathedrals to strolling peaceful riverbanks lined with art and gardens. Set along the Loire River in western France, this dynamic city blends medieval charm with modern creativity. Discover fantastical mechanical beasts on the Île de Nantes, walk in the footsteps of Jules Verne, or drift through Japanese gardens on the Erdre River. With vibrant markets, leafy parks, and a bold artistic spirit, Nantes is more than a stopover, it’s a destination for curious minds, nature lovers, and cultural adventurers alike.
Top 10 Things To Do In Nantes
Discover things to do in Nantes, from riverbank strolls and Gothic cathedrals to vibrant art, historic charm, and creative urban adventures.
1. Take A Ride On The Giant Elephant At Les Machines De l’Île
Photo: Guilhem Vellut / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most photo-perfect things to do in Nantes is to explore Les Machines de l’Île, a magical blend of art and engineering. Its star attraction, a 12-metre-tall mechanical elephant, carries 50 passengers through former shipyards, spraying water and trumpeting as it walks. Inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci, this imaginative park also features giant herons, ants, spiders, and a marine-themed carousel. With views of the Loire River and striking industrial relics, it’s a whimsical world where creativity runs wild, perfect for families, photographers, and curious minds alike.
Top Highlights: Mechanical elephant ride, whimsical art-meets-engineering park, family-friendly attractions
Average Cost: €9 – 10 / ₹900 – 1000
2. Explore The Château Des Ducs De Bretagne
One of the most fascinating things to see in Nantes is the stunning Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a castle steeped in centuries of history. Located in the heart of the city, this 15th century château gleams with white stone walls, a moat, and dramatic towers evoking medieval grandeur. Once home to the Dukes of Brittany, it now houses the Nantes History Museum. Walk its fortified ramparts, unwind in the quiet courtyard, and admire it glowing at night, perfect for history lovers, architecture fans, or couples enjoying a romantic riverside stroll.
Top Highlights: Medieval architecture, panoramic battlement views, Nantes History Museum
Average Cost: €8 / ₹800
3. Unwind In The Jardin Des Plantes
Photo: Didier Descouens / Wikimedia Commons
The Jardin des Plantes, a horticultural haven that balances nature, art, and tranquility in beautiful harmony. Covering 7 hectares of land, this green haven is just a few steps from the city centre and provides a refreshing respite from Nantes’ busy streets. Much more than just any garden, it’s an innovative landscape featuring sculpted topiary animals, mythical benches, and rotating works of art designed to thrill children and adults alike. Walk through the shadows of massive, century-old trees, stop at tranquil, lily-encircled ponds, or stroll through the glasshouses filled with orchids and a diverse array of tropical plants from around the world.
Top Highlights: Artistic botanical gardens, topiary animals, peaceful picnic spots
Average Cost: Free
4. Discover The Passage Pommeraye
Photo: John Samuel / Wikimedia Commons
For the history buff, style observer, and mood hunter, maybe the prettiest thing is to walk through the beautiful Passage Pommeraye. In the mid-19th-century style, this roof-level shopping arcade is a masterpiece of Belle Époque design, complete with wrought iron balustrades, carved statues, and sweeping marble staircases that span its three levels. Natural light streams in from the glass ceiling, lighting up boutique stores that offer designer fashion and leather accessories, handmade sweets, and books. Walking along the gallery, it is less like a mall and more like being ushered into an era film.
Top Highlights: 19th-century shopping arcade, Belle Époque architecture, boutique stores
Average Cost: €20 – €50 / ₹1,700 – ₹4,250
5. Boat Trip Along The Erdre River From Île De Versailles
Photo: Wolfgang Bauer / Wikimedia Commons
One of Nantes’ better-kept secrets among its plethora of things to do, a stroll through Île de Versailles is a serene oasis surrounded by beauty and cultural elegance. This little man-made island on the Erdre River is laid out in the manner of a Japanese garden, featuring stone lanterns, wooden walkways, koi ponds, and well-clipped bonsai trees. It’s a peaceful world, removed from the city’s rush of activity, perfect for reflective strolls or quiet moments by the river. Offshore, you can rent an electric boat or kayak and glide down the Erdre, affectionately known as France’s prettiest river.
Top Highlights: Japanese-style garden, scenic river views, electric boat rentals
Average Cost: €12 – €15 / ₹1,000 – ₹1,300
6. Explore The Cathedral Of St. Peter And St. Paul
Photo: Marc Ryckaert / Wikimedia Commons
One of Nantes’ most breathtaking things to do is to step into the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, a towering masterpiece of Gothic brilliance and unbroken faith. Construction began in the 15th century and was finished following an amazing 400-year span, and what remains is a magnificent building with vaulted ceilings that stretch up towards the heavens and exquisite architectural flair. Within, the air is quiet and reverent as sunlight enters through stained glass windows onto stone columns and intricate chapels. The pièce de résistance is the stunning tomb of François II, final Duke of Brittany, and Marguerite de Foix, carved from exquisite white marble and luxurious Renaissance symbolism.
Top Highlights: Gothic architecture, François II’s tomb, stained glass windows
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
7. Shop And Taste At Marché De Talensac
Photo: PHILIPPE SERRAND / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For foodies, one of the best things to do in Nantes is to stroll through the bustling Marché de Talensac, the city’s oldest and most popular covered market. Since the 1930s, this bustling indoor hall has been a daily haunt for Nantes residents looking for fresh produce and gourmet treats. Under its metal vaulted ceiling, stalls burst with fresh seasonal produce and vegetables, rich cheeses, pungent herbs, just-baked baguettes, and fresh Atlantic seafood such as oysters and langoustines. The aroma of rotisserie chicken, butter puff pastry, and old charcuterie hangs in the air, tempting each of the passersby.
Top Highlights: Local gourmet foods, fresh produce and seafood, authentic French market vibe
Average Cost: €8 – €12 / ₹680 – ₹1,000
8. Climb Tour Bretagne For An Eye On The Whole City
Photo: Chabe01 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most exhilarating experiences in the city is visiting Tour Bretagne, the tallest tower in Nantes at 144 metres. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the Loire River, Gothic cathedrals, and green city rooftops. Its rooftop bar, Le Nid, is a quirky space with giant egg chairs and a massive sleeping heron sculpture. Sunset is the best time, when golden light bathes the skyline. Whether for cocktails, photography, or the view alone, this high-altitude spot offers a surreal and memorable perspective of Nantes.
Top Highlights: Rooftop bar (Le Nid), panoramic city views, quirky decor
Average Cost: €1 – €2 / ₹85 – ₹170
9. Go To Musée D’Arts De Nantes
Photo: Chatsam / Wikimedia Commons
Musée d’Arts de Nantes is a captivating blend of classical elegance and modern expression. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, it features works by Delacroix, Monet, Chagall, Kandinsky, and Kapoor. Sunlit galleries, vaulted ceilings, and calm, curated spaces invite thoughtful exploration. The glass-roofed courtyard showcases contemporary sculptures, while the Cube, its modern wing, hosts bold, ever-changing exhibitions. This thoughtfully designed space bridges centuries of artistic evolution, offering a reflective and inspiring experience for visitors drawn to both timeless beauty and avant-garde creativity in the heart of Nantes.
Top Highlights: Masterpieces by Monet, Chagall & Kandinsky, modern art in ‘The Cube’
Average Cost: €8 / ₹680
10. Explore Jules Verne’s Legacy At His Museum
Photo: Jibi44 / Wikimedia Commons
The Jules Verne Museum is a charming hillside villa overlooking the Loire River, celebrating the legacy of Nantes’ most imaginative son. Though Verne never lived here, the museum is near his birthplace and brings his literary worlds to life through themed rooms filled with vintage globes, manuscripts, model ships, and first editions of classics like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Visitors can explore his universe of adventure and imagination, surrounded by river views that once inspired his stories. It’s a peaceful, thought-provoking space where fiction and reality beautifully converge.
Top Highlights: Original manuscripts, interactive displays, Loire River views
Average Cost: €4 / ₹340
Things to do in Nantes offer a rich blend of imagination, heritage, and charm. From walking along the river beside surreal machines to exploring colorful markets, grand castles, and artistic spaces, the city captivates culture lovers, foodies, and dreamers alike. With its mix of history and creativity, this French gem promises unforgettable moments. Plan your perfect getaway with TripXL and uncover the best things to do in Nantes today.
Cover Photo: Adrienn / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
