Top Things to Do in Nantes

Nantes, France

About the City

Nantes, a vibrant city nestled at the Loire River's edge, invites one and all with its whimsical charm and lively streets. Known for the spellbinding Machines of the Isle, this creative cradle astonishes visitors with mechanical elephants and fantastical carousels that seem plucked straight from a dream. The cultural bounty continues with the iconic Château des ducs de Bretagne, where history whispers through the ancient stones, and the Musée d'arts, teasing art aficionados with its rich collections. Yet, not everything in Nantes radiates with such iridescent glow. Despite its historical splendor, some corners of the city grumble under the weight of gloomy weather, casting a drab shroud over the spirited landscape. The quirky allure of the local cuisine, headlined by the delectable 'gâteau Nantais', can dwindle if one's palate doesn't dance in tune with its unique flavors. And, let's not overlook the notorious French bureaucracy, a labyrinthine dance that could test the patience of saints and sinners alike. However, the good-hearty cheers at a FC Nantes match or a leisurely stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, bristling with greenery and bursts of floral colors, quickly dissolve any lingering petulance. Nantes is a city of contrasts, teeming with character, where the joyous spirit of the Renaissance era mingles with avant-garde zest, crafting an urban tapestry that's nothing short of enchanting.

Things to Do in Nantes

Canard à la Nantaise Quest

Food & Drink

Duck into the world of succulent Canard à la Nantaise, a local specialty that's all about tender duck cooked up with divine Muscadet wine. It's a dish that will have you quacking with pleasure and loo...

Parkour in the Parc de Procé

Outdoors

Unleash your inner urban ninja at Parc de Procé with a bit of freestyle parkour. Leap over benches, swing from trees, and roll in the grass. Just try not to faceplant in front of the ducks; they're Na...

Secret Bars Quest

The Unexpected

Psst, wanna know a secret? Nantes is hiding some super cool speakeasies, and your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find these hidden bars! Discover clandestine cocktails and sip on exclu...

The Hunt for the Illusive LU Tower

The Unexpected

Here's a quirky quest for ya: find the iconic LU Tower without using a map! It's like a mini Amazing Race in the heart of Nantes. Once you spot it, reward yourself with a tasty treat from this famous ...

Nantes Vineyards by Bike

The Unexpected

Work those calves and indulge your senses as you pedal through the picturesque vineyards surrounding Nantes. Breathe in the fresh air, sip on exquisite wines and say 'bonjour' to the grapes; it's the ...

Cheer On the Local Football Club

The Unexpected

Get ready to lose your voice, 'cause you're about to cheer on FC Nantes like a true local! Dress in yellow and green, learn the chants, and become part of the roaring crowd. Football's not just a game...

Treetop Trekking Adventure

Outdoors

Got a head for heights and a heart for thrills? Swing into action with a treetop trekking escapade. Zip around on wires, balance on wobbly bridges, and channel your inner Tarzan with some epic jungle-...

Picnic and Petanque in the Park

Outdoors

Grab some cheese, a baguette, and a set of petanque balls and head to one of Nantes' beautiful parks. Challenge new friends to a casual game, or just enjoy watching the metallic balls clink while you ...

Jardin des Plantes Botanical Hide and Seek

Outdoors

Get your green on playing hide and seek with Mother Nature herself in the enchanting Jardin des Plantes. Peek behind peonies, duck under dahlias, and sneak past snapdragons. Who said adults can't play...

Loire River Lunch Cruise

Outdoors

Hop aboard a lovely boat and chomp on your pique-nique while cruising the Loire River. Watch Nantes glide by, toast with a glass of Muscadet, and if you drop your sandwich overboard, wave it goodbye –...

Ragoût d'Escargots Romp

Food & Drink

Get ready to slow things down with a classic French twist by tucking into a ragoût d'escargots. These succulent snails are bathed in a herb-infused sauce that'll have you saying 'oh escar-gosh!' It's ...

Voyage to the Vineyard of Nantes

Sights

Wanna sip the day away? Take a delightful detour to the vineyards surrounding Nantes and unravel the magic of the local grapes! From vine to wine, watch the countryside roll by as each sip tells a sto...

Architectural Amble Around Passage Pommeraye

Sights

Ready for a dazzling stroll? The Passage Pommeraye is a 19th-century shopping arcade that's more like a palace for purchasing! Marvel at the elegant architecture, shop till you drop, or just enjoy a c...

A Jaunt through the Japanese Garden

Sights

Need a moment of zen? Say 'ohayou' to the Île de Versailles and its serene Japanese Garden. It's a slice of the East right in Nantes where you can meditate by a koi pond or just enjoy a leisurely stro...

Taste the Artistic Flair at Le Lieu Unique

Sights

Unleash your inner art critic at Le Lieu Unique! This hub of culture serves up a slice of the arts so cool you might need a scarf. Exhibits, performances, and a quirky bar make this former biscuit fac...

Spin the Reels of History at the Nantes History Museum

Sights

Get your geek on and dive deep into the past at the Musée d'histoire de Nantes. Packed with interactive exhibits and tucked inside the regal Château des Ducs de Bretagne, it's like stepping into a his...

Gateau Nantais Goodness

Food & Drink

Take a sweet dive into the rich, almond-flavored treasure that is the Gateau Nantais, smothered with rum icing for a zesty kick. It's Nantes in cake form, and it'll have you swooning for more!

Petit Beurre Pick-Me-Up

Food & Drink

Nibble on the iconic Petit Beurre biscuit that'll have you saying 'oh là là' with every buttery, crispy bite. Whether you dip it in your café au lait or munch it straight from the pack, these little t...

Fleur de Sel Flirt

Food & Drink

Salt up your life with the prized 'white gold' of the Nantes region: Fleur de Sel. Sprinkle this hand-harvested sea salt on just about anything to give your taste buds a little shiver of delight. It's...

Slide into History

The Unexpected

Wheee! Time to slip 'n slide your way through Nantes' history, but not in the way you'd expect. Get ready for a whimsical ride down the historic slides of Jardin des Plantes. These aren't your typical...