Things to Do in Nantes

Top Things to Do in Nantes

Things to Do in Nantes


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Nantes.

Top Attractions in Nantes

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Gardens
The Botanical Garden: at the heart of plants The Botanical Gardens of Nantes, with 7 hectares of green spaces in the centre of town, more than 10,000 living species, 800 square metres of greenhouses and more than 50,00 flowers planted each season, holder of the Remarkable Garden label, is among the four leading botanical gardens in France. The collections have developed and specialised over 150 years. The Botanical Garden, which is both a scientific and a pleasure garden, has become a world reference, especially for its camellia collection which is unique in France, for the culture of epiphytic* plants in a semi-natural setting and for its permanent concern for the re-introduction of rare species. As an example we will cite the wild tulip, which disappeared in the 1970s and was reintroduced in 2010 in the vineyards of the region. Its great beauty in all seasons and its remarkable specimens (Hectot's Magnolia, American tulip tree and more recently a Wollemi pine, etc.) make the Botanical Garden a major tourist attraction in Nantes, visited every year by more than 1.2 million visitors. * Plants that grow on other plants without being parasites. The Botanical Garden Rue Stanislas-Baudry - Nantes Summer: 8:30 am - 8 pm Spring, autumn: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm Winter: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Tram line 1, SNCF train station stop Bus 12, SNCF train station stop Greenhouse visit (by reservation) Wednesday: 3:15 pm Thursday: 12:30 pm Friday: 3 pm Saturday: 3 pm and 4 pm (all year round); 5 pm (from 15 January to 17 November). Sunday: 10 am, 11 am, 3 pm and 4 pm (all year round); 5 pm (from 15 January to 17 November). Additional services Orangery cafe Restaurant - Tearoom Merry-go-round All year round from 10 am to 6 pm
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What travelers are saying

  • Ha N
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely garden, within east walking distance of the centre of town and the train station. Orangery cafe was lovely but at the time of our visit (Sunday morning) tables were not being given out unless you were eating so it had to be takeaway coffee.
    Written October 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mariedesjardins
    Prince George, Canada6,744 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I ride the giant elephant and got soaked when the driver turned the trunk on the passengers. It was excellent though on the 30c+ day in September. After the ride, I enjoyed the gallery display of robotic creatures and the demo. The ticket for the gallery and canopy is separate from the elephant ride. It’s easy to reach by tram from the Nantes train station and visible along the river.
    Written January 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Traveler O
    Washington DC, DC1,068 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Impressive chateau, several hundred years old, with a moat still in place and walking bridges to enter. Ramparts can be toured for free and offer excellent views when the weather is nice. The museum(s) are two parts with one currently housing an exposition on the Mongolian Empire Genghis Khan - mostly in French, but you can download the exhibit app (QR codes available on site) to help guide you through. The museum of Nantes inside the largest part of the chateau is truly great. Be sure to get an audio guide (2 Euros each) and take your time. The entire audio guide tour itself lasts 3 hours, but you can pick and choose what makes the most sense for what you want to see. Ticket includes entrance for exposition and the Nantes museum (separate buildings), so don't throw your ticket away. Lifts are available for both as there are many floors accessed via very old winding steps - the Nantes museum is in the tallest of the buildings, so be prepared to walk and climb stairs. The exhibits though were well worth it. Everything from seeing foundations from Roman-Gallo times 2,000 years ago to explanations of the history of the city and its rich maritime history. The room with paintings and background on the French Revolution was especially notable given what true terrors took place here. Also be sure to focus on the Edict of Nantes portion which is towards the very beginning of the tour. You could easily take two days here, or at least one very long day to see it properly. Gift shop at the end of the Nantes Museum has lots of books and some souvenirs as well.
    Written January 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Curt H
    Chicago, IL375 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Passage Pommeraye is an interesting shopping venue. The architecture of the structure is beautiful and there are unique boutiques where you can find that one of a kind item that is not in the mainstream of fashion. It's a relaxing less crowded place to shop or just browse while in Paris.
    Written July 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aragorn65
    Wakefield, UK1,156 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a such a huge church. A monstrous size building with many altars and stained glass windows. I do think how this kind of structure was built without proper equipment but with such a precision and finesse with every small detail. It is a free to visit it so don’t skip it!
    Written July 7, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LuanaRubin
    Boulder, CO565 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely worth a visit if you love art museums. Contemporary and historic artworks. I really enjoyed the galleries in the back with historic oil paintings, including some monumental works. Near the Jardin des Plantes and the train station, short walk from the Chateau.
    Written May 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GranZorro
    Zug, Switzerland1,504 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    For some years now, it's no longer just "Nantes Tourist Office" but "Le Voyage a Nantes". Their 3 or 4 day tourist pass is a great value, offering a whole gamut of activities both in town, on the water, and in the surroundings.
    The staff at the office near the Ducal Castle is not only very friendly but also trained to offer good service. Nantes has in my opinion become a not to be missed place when visiting France.
    Written September 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul
    Nantes, France15 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After a quick ferry ride we got to walk among these beautiful buildings with many photo opportunities.
    If you are willing to leave the main road and explore the twisting & narrow side streets , you will see many interesting things most people miss here.
    During the off-season there are not many places to eat that are open so plan accordingly. We had a good meal at the Bistro near the harbor, though not all the menu items were available due to seasonal variations.
    Overall an enjoyable & relaxing stroll through some interesting areas.
    Written February 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve_Grant1
    Oldham, UK1,607 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The gardens are worth a visit as you walk along the river. The Japanese theme is good and pleasant to view. Tip, there are public toilets available which is always
    Handy when out walking.
    Written September 20, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Grainne B
    Cork, Ireland13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful building, fabulous collections - mostly in French with a little English - the scientist in me really enjoyed it and so did the others as adults, not sure how successful a visit it would be with small children- the temp exhibition also very good with lots for kids to do
    I’m on crutches and use a mobility scooter - staff were very helpful providing lift access, access was free for me and my companion and under 18s is €2 - so great value
    Some of the exhibitions are at counter level and can’t be viewed from a chair but the staff provide walkers with built in seat for those who need it
    Really worth a visit
    Written September 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael R
    Ramat-Gan, Israel334 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Onn the way back from the ILE, cross the bridge and spend some time in this impressive memorial, to remember the victims of slavery
    Written June 21, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cimmerianbloke
    Rixensart, Belgium506 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Central location, english spoken, nice staff and a nice selection of city gifts, free city maps, all a decent tourist information office should be...
    Written March 4, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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