Nantes · Loire-Atlantique
Nantes
History, contemporary art and art de vivre
Nantes surprises, amazes and seduces. Once the capital of the Dukes of Brittany, a city of art and history, Nantes also boldly faces the future with its Machines de l'Île, its Voyage à Nantes and its reimagined Loire riverbanks. A human-scale city, full of life, perfect for wandering between museums, restaurants and lively markets.
The Château des Ducs de Bretagne
A symbol of the city, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne has stood at the heart of Nantes since the 15th century. Its moats, ramparts and imposing towers now house a museum of Nantes history, tracing 600 years of urban life from the triangular trade to the shipbuilding industry.
Nearby, the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral impresses with its proportions and the tomb of François II, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture.
Les Machines de l'Île
In the former shipyards of the île de Nantes, the great mechanical Elephant strolls through the seasons, carrying passengers on a Jules Verne-inspired journey. Les Machines de l'Île blends imagination, mechanics and art into a one-of-a-kind experience.
Also worth seeing: the Carrousel des Mondes Marins, a monumental three-level artwork inspired by the ocean depths and the skies above.
The Loire riverbanks
Nantes breathes by the Loire. The redesigned quays invite strolling, cycling and sunny terraces. La Loire à Vélo, a 900 km cycling route, departs from Nantes toward the châteaux of the Loire Valley or toward the estuary and Saint-Nazaire.
In summer, the riverbanks come alive with Le Voyage à Nantes, an art trail weaving sculptures, installations and ephemeral works throughout the entire city.
Gastronomy & beurre blanc
Nantes is the capital of Muscadet, the crisp white wine that pairs perfectly with Atlantic seafood. The city also gave its name to the famous beurre blanc nantais, a silky butter and wine sauce that pairs beautifully with pike-perch or sole.
The covered Talensac market is the daily meeting place for Nantes locals seeking fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and fish. A must-visit to taste life like a local.
Weekly markets
Local produce, Breton flavours and artisans within walking distance of our rentals.
Practical info
When to visit
Nantes is worth a visit year-round. In summer, Le Voyage à Nantes (July–August) transforms the city into an open-air art gallery.
Getting here
TGV Paris–Nantes in 2 hours. Nantes Atlantique airport 20 min away. Tram and bike-sharing make getting around easy.
Climate
Mild and temperate, Nantes enjoys some of the best sunshine in western France. Early spring, pleasant summers, mild winters.