Unmissable Attractions in Nantes

If you’re visiting Nantes, you must start off your trip with a visit to the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. It’s a natural place to start, and is a great place for getting a feel for the city and for the history of the region.

Machine Island is an artistic project where your inner child can come out and play, and is a genuinely unique Nantes attraction.

The cathedral is stunning by day or night, especially the internal arches.

Nantes’ Fine Arts Museum is vast, with a great collection all year round.

Visit this impressive historic monument and museum ship for a fascinating insight into French naval history.

Just a little to Nantes’ north is this great arts space, specially designed to showcase the newest creative movements.

This pretty urban oasis used to be an island, hence the name, and is super-easy on the eyes. It’s a real treat to amble around and explore.

The Jardin des plantes de Nantes is a must-visit. It’s free to enter and is filled with a riot of delightful plant specimens.

Passage Pommeraye is a beautiful bijou shopping mall with an elaborate design. It was named after its developer, Louis Pommeraye.

Situated in the oldest district of Nantes, Place du Bouffay is a great place to spot some cool modern-art installations.

Trentemoult is one of the trendy areas of Nantes, featuring colour and vibrancy just across the river from the main part of the city.

La Tour Lu is a striking arts venue offering a little slice of Nantes history.

The ornate bell tower is what puts the Sainte-Croix church on our list. It features beautiful gothic stained-glass windows, too.

Nantes’ Natural History Museum is the perfect place to be when the weather isn’t playing ball, and features a beautiful facade with an easy-access walkway at the front.

Make time to visit this attractive Roman Catholic basilica with incredible river views.

These majestic cranes could easily be an open-air art installation. In fact, they are a reminder of Nantes‘ industrial maritime heritage.

Don’t miss this beautiful tree-lined esplanade, overlooked by apartments and town houses you will wish you lived in.

The HAB offers contemporary art exhibitions at their finest.

Don’t miss this gorgeous fountain in the heart of the old town.

Just outside Nantes, you can wander the halls of this beautiful castle and grounds.

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