What to do in Nantes

Activities, attractions and tours

Nantes featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture
Nantes showing heritage elements
Nantes which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Nantes which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements
Nantes showing heritage elements and a park

Places to Visit in Nantes

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Nantes, Pays de la Loire while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Nantes attractions from NZ$10, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Nantes tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 25 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Nantes. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Nantes

Number of things to do
25
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Nantes Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Sights: NZ$10
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Nantes

Discover the most popular places to visit in Nantes

Machines of the Isle of Nantes

Machines of the Isle of Nantes

You can study the exhibits at Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Nantes. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Machines of the Isle of Nantes
Nantes featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture

Château of the Dukes of Brittany

You can find out about the history of Nantes with a visit to Château of the Dukes of Brittany. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Château of the Dukes of Brittany
Passage Pommeraye

Passage Pommeraye

4.5/5(2 reviews)

During your trip to Nantes, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Passage Pommeraye. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Passage Pommeraye

La Cité Nantes Event Center

Learn about the events happening in La Cité Nantes Event Center during your trip to Nantes. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

La Cité Nantes Event Center

Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire

After visiting Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nantes. Wander the parks or discover the countryside in this trendy area.

Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire

Stade de la Beaujoire

Catch an event at Stade de la Beaujoire during your trip to Nantes. Stroll along the waterfront or discover the countryside in this trendy area.

Stade de la Beaujoire

Hotel Dieu Hospital

If Hotel Dieu Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Nantes.

Hotel Dieu Hospital

University of Nantes

Explore the campus of University of Nantes during your travels in Nantes. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

University of Nantes

Jardin des Plantes

5/5(1 review)

Jardin des Plantes is just one of the places to see in Nantes, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Jardin des Plantes

Explore areas of Nantes

Nantes which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

Nantes Centre

5/5(3 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Nantes Centre for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Place du Commerce and Place Royale. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Commerce Tram Stop.

Nantes Centre
Default Image
Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra (CC BY)

Madeleine-Champ de Mars

Visitors to Madeleine-Champ de Mars enjoy its historical sites, and if you want to do some exploring, Le Lieu Unique is worth a stop.

Madeleine-Champ de Mars
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Graslin - Commerce

Graslin - Commerce is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Passage Pommeraye and Place du Commerce.

Graslin - Commerce
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Beaujoire

You'll enjoy the bars and gardens in Beaujoire. You might want to make time for a stop at Stade de la Beaujoire or Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire.

Beaujoire
Default Image

Ile de Nantes Palais des Congrès

5/5(2 area reviews)

Ile de Nantes Palais des Congrès is noteworthy for its river views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Machines of the Isle of Nantes and Centre Commercial Beaulieu.

Ile de Nantes Palais des Congrès
Nantes which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

Decré-Cathédrale

Historical sites and bars are highlights of Decré-Cathédrale. Make a stop by Nantes Cathedral or Château of the Dukes of Brittany while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Commerce Tram Stop to get around town.

Decré-Cathédrale

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Nantes

Bouguenais

Bouguenais

Photo "Saint-Sebastien-sur-Loire" by Antoine (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Antoine (CC BY)

Saint-Sebastien-sur-Loire

Photo by Emmee EB

Vertou

Frequently asked questions

Is Nantes worth visiting?
With a mix of festivals and dining, there's no shortage of things to do in Nantes. When you're here, head to Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nantes?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes and Château de la Gournerie. Then, explore different parts of Nantes for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nantes?
You can't leave without visiting Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, rated the top tourist attraction in Nantes.
Is three days enough to stay in Nantes?
Three days in Nantes is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers book for two days on average. Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes, Château de la Gournerie and Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Bouguenais.
Is Nantes a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to do and see in Nantes. Several top attractions, such as Les Machines de l'Île de Nantes and Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Nantes's best neighbourhoods, Nantes Centre is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Graslin - Commerce is 0.80 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Nantes with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all the family, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Nantes with kids.

What to do in Nantes for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Nantes, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Domaine du Moulin or Zenith de Nantes.
Are there free things to do in Nantes?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Nantes. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Memorial of the Abolition of Slavery is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.