Nantes, the jewel in the crown of the Loire-Atlantique département, is an ideal weekend destination. The mere mention of this destination conjures up images of discovery, history and culture, all sprinkled with a pinch of the French way of life. Let's discover the cobbled streets, the majestic Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the museums and extraordinary machines that bring the city to life. Nantes knows how to charm its visitors, even for a weekend! Follow this short itinerary to discover the must-sees.
Day 1: Château, Jardin des Plantes and city center
Let's kick off this weekend with some very heavy stuff! Nantes city center and its Château des Ducs de Bretagne are simply a must if you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this historic city.
Saturday morning: Château des Ducs de Bretagne and Jardin des Plantes
Château des Ducs de Bretagne
A veritable historical treasure, this is an absolute must-see during your stay in Nantes. The château was once the residence of the Dukes of Brittany, as the title subtly suggests. Today, it's a fascinating museum of the region's eventful history. Take the time to stroll through the inner courtyards, walk the ramparts and even explore the richly decorated rooms.
In addition to its historical aspect, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne offers a variety of temporary exhibitions, as well as events and activities for the whole family. Good news for keeping the kids busy! The courtyard, ramparts and moat garden are open to the public 7 days a week. The interior of the château, with its museum and exhibitions, is closed on Mondays. Allow 1 h 30 to 2 hours for your visit.
Would you like to enjoy free access to museums, guided tours, public transport, cruises and much more? We recommend you book the Nantes Pass here ( it includes a visit to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne!)
Jardin des Plantes
Continue your morning at Nantes' Jardin des Plantes. Here's even a good opportunity to have a picnic with some local produce you've picked up here and there.
This green oasis in the heart of the city deserves its Jardin Remarquable status. Visitors are enchanted by the diversity of its botanical collections (no fewer than 10,000 living species and 50,000 flowers!). Take a stroll through the alleys, explore the greenhouses and fall under the spell of rare species such as the Scots tulip or the mysterious Wollemi pine.
Saturday afternoon: Stroll through downtown Nantes
It's high time to stroll through the streets and alleys of Nantes, which are just waiting to tell us their story. You can also book apersonalized private tour with a local guide by clicking here!
Right in the heart of downtown Nantes, you'll discover a fascinating mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct charm. The Bouffay district, the city's oldest, is a must-see! A resolutely medieval atmosphere still pervades the area, despite its modernization. The vibrant life of the city of the Dukes is perfectly represented here.
Further afield, the Graslin district will seduce you with its elegance, perfectly represented by the Graslin Opera House, a remarkable work of architecture surrounded by luxury boutiques and refined cafés. Of course, you can't visit downtown Nantes without venturing into the Passage Pommeraye. This is one of Europe's most beautiful covered passageways, a 19th-century gallery. Listed as a historic monument since 1976, the Passage Pommeraye inspires artists and film-makers alike, as well as being a prime shopping destination.
As you stroll along, you'll discover many more treasures, such as the Place Royale fountain and the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral. Although it is still being restored following the fire in 2020, you can admire it from the outside until its partial reopening, scheduled for the end of 2024.
Saturday evening : Cruise on the Loire
It's time to settle down in a good Nantes restaurant, such as Le cochon qui fume, to name but one. And there are plenty of good addresses that are popular with Nantes locals themselves!
In the mood for an evening that stretches out and lets you savor this great start to the weekend a little longer? Embark on a sunset cruise. Lasting from 1h30 to 2h, this is a different way of seeing the city, from the water and with its evening lights. It's sometimes possible to bring your own picnic on board, if you haven't been able to eat beforehand.
Day 2: Les Machines de l'île and Lieu Unique
There's no better way to start the second day of your visit than to contemplate (and test!) Nantes' famous giant machines.
Sunday morning: Les Machines de l'île
The Machines de l'île is a veritable masterpiece of artistic engineering. The gigantic mechanical elephant is the best known of all. It's a pure marvel, sure to dazzle young and old alike. This majestic creature of metal and wood, several storeys high, is a true technological feat. Not enough to see it? We understand, it's so tempting! Then climb aboard this giant elephant for an unforgettable experience, riding through the island's alleys on the back of the mechanical animal, which moves gracefully while emitting wind tunnel noises and flapping its ears.
It's an extraordinary encounter between technology and art, transforming a simple visit into an extraordinary adventure for the whole family. This typically Nantes attraction is closed on Mondays, but open every other day, including Sundays, from 10am. Allow around an hour for the Galerie des Machines, 45 minutes for the Carrousel des Mondes Marins and 30 minutes if you want to ride on the back of Dumbo's distant cousin.
Sunday afternoon: Le Lieu Unique and the birthplace of Jules Verne
Le Lieu Unique is your next stop, after a fine Breton meal. Formerly known as the LU cookie factory, it is now a multi-purpose cultural space that harmoniously blends the place's industrial past with contemporary creativity. The historic building retains many elements of its heritage, much to the delight of gourmets. Over the years, Le Lieu Unique has become a temple to art, music, theater and literature. This tour lasts around 1 hour, offering a welcome digestive break.
Continue your afternoon at the Jardin extraordinaire de Nantes, about 3 km from the former LU factory. A little jewel of nature in the city! This garden is aptly named, as it truly embodies the extraordinary in its botanical diversity and artistic arrangements. Embark on a sensory journey through a vast collection of exotic plants, majestic trees and colorful flowers. As you stroll along, you'll discover ephemeral art installations and sculptures, adding an artistic dimension to the site.
Time to spare? Nearby is the Maison Natale de Jules Verne. This low-cost visit immerses you in the life and work of this great man, for a cultural getaway before the end of your Nantes weekend.
If you want to save money on your weekend in Nantes, we recommend you book the Nantes Pass here, which also gives you access to the Maison de Jules Verne!
Day 3: Discover Puy du Fou or the Nantes area
Why not take advantage of your stay in Loire-Atlantique to visit the Puy du Fou theme park, the only one of its kind in France? Be careful, though, because out of season, the park isn't open every Monday! Be sure to check the site's calendar before you leave. Click here to take advantage of our partner's special rates and book your ticket to the Grand Parc du Puy du Fou.
And if you're not lucky enough to be able to discover this superb park 1 hour from Nantes, here's one last little itinerary for your extended weekend.
Monday morning: Guérande salt marshes
The Guérande salt marshes are one of Loire-Atlantique's most emblematic natural treasures. Located some 80 kilometers west of Nantes, these marshes cover a vast expanse of saline landscapes, where salt has been harvested for over a thousand years. Here, you'll discover the traditional process of salt harvesting, as you watch the salt workers at work with their ancestral tools. A visit to the Guérande salt marshes also gives you the opportunity to relax a little. Enjoy the serene beauty of nature, with its migratory birds and relaxing atmosphere! From Guérande to Batz-sur-Mer, via La Turballe and Le Croisic, your last morning will be rich in discoveries!
Monday afternoon: Pornic or La Baule
Located on the Atlantic coast, Pornic is the perfect destination to finish off this pleasant weekend away from it all. This small coastal town exudes authenticity, with its picturesque port and cobbled streets. One of Pornic's major assets is its beautiful coastline. Fine sandy beaches follow rocky coves, inviting you to relax and swim (weather permitting!). The Château de Pornic is a must-see. Walkers will be delighted by the Sentier des Douaniers. Get your cameras ready, for superb panoramic views await you!
Prefer the charm of La Baule-Escoublac? We understand: it's an exceptional coastal destination on the Atlantic coast. This seaside resort is famous for its fine sandy beach, one of the longest in Europe. An idyllic setting for swimming, water sports or simple walks by the ocean. And while you're in the area, check out La Baule's magnificent Belle Époque villas. They're absolutely stunning!
There's plenty to do in Maine-et-Loire too. You'll have no trouble finding something to end your weekend on a high note.
Where to stay in Nantes?
The city center, in the Bouffay district for example, is ideal for a weekend in Nantes. You'll be close to all points of interest. Some establishments manage to create a little cocoon of serenity, by keeping rooms away from noisy streets. In all cases, you'll find a wide range of budget addresses. Nantes is indeed an inexpensive weekend destination, perfect for budget travelers!
- Hôtel Amiral, the quietest
Situated on a pedestrian street, the Hôtel Amiral is appreciably quiet, despite its downtown location. The rooms, which you can book right here, are decorated with care and the breakfasts are prepared with local produce. Its little plus? It has been awarded theEcolabel for its efforts to protect the environment.
- Hôtel Voltaire Opéra Nantes Centre, the best location
Looking for a hotel close to all amenities? The Hôtel Voltaire Opéra Nantes Centre is the perfect address, and you can book it in just a few clicks right here! Cosy rooms, gourmet breakfast, easy access to all points of interest, this establishment has it all.
- Hôtel Chateaubriand, top-of-the-range in the city center
Located near the Ile de Versailles, Hôtel Chateaubriand is a haven of peace in the heart of the city , which you can book here . In addition to all the little extras you'd expect from a two-star establishment, you'll enjoy a highly appreciable sense of calm. Rejuvenate in this bubble of well-being!
What to do on a romantic weekend in Nantes?
While Nantes is an active city, ideal for organizing a seminar or celebrating an EVJF, it's also the perfect place for lovers!
Many of Nantes' attractions are ideal for a romantic weekend away. A stroll along the Loire orErdre rivers, for example, is a great idea. Perhaps your stroll will take you to the Roseraie in the Parc de la Beaujoire, adding a touch of romance to your romantic outing. The cobbled streets of the Bouffay district are also ideal for a hand-in-hand stroll. Next, head for the Parc du Grand-Blottereau. Here, you'll find a tropical greenhouse, a Korean garden and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for lovers! Theisland of Versailles, with its Japanese garden, also offers a delightfully bucolic stroll.
What to do on a family weekend in Nantes?
The best thing for kids is, of course, the Ile des Machines! Give them the chance to climb on the giant mechanical elephant, and they'll have wonderful memories! There are other surprises in store for young and old alike, such as the Carrousel des Mondes Marins.
The Château des Ducs de Bretagne may also be of interest. Children have no trouble imagining themselves in the shoes of knights as soon as they see a castle, whatever the era. They'll have a great time, with a touch of culture for the whole family.
The Nantes planetarium is another great idea for a visit. Here, too, magic and culture blend boldly, offering a perfect moment to share with the whole family. Of course, the Jardin des Plantes and the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Nantes remain great classics, but they always work with the youngest visitors!
What can you do for free on a weekend in Nantes?
The city's various parks offer pleasant free time during your stay:
- ile de Versailles,
- the Grand Blottereau park,
- the Parc des Chantiers de l'Ile de Nantes, etc.
Part of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is also accessible. While the museum is subject to a fee, the courtyard, moat garden and ramparts are free and open to the public. You can also enjoy a walk or bike ride along the Loire. Your body will thank you for the physical effort, and your wallet will stay closed!
Of course, strolling around downtown Nantes and admiring its ancient architecture won't cost you a thing either. You'll be able to take beautiful photos and enjoy pleasant strolls, without being forced to spend a single euro.
A weekend in Nantes is a getaway that will stay with you for a long time. This vibrant city offers superb cultural, romantic and original visits. And, of course, don't forget to sample its gastronomic delights. Enjoy freshly caught seafood, as well as local specialties such as berlingot nantais or muscadet. We're pretty sure that Nantes and the surrounding area will make you want to discover more of Loire-Atlantique, or even Maine-et-Loire, on an extended stay!
