Nantes

Tourist Attractions in Nantes

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Nantes. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

17 Attractions

★4.5 Average rating

9 Categories

About Nantes

Nantes, a vibrant Loire-Atlantic city in western France, blends rich medieval heritage with bold contemporary culture. Strolling along the Île de Nantes, you’ll encounter whimsical art installations, the iconic Machines of the Isle project, and the sparkling green spaces of Jardin des Plantes. History lovers explore the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the gothic Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul, while the lively Passage Pommeraye shopfronts reveal elegant 19th-century architecture. Foodies savor Atlantic seafood, modern bistros, and bustling markets. Family-friendly attractions include the Bio Lac Zoo and the sprawling Parc de Procé, all amid a riverfront atmosphere that invites sunset walks and creative energy at every turn.

Botanical Garden — Garden, rated 4.7/5

1

Garden Botanical GardenPark

Botanical Garden

4.7 ★★★★★ 17,924 reviews

The Jardin des Plantes in Nantes, commonly known as the Botanical Garden, is a serene 7-hectare oasis beside the Erin River, blending historic glasshouses with verdant lawns and color-filled flower borders. Wander through curated collections, rare tropical plants in the palm house, and seasonal displays that shift with the year. Families explore shaded groves, sculpted topiary, and a charming toy theater set among botanical narratives. It’s a straightforward, approachable destination for leisurely strolls, insightful plant spotting, and a restful pause after city sightseeing, all free of admission in most areas.

Rue Stanislas Baudry, 44000 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Monday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed

Entrance Parking Restroom

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Les Machines de l'Île, rated 4.6/5

2

Tourist attraction

Les Machines de l'Île

4.6 ★★★★★ 42,116 reviews

Les Machines de l’Île in Nantes is a whimsical, immersive atelier-meets-mechanical theater perched on the old shipyards beside the Loire. Enter a dreamlike workshop where giant, autonomous machines—most notably the Grand Éléphant and the flying Gull Wing—roam and sway as visitors ride or observe from inventive walkways and galleries. It blends art, engineering, and surreal storytelling, inviting families and culture seekers to explore interactive workshops, spectacular displays, and a playful, imaginative atmosphere. Expect tactile installations, meticulous craftsmanship, and a sense of wonder as you witness impossible machinery come to life.

Parc des Chantiers, Bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Seating

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Passage Pommeraye — Market, rated 4.6/5

3

Market Shopping Mall

Passage Pommeraye

4.6 ★★★★★ 15,322 reviews

Passage Pommeraye in Nantes is a remarkable 19th-century shopping arcade that charms visitors with its ornate ironwork, glass ceilings, and elegant curved balconies. Spanning two levels, it links the busy Bouffay district with the scenic Jardin des Plantes, creating a Renaissance-inspired promenade lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic facades. Worth visiting for its architectural splendor and atmospheric ambiance, the arcade offers a refined stroll above the street noise, glimpses of period details, and a sense of stepping back in time. Expect refined shops, photogenic interiors, and a serene, shop-till-you-drop experience.

20 Pass. Pommeraye, 44000 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Monday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Cards accepted

Restroom

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Château des ducs de Bretagne — Castle, rated 4.5/5

4

Castle History MuseumHistorical PlaceMuseum

Château des ducs de Bretagne

4.5 ★★★★★ 24,370 reviews

Château des ducs de Bretagne in Nantes is a grand medieval fortress set on the edge of the Loire, encircled by a moat and crowned with towers that hint at centuries of ducal power. Inside, stone staircases, restored ornate rooms, and a superb cylindrical keep reveal the castle’s storied past—from medieval battles to Renaissance diplomacy. Visitors can explore the towers, ramparts, and the on-site museum detailing the region’s maritime heritage, with panoramic city views from the walls. It’s a foundational contact point for history lovers and a scenic gateway to Nantes’ historic core.

4 Pl. Marc Elder, 44000 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom

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Musée d’arts de Nantes — Museum, rated 4.6/5

5

Museum Art Museum

Musée d’arts de Nantes

4.6 ★★★★★ 6,007 reviews

The Musée d’arts de Nantes is a premier fine arts museum housed in a striking 17th-century former Benedictine abbey on the Île de Nantes. It showcases a rich collection spanning medieval to contemporary works, with highlights from Rubens, Delacroix, Monet, and regional French painters, plus modern and contemporary pieces in dynamic temporary exhibitions. Visitors can wander graceful galleries, admire refined architecture, and enjoy rotating shows that contextualize French and European art within a lively city setting. Expect thorough curatorial notes, family-friendly activities, and a central location near the Loire, bars, and riverfront strolls.

10 Rue Georges Clemenceau, 44000 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Monday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

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Île de Versailles — Park, rated 4.5/5

6

Park City ParkGardenBotanical Garden

Île de Versailles

4.5 ★★★★★ 8,638 reviews

Île de Versailles is a serene oasis in Nantes, nestled along the Loire River where a former sawmill site transformed into a lush public park. Visitors stroll winding paths shaded by mature trees, discover island-style lawns, and linger beside ornamental ponds and fountains that reflect the water’s edge. The park blends artful landscaping with whimsical features, including playgrounds, information panels, and charming bridges that traverse pebbled streams. It’s ideal for picnics, relaxed walks, and family outings, offering a peaceful escape within easy reach of the city center.

Quai de Versailles, 44000 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Monday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday8:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed

Entrance Parking

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Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes — Religious site, rated 4.5/5

7

Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes

4.5 ★★★★★ 4,240 reviews

The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes is a grand 15th-century Gothic masterpiece towering over the Loire River. Its soaring arches, delicate flying buttresses, and intricate stained-glass windows reveal centuries of artistry, while the serene nave invites reflective quiet after the bustle of the city. Visitors can admire the cathedra of Nantes’ bishops, explore hidden chapels, and learn about its tumultuous history through informative displays. Expect a sense of architectural drama, serene beauty, and a glimpse into medieval ecclesiastical life, with nearby strolls along the historic streets and riverfront.

7 Imp. Saint-Laurent, 44000 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Entrance Parking

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Legendia Parc — Theme park, rated 4.4/5

8

Theme park Amusement ParkAmusement Center

Legendia Parc

4.4 ★★★★★ 5,231 reviews

Legendia Parc, a vibrant theme park in Nantes, blends thrilling rides with whimsical storytelling across its diverse lands. Expect adrenaline-pumping coasters, family-friendly attractions, and immersive show experiences that spark imagination from morning to twilight. Located near the Loire, the park offers seasonally themed events, a variety of dining options, and cleverly themed zones that appeal to all ages. Visitors can anticipate efficient queues, well-maintained facilities, and ample green spaces for breaks, making Legendia Parc a convenient, high-energy day trip that showcases French entertainment flair alongside scenic river views.

4 La Poitevinière, 44320 Frossay, France

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Monday1:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday1:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday1:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom Seating

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Le Jardin Extraordinaire — Garden, rated 4.4/5

9

Garden Botanical Garden

Le Jardin Extraordinaire

4.4 ★★★★★ 4,573 reviews

Le Jardin Extraordinaire in Nantes is a imaginative, modern garden that blends art, landscape and urban whimsy within a compact riverside oasis. Visitors wander through themed zones—from reflective ponds framed by sculpture to playful topiary corridors—discovering seasonal plantings, interactive installations, and panoramic views of the Loire. It’s worth a visit for families and design lovers alike, offering tranquil spots for picnics, photo-worthy vistas, and a refreshing respite in the city. Expect modular layouts, accessible paths, and a creative, ever-changing landscape that rewards repeated strolls.

1 Rue Joseph Cholet, 44100 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Monday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance

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Place Royale — Historic site, rated 4.6/5

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Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Place Royale

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,594 reviews

Place Royale in Nantes is a charming 18th-century square framed by elegant townhouses and a central, tranquil fountain, embodying the city’s regal history with a distinctly Renaissance Revival touch. Visitors wander the pedestrian-friendly space to soak in neoclassical façades, leafy arcades, and the nearby historic Graslin Theatre, plus the town’s vibrant café culture just steps away. It’s ideal for a leisurely stroll, photography, or a break between riverfront explorations, offering a sense of architectural refinement and a window into Nantes’s aristocratic past without leaving the modern, lively city.

5 Pl. Félix Fournier, 44000 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids

Entrance Parking

Natural'Parc Zoo-Attractions — Zoo, rated 4.5/5

11

Zoo Amusement ParkAmusement CenterAssociation Or Organization

Natural'Parc Zoo-Attractions

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,561 reviews

Natural’Parc Zoo-Attractions in Nantes invites families into a hands-on zoological experience where visitors meet a diverse array of animals in spacious, naturalistic habitats. Originally a historic city zoo, it blends educational exhibits with interactive encounters, allowing kids and adults to observe behavior up close and participate in feeding sessions and guided tours. Expect lush greenery, shaded pathways, and seasonal events that highlight conservation and biodiversity. Practical perks include accessible facilities, stroller-friendly routes, and engaging playgrounds, making it a stimulating day out that educates while delighting nature lovers of all ages.

Rte de Saint-Sauveur de Landemont, 49270 Orée d'Anjou, France

Opening hours · Today: 1:00 – 5:30 PM

MondayClosed
Tuesday1:00 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday1:00 – 5:30 PM
Friday1:00 – 5:30 PM
Saturday10:30 AM – 6:45 PM
Sunday10:30 AM – 6:45 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom

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Park Building, Boulevard Léon Bureau — Park, rated 4.6/5

12

Park

Park Building, Boulevard Léon Bureau

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,969 reviews

Park Building, Boulevard Léon Bureau in Nantes is a leafy urban oasis centered around a modest, polygonal pavilion and winding paths that invite peaceful strolls. This green refuge blends artful landscaping with subtle architectural touches, offering shaded benches, a tranquil pond, and playful water features that delight families. Visitors can expect free-to-enter grounds, seasonal flora, and easy access from nearby tram stops, making it ideal for a quick break between city sights or a relaxed afternoon picnic amid the city’s maritime charm. A quiet slice of Nantes green life.

Bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

Entrance Parking Restroom

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Carrousel of the Marine Worlds — Theme park, rated 4.5/5

13

Theme park Amusement Park

Carrousel of the Marine Worlds

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,228 reviews

The Carrousel of the Marine Worlds in Nantes is a whimsical, family-friendly theme attraction that celebrates ocean life through rotating exhibits, playful rides, and immersive storytelling. Visitors step into a giant seashell-adorned pavilion to discover interactive displays, animatronic sea creatures, and themed cabaret-like performances that blend science with fantasy. The experience emphasizes conservation and curiosity, offering hands-on touch zones and multimedia storytelling that appeal to both kids and adults. Expect vibrant colors, rhythmic music, and a gentle, nostalgic charm that makes a breezy, unforgettable seaside escapade inland from the Atlantic coast.

Parc des Chantiers, 2 Bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

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Basilique Saint-Nicolas de Nantes — Religious site, rated 4.6/5

14

Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Basilique Saint-Nicolas de Nantes

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,460 reviews

The Basilique Saint-Nicolas de Nantes is a striking Romanesque-Byzantine church perched along the Erdre river in Nantes, notable for its pastel-colored, onion-shaped domes and serene interior. Built in the early 20th century to honor sailors and the Virgin Mary, it blends eclectic architectural influences with stained glass, mosaics, and a peaceful nave that invites contemplation. Visitors can expect an atmospheric, less-crowded setting, guided tours highlighting its historical role in maritime devotion, and photo-worthy exteriors that contrast beautifully with Nantes’s historic streets. A contemplative stop for culture and faith enthusiasts.

Pl. Félix Fournier, 44000 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Monday9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday9:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Entrance Parking

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Le Grand Éléphant, rated 4.7/5

15

Tourist attraction

Le Grand Éléphant

4.7 ★★★★★ 870 reviews

Le Grand Éléphant in Nantes is a towering wooden elephant sculpture and cogwheel-powered marvel that roams the Parc des Chantiers, offering a playful ride for visitors of all ages. Designed by François Delarozière and deployed by La Machine, this gentle giant trudges along a custom track with a synchronized cadence, its trunk and ears responding to visitors’ commands. Worth a visit for families and architecture lovers alike, it promises photo-worthy moments, a hands-on sense of whimsy, and a rare fusion of fantasy art and mechanical ingenuity in a modern French city.

5 Bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking

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Miroir d'eau, rated 4.4/5

16

Tourist attraction

Miroir d'eau

4.4 ★★★★★ 1,034 reviews

The Miroir d’eau in Nantes is a shallow, reflective pool set opposite the grand Château des Ducs de Bretagne, spanning a tranquil expanse along the Île de Nantes waterfront. Created to echo the city’s maritime heritage, it becomes a dramatic mirror of sky and architecture as it oscillates between thin mist in the morning and a glassy, pavement-like surface after rain. Visitors stroll, photograph, or splash along the edge, while the surrounding esplanade hosts fountains, greenery, and views of the river, making it a refreshing, photogenic centerpiece for any Nantes visit.

Pl. Marc Elder, 44000 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids

Entrance Parking

Jules Verne Museum — Museum, rated 3.8/5

17

Museum Art Museum

Jules Verne Museum

3.8 ★★★★★ 1,945 reviews

Nestled in the heart of Nantes, the Jules Verne Museum celebrates the life and visionary fiction of the author who inspired a generation of explorers. Housed in a historic 19th-century building, the museum showcases original manuscripts, first editions, personal objects, and immersive exhibits that trace Verne’s adventurous imagination—from nautical voyages to fantastical journeys undersea and into space. Visitors can expect engaging multimedia displays, atmospheric reconstructions, and insightful context on his influences and impact on science fiction. It’s a captivating stop for literature lovers, families, and curious travelers alike seeking inspiration and a sense of wonder.

3 Rue de l'Hermitage, 44100 Nantes, France

Opening hours · Today: 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Monday2:00 – 6:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday2:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday2:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday2:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday2:00 – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

Entrance Parking Restroom

Open on map Website ↗