Top 10: Things to Do in Nantes, France’s Artsiest City

Thinking about traveling to France but looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the day strolling through charming medieval streets and gardens? Nantes is the perfect city for you! This elegant city in Upper Brittany, located on the Loire, is the sixth largest in France and is known for being a youthful, energetic, and art-loving city. Here at Civitatis, we’ve compiled the must-see attractions in Nantes. Ready to discover its many charms?

One great way to start exploring some of the city’s most fascinating chapters of history is by checking out this guided tour of Nantes. It’s a great introduction to the city as soon as you arrive!

1. Visit Nantes Cathedral

Step inside the Nantes Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its construction began in the 15th century and took nearly 400 years to complete, giving it a fascinating blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles. You’ll be amazed by its two elegant square towers, each rising 206 feet (63 meters) high and crowned with pinnacles that frame a stunning white facade. Inside, you can admire the marble tomb of Duke Francis II of Brittany and his wife, Margurite de Foix, a treasure of French sculpture and one of the cathedral’s main highlights. The cathedral also features two crypts that house historical artifacts, as well as angelic figures and detailed statues representing the four classical virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.

One of the most tragic episodes in its recent history is the devastating fire that struck Nantes Cathedral in 2020. Although the structure did not suffer major damage, some interior works, including the organ, were destroyed in the flames.

2. Enjoy the Machines of the Isle of Nantes

Entering the Machines of the Isle of Nantes or the L’Île des Machines is like stepping into the imaginary world of writer Jules Verne. Located on a river island, this attraction park features fantastical, gigantic replicas of animals inspired by the novels of the pioneering French fiction writer, who was born in Nantes.

The main attraction is the Great Elephant—a colossal structure made of steel, wood, and leather, standing 39 feet (12 meters) high, 68 feet (21 meters) long, and weighing 48 tons. The site also includes a huge carousel with 35 moving underwater creatures on three levels: the ocean floor, the depths, and the sea and boats. Climb aboard and guide the movement of these machines while taking a picture! If you purchase the Nantes Tourist Pass, you’ll be able to enjoy these machines while also saving money on admission to many of the city’s museums and attractions.

3. Discover the Miroir d’Eau

Acting as both an artistic and interactive experience, the Miroir d’Eau, or “Water Mirror” is one of the most beautiful attractions you’ll see in Nantes. This modern installation is a 1399-square-foot (1300-square-meter) fountain that combines water and light shows. If you’re traveling to Nantes in summer, it’s a perfect spot for you to cool off on hot days! Located just in front of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Miroir d’Eau is a modern addition that connects Nantes’ rich heritage with its embrace of contemporary art. When the fountain is off, you’ll be able to see the reflection of the majestic castle as if it were a real mirror!

4. Tour the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany (Château des ducs de Bretagne) is a magnificent 15th-century castle that once served as a residence of the Dukes of Brittany, as well as princes and kings. With fortified walls, a moat, and a Renaissance-style courtyard, this preserved fortress is an important historical site in Nantes. Listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1840, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany was restored some years ago. Today, it’s a major historical and cultural site, housing the Nantes History Museum, which spans 32 of its rooms and tells the story of the city and the region. Without a doubt, it’s a must-see stop on your trip to Nantes!

To visit the museum complex, we recommend getting the Nantes Tourist Pass to see this collection and many other attractions in the city. It’s a great way to save if you plan to visit many monuments!

5. Experience the Lieu Unique

Once a factory for Lefèvre-Utile cookies, a famous brand of cookies better known worldwide by the initials LU, the Lieu Unique has since become a cultural landmark in Nantes. This building is currently a contemporary culture center known for its eclectic programming, making it a perfect place to explore and experience cutting-edge art in the city. It offers a wide range of performances and events across different art forms, including visual arts, theatre, dance, circus, music, literature, philosophy, architecture, and digital culture. Interested in diving into culture?

6. Stroll Through the Passage Pommeraye

Known for its majestic interior adorned with columns, statues, and staircases that resemble those leading into a palace, the Passage Pommeraye is an elegant but small shopping arcade that was opened in 1843. This site is one of the must-see places in Nantes and has also been classified as a historic monument. Close by the Passage Pommeraye, you can also find the Graslin district—a chic, elegant neighborhood with the classical Théâtre Graslin at its center. Browse through the shop windows and take a souvenir back home from this iconic gallery!

Another option we offer through Civitatis to discover this and other renowned sites in the city is to check out a free walking tour of Nantes, where you’ll see the city’s main tourist attractions and explore the historical center with a guide.

7. Admire the Basilica of St. Nicolas

In the heart of Nantes lies the Basilica of St. Nicolas, an important architectural and cultural site built in the 19th century to replace the previous 11th-century basilica. Its towering spire is a prominent feature of Nantes’ skyline and inside, you can find vibrant stained glass windows. Did you know that the Basilica of St. Nicolas was damaged during the bombings of World War II in 1944, but carefully rebuilt afterward?

After visiting the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, you can head to the Basilica of St. Nicolas, as it’s just a few streets away. It’s definitely worth the visit to admire this monument historique of France and its beautiful Neo-Gothic facade.

8. Explore the Fine Arts Museum

Of course, a trip to France wouldn’t be complete without art! Located in a beautiful 19th-century building near the city center, the Fine Arts Museum in Nantes (Musée d’Arts de Nantes) is one of France’s most important art museums. With an impressive collection that spans centuries, this museum features over 900 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, decorative arts, photos, videos, and contemporary art exhibitions. Inside, you’ll have the chance to admire the works of Monet, Delacroix, Picasso, Kandinsky, and more. Fun fact: this museum is one of the few French museums that actively adds pieces by living artists to its collections!

9. See the Jardin des Plantes de Nantes

Are you a plant lover? Then the Jardin des plantes de Nantes is for you! As one of the green lungs of Nantes, this botanical garden is the perfect place to lose yourself among its camellia beds and stroll through its many outdoor spaces. With a large collection of exotic plants, the Jardin des plantes de Nantes has about 11,000 species planted within ponds, waterways, and paths. You’ll also see fountains, statues, pavillions, and waterfalls, as well as greenhouses. Although a fee is charged for the greenhouses, the botanical garden is open daily for free!

10. Wander Around the Île de Versailles

Looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? We recommend visiting the Île de Versailles (Isle of Versailles), a serene and unique 4.2-acre islet located on the Erdre River. This charming islet, partly man-made from the excavation debris of the Nantes-Brest Canal, was abandoned for years before being transformed into a beautiful Japanese garden. Here, you can stroll among bamboo, cypresses, rhododendrons, and cherry trees, or admire the small waterfalls, tranquil ponds, and elegant stone bridges. Whether you’re in the mood to relax, enjoy a picnic, or capture stunning photos, the Island of Versailles is an ideal spot to visit!

The best way to admire the Island of Versailles is by taking a boat trip along the Edre River. You’ll be captivated by the stunning scenic views of the island!

Rich history, stunning architecture, charming gardens, and a lively cultural scene—as you can see, the city of Nantes has a lot to offer! While it may not be the most famous city in France, that only makes wandering its streets a more delightful surprise. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our day trips, guided tours, and activities in Nantes. Bon voyage!