3 Days in Nantes: How to Explore This Underrated City
If you’re visiting France, Nantes may not be the first city that comes to mind. It’s often overlooked in favour of more well known destinations in Western France, such as Saint Malo or Normandy. But give it 3 days, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
As the sixth largest city in France and located in the Pays de la Loire region, Nantes was once a major maritime port and is also the birthplace of author Jules Verne.
It may not have the instant allure of Paris but that’s part of the appeal. 3 days in Nantes is enough to get a real feel for the city and its atmosphere. Some areas feel a little rough around the edges, but overall it’s a relaxed and enjoyable place to spend a few days. I visited with a friend, exploring the city at a leisurely pace, trying to uncover what it had to offer.
When to visit
June to August is a great time to explore Nantes, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours perfect for wandering the city. That said, it can get busier during peak summer, especially in August when much of France is on holiday.
For fewer crowds and milder weather, the shoulder seasons — May, June, and September are also excellent times to visit.
How to get to Nantes
Nantes is well connected and a good place to visit all year round.
By Air: Nantes is served by Nantes Atlantique Airport, which has domestic and European connections. The airport is about 20 minutes from the city center by car or shuttle.
By Train: High-speed TGV inOui trains run direct from Gare Montparnasse to Nantes in around approximately 2 hours.
Booking at least a month in advance usually gives you better fares, especially during summer and holiday periods.
There is limited luggage space at the end of each carriage, so it’s worth boarding early if you’re travelling with larger bags. Trains also have restrooms and a café-bar selling drinks and snacks.
For booking rail travel in Europe, I typically use Trainline.
Where to stay in Nantes for 3 days
For a short stay in Nantes, the Bouffay and Graslin areas in the city centre are typically the best places to base yourself. Both neighbourhoods are central, walkable, and close to major sights, restaurants, and public transport.
I stayed at Hôtel La Pérouse, which is very centrally located with bus stops right outside. It’s a convenient base for exploring the city on foot. Next door is Run Pâtisserie & Boulangerie, which is a great spot for a quick coffee and pastry before heading out for the day.
Public transport in Nantes is efficient, and it’s worth noting that it’s free for everyone on weekends. That said, the city is compact and easy to explore on foot, especially if you’re staying in the historic centre.
3 days in Nantes: What to see and do
My approach to Nantes was very much wing it and see, essentially slow travel at its best. If that philosophy resonates, you can read more about it here.
Sights
There are a number of sights and activities covering a range of interests. These can be seen over the course of 3 days in Nantes.
For the history buff, you might want to visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. It’s a medieval castle in the city centre with beautiful grounds you can explore. You can also pay to visit the interior and see the History of Nantes museum.
For the art enthusiast, the Musée d’Arts de Nantes showcases a blend of international and contemporary art. Note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays with opening hours from 11am to 7pm. Entry costs around 9 euros.
For those seeking calm, Île de Versailles is a tranquil Japanese inspired garden, perfect for a peaceful retreat from the city. Similarly, it’s worth stepping inside the beautiful Basilique Saint-Nicolas, which offers a quiet space for respite from the street noise.
Finally, for those seeking something unique you must visit Les Machines de l’Île de Nantes. One of Nantes’ most iconic sights, this creative park houses the incredible mechanical elephant (which you can ride) and many other fascinating engineering creations. Within the same complex you’ll also find the Carrousel des Mondes Marins which was inspired in part by Jules Verne’s famous 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Alternatively, you could just roam the city at your own pace, wandering the main squares and alleyways. Admire the architecture, the creativity and enjoy some good food and shopping along the way.
Shopping
I really enjoy shopping abroad to look at local brands, interesting accessories or unique gifts specific to a place. In France, the Galeries Lafayette is in most cities, the famed department store has many brands and products under one roof and I found this one in Nantes to have particularly good sales on at the time.
The surrounding area also has a shopping strip filled with local French brands and independent boutiques such as L’Atelier d’Amaya, Des Petits Hauts and Sessun.
You’ll undoubtedly hear about the beautiful Passage Pommeraye when searching for things to do in Nantes, and whilst the building itself is lovely for a wander, you can probably forego the shopping.
3 day itinerary in Nantes
Here’s a sample 3 day Nantes itinerary that you could follow or adjust to your pace and interests.
Day 1 – Arrive and settle into your accommodation before heading out for a relaxed stroll through the city centre to get your bearings. Wander through the historic Bouffay district and soak up the atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy dinner along Rue de la Juiverie, one of the liveliest streets in the old town, lined with restaurants and cafés.
Day 2 – Start your day at Les Machines de l’Île to see the famous mechanical elephant and explore the imaginative industrial complex. Consider riding the elephant for a unique perspective. Later, head to Île de Versailles to enjoy the peaceful Japanese garden, a perfect contrast to the city’s creative energy. In the afternoon, visit the Musée d’Arts de Nantes for a mix of classical and contemporary works. Depending on your pace, you may prefer to spread these activities across Days 2 and 3.
Day 3 – Spend your morning exploring the grounds of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. You can walk the ramparts for free or visit the museum inside if you’d like a deeper look at the city’s history. Afterwards, browse the nearby alleyways for shopping and lunch before stopping at Basilique Saint-Nicolas. Take time to wander the surrounding streets and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of the city before departure.
What to eat in Nantes
Food is meant to be savoured at a leisurely pace in France, and Nantes is no exception. The city has a relaxed dining culture, with plenty of options across all budgets, from casual cafés to more refined restaurants.
A popular local dish is the savoury crêpe (galette), which reflects the city’s proximity to Brittany. One great spot to try it is Le Loup, le Renard et la Galette on Rue de la Juiverie. This narrow, lively street is packed with bars, cafés, and restaurants, offering a great atmosphere for outdoor dining, especially in summer when the terraces stay busy into the evening.
Other dinner spots worth considering include La Piscine on Rue du Château, or the iconic La Cigale near Place Graslin. La Cigale is particularly popular, so it’s best to book in advance.
For a lighter lunch, I really enjoyed a tartine — a classic French open sandwich at Café Joyeux in the same area.
For afternoon tea or a sweet break, Dinette near the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a great choice.
Overall there are plenty of bars and restaurants throughout the centre and often the best approach is simply to wander, follow the atmosphere, and choose wherever feels inviting.
Day trips from Nantes
If I had more time I would definitely explore the surrounds as this region has much to offer. I had earmarked a few places which I’ll have to visit next time, but these are the towns I would like to explore in the vicinity that are worth considering:
- Angers – for Chateau & history lovers
- Saint-Nazaire – small town on the Atlantic coast
- Pornic – for seaside relaxation
The wider Brittany region offers many iconic destinations, though they require more travel time. If you have the flexibility, a visit to Saint-Malo is highly recommended for its dramatic walled old town and coastal scenery.
For more inspiration and up-to-date ideas, the official tourism platform Le Voyage à Nantes provides excellent suggestions for excursions around the region.
FAQs
Is Nantes worth visiting?
Yes, it’s a unique and underrated city that’s worth a visit for a few days, particularly if you’re exploring Western France.
Is Nantes in Brittany?
Historically, it was part of Brittany but today it’s part of the Pays de la Loire region.
What is Nantes known for?
It’s known for its maritime history, its connection to author Jules Verne and attractions such as Les Machines de l’Île.
How many days do you need in Nantes?
3 days in Nantes is ideal to see the sights at a relaxed pace.
How do you get from Paris to Nantes?
A simple TGV takes around 2.5 hours direct from Paris Montparnasse to Nantes.
What are the best things to do in Nantes?
Visit Les Machines de l’Île to ride the mechanical elephant, explore the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and explore the dining scene on Rue de la Juiverie.
Is Nantes safe for tourists?
Yes, Nantes is generally safe for visitors. Like any city, some areas can feel a little gritty but basic travel awareness and common sense are all that’s needed.
What day trips can you do from Nantes?
Popular day trips include St Nazaire, Pornic or Angers – all easily accessible within about an hour.
Is 3 days in Nantes worthwhile?
It might not be as glamourous or as well known as some of the bigger French cities on the tourist trail, but Nantes is well worth a few days of your time.
Unassuming, distinctly French, and pleasantly compact, it often surprises visitors. It’s a city best experienced at a slower pace, wandering without a strict plan, exploring on foot, and simply absorbing the atmosphere. From lively squares to relaxed bars and crêperies, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Three days is ideal for getting a real feel for the city, especially for travellers who prefer authenticity over polish and enjoy slow, exploratory travel.
If you’re travelling to Nantes, you’re likely going to be visiting Paris – read about my favourite areas here.
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