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Elegantly straddling the banks of the Loire River and just 50 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean coastline, Nantes deserves a place on the bucket list of any visitor to western France. Although the city is now part of the Pays de la Loire region, it served as the capital of the Duchy of Brittany for hundreds of years and still shares strong ties with Breton culture. As such, top things to do on a Nantes weekend visit include admiring architectural landmarks constructed during its 15th-century golden era, discovering the legacy of renowned Breton authors and inventors, and feasting on sumptuous Breton cuisine.
If you have a passion for history, you could also use your Nantes city trip to explore a past that goes back to the Romans who built the foundations of today's city in the first century AD. Whatever it is that brings you to the sweeping boulevards of the Loire Valley's white-stucco creative heart, our choices of accommodation in Nantes include something for every kind of traveller. From charming hotels in Nantes city centre to convenient addresses near its rail and air transport hubs, we have the accommodation choices you're searching for.
A worthy first stop on your visit to Nantes is theChâteau des Ducs de Bretagne. Built in the 15th century by Francis II, the last Duke of Brittany, and later used as the regional residence of the French monarchy, it has been beautifully restored as a tourist attraction and includes a fascinating museum on Nantes history. Walk in the footsteps of royalty as you wander beneath the Renaissance loggias of the palace and along the castle ramparts; or soak up the summer sunshine with a picnic by the picturesque moat. The castle overlooks Île Feydeau, another key stop on the itinerary of any Nantes tour. On this riverine island, cobbled streets lined with the opulent homes of former shipbuilders and merchants allude to the wealth that defined the city's tenure as one of the most significant ports in France. A 10-minute stroll west of Feydeau takes you to theNatural History Museum – a grand, columned building that boasts one of the most extensive natural-history collections in France, and a live snake exhibit that's a particular highlight for children. There are many other museums around Nantes. Among the most popular is theJules Verne Museum, dedicated to the famous French author often hailed as the Father of Science Fiction. Verne was born in Nantes in 1828, and the museum is filled with artefacts relating to his life's works – including first-edition books, theatre props and hand-written manuscripts. The edifice is also something of a landmark in its own right, thanks to its Moorish design elements and commanding views over the Loire River. On the opposite bank of the Loire, on the site of the city's once-famous shipyards, lies another museum:Les Machines de l'Île. This weird and wonderful attraction is a completely unique celebration of mechanical ingenuity, inspired by the fantasy worlds of Jules Verne, the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci and the city's own industrial heritage. Here, sci-fi machines including the steampunk-styled Carousel of Marine Worlds and the prototype Herons' Tree come magically to life – although none are quite as impressive as the majestic mechanical Grand Éléphant, 4 storeys high and able to carry up to 50 passengers on walking tours of the museum grounds.
Although Nantes' museums are some of the best in France, there are plenty of other things to do in the former Breton capital. For a spot of retail therapy, head toPassage Pommeraye, a 19th-century shopping arcade defined by its elegant period statues, ornate plasterwork and glass ceiling. After perusing upscale independent stores on multiple levels, take a moment to snap an Instagram pic on the monumental staircase. Looking for a more tranquil way to spend the day?Nantes Botanical Garden harbours one of the most important scientific and ornamental plant collections in the country, and charms with beautifully landscaped green spaces. Nantes Cathedral, or Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes as it is more formally known, is another must-visit destination. Although currently closed for renovations after suffering extensive fire damage in 2020, its spectacular Gothic façade, soaring nave and tombs that hold the remains of Duke Francis II are sure to bring visitors flocking once more upon its reopening. Still not sure where to visit on your Nantes holiday? Simply follow Le Voyage à Nantes, a green line painted on the city pavements to guide visitors on the ultimate Nantes walking tour. As well as many of the attractions already mentioned, you'll pass a wealth of contemporary art installations along the way.
When your weekend in Nantes requires a change of pace, catch the Navibus river shuttle from the Gare Maritime ferry terminal for the 10-minute cruise out toTrentemoult fishing village. Historically the home of Loire River fishermen, its brightly painted houses and narrow streets are now the province of the city's bohemian artists and writers. For visiting epicureans, Trentemoult's quayside restaurants and bars serve some of the best seafood in the area. If you have the time, organise a day trip to a beach near Nantes. Some of the best are located near the estuary mouth, including Saint-Brevin-les-Pins (where the "Serpent d'Océan" sculpture sits on the sand like a demonic snake) as well as La Baule-Escoublac and Le Croisic.
The city's proximity to the Atlantic coast and its location at the heart of the Loire Valley provide its chefs with a wealth of high-quality natural ingredients to choose from. At the many excellent Nantes restaurants found throughout the city, get ready to sample Loire fish and fresh-caught seafood, richly flavorful Nantes duck and the smoky, spicy local cheese known as Curé Nantais. Sweet Nantes specialities range from rigolettes (candies with a hard sugar shell and soft-fruit centre) to petit beurre biscuits and Gâteau Nantais – a melt-in-the-mouth cake flavoured with almonds and more than a hint of dark rum. When it comes to local beverages, the Nantes region is most famous for its Muscadet wine – a light, dry white wine synonymous with the Loire Valley that makes the perfect accompaniment to regional seafood dishes.
Need a convenient space for coworking in Nantes? Most of our hotels have meeting rooms and business facilities on site. Looking for a spa hotel in Nantes for a romantic weekend with your loved one? We have options with wellbeing amenities ranging from covered swimming pools to fitness rooms, private saunas and hammams. Our hotels in central Nantes are close to sightseeing attractions and include everything from budget picks to short-stay apartments. For an affordable choice that stands out for its unique design features (think bold splashes of primary colour and walls covered in vintage posters in every room), choosehotelF1 Nantes East La Beaujoire Hotel. With free parking and plentiful breakfast options, this budget Nantes hotel is 15 minutes from the city centre and conveniently close to Beaujoire Stadium.
Nantes has excellent road networks to destinations across France – taking the A11 autoroute, you can be in Paris in 4 hours. However, jumping on the high-speed LGV Atlantique train service from Gare de Nantes will see you in the French capital in just 2 hours. The station also runs regional TER trains and long-distance routes to cities like Lille, Lyon, Marseille and Strasbourg. If you need to overnight near Nantes station, we have budget and mid-range options close by. Some of our properties also double as Nantes airport hotels, with rapid connections to Nantes Atlantique Airport – a hub for air connections to roughly 80 destinations across Europe and beyond.