A Weekend in Nantes

Autumn has arrived, the sun and flowering trees have given way to landscapes in warm colours. In some regions, temperatures remain summery or have become cooler for others. So why not put on some warm clothing and enjoy this beautiful season to discover Nantes?

During a stroll, discover the charm of cobbled lanes, squares and the banks of the Loire. No need to worry, if you are not a keen walker, you can opt for a bike ride thanks to the many cycling lanes, or use public transport, which is very well developed.

– If you are keen on walking:

A bit of culture, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is THE place to visit. Enter via its impressive courtyard, with its immense well, and climb the steps to discover the ramparts. Inside the castle, you will set off to discover the history of Nantes. The surrounding quarter is very lively, you can wander the many medieval streets and find numerous small shops, restaurants, bars or tea rooms.

If you like Classical architecture, the Place Royale quarter is made for you. Take the staircase of the Passage Pommeraye to discover its lovely shops, perfect for a shopping moment, or simply for the pleasure of the eyes. Very close by are the Natural History Museum and the Cours Cambronne.

Do not miss the Ile de Nantes and its great elephant. This artistic project is installed on a former shipyard, enhancing the city’s industrial heritage. Nothing better for children than to be able to take a ride on the elephant! As tall as 4 floors with an unobstructed view over the former shipyards, it is possible to board for a stroll at 3km/h. Once on board, they can watch the animal moving and listen to its history. Remember to book your places online, and let yourself be transported into the universe of Leonardo da Vinci and Jules Verne.

Children can also enjoy the squares and the carousel of the marine worlds. This ride, dedicated to the universe of the sea, will delight young and old.

For nice photos, you can go to the panorama of the Butte Saint Anne quarter, 30 metres above the quays. It is filled with small shops, and will give you the impression of being in a small village. You will also find the Jules Verne museum.

Nothing better than to end a lovely day by watching the sunset. So head to the 32nd floor of Tour Bretagne to discover this spectacle and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

– If you prefer cycling:

To enjoy it while doing sport and spending only one pound for 24 hours, nothing better than a bike ride along the Erdre, to the Ile de Versailles, where you will find a Japanese garden. And if you go for a stroll on a Sunday, come enjoy a guinguette (open-air dance hall) on the boat-laundry, located at Ceineray quay!

– Let yourself be tempted by a stroll … by boat!

For only £1.60 for one hour from the maritime station, board the boat heading to Trentemoult, a former fishing village with multicoloured houses.

– Need to take a break?

Enjoy a moment of rest in the many parks and gardens of the city, the most beautiful remain the Jardin des Plantes, the Ile de Versailles and the Procè park.

The most remarkable, the Jardin des Plantes is a true haven of peace, where children as well as adults will appreciate taking in the fresh air. It is possible to admire more than 50,000 flowers there, as well as birds, fantastic works: a giant bench, a laugh cascade or a bamboo maze. On exiting the botanical garden, discover the basilica of Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien and the former buildings of the quarter.

– Where to eat?

To discover Nantais specialities: Nantais market gardeners, Nantais cake, seafood, Muscadet wine region… the city is full of good addresses, ranging from starred restaurants to the more classic: La Cigale, L’Atlantide 1874, Pickles, L’U.Ni, La Raffinerie…