Recent Searches
Clear
Things to do in Nantes

Things to do in  Nantes

Welcome to Nantes

On the banks of the Loire, westerly Nantes was long one of France’s most important port cities. Today, it has blossomed into a vibrant, livable urban center, with a wealth of history and culture. The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany dates to the 15th century and is one of the city’s most imposing landmarks, alongside the Gothic magnificence of the Nantes Cathedral. Nantes’ decidedly creative spirit can be seen in the Machines de l’Île theme park (inspired by the works of Nantes-born Jules Verne) and Le Lieu Unique, a contemporary arts space.

Top 15 things to do in Nantes

#1
Machines of the Isle (Les Machines de L'ile)

Machines of the Isle (Les Machines de L'ile)

star-550
Whether you’re climbing aboard a life-size mechanical elephant, riding on a carousel of fantastical sea creatures, or operating a flying machine, a visit to Les Machines de L'île is probably unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Inspired by the creations of novelist Jules Verne, Nantes’ flagship attraction is fun for all ages.More
#2
Nantes Art Museum (Musée d'Arts de Nantes)

Nantes Art Museum (Musée d'Arts de Nantes)

star-4.522
Inaugurated in 1900 and currently undergoing a thorough renovation and extension by the Stanton Williams architect group, the Nantes Art Museum (Musée d'Arts de Nantes) is Nantes’ flagship art museum, celebrated for its large and varied collection of works, dating from the 12th to the 20th centuries.Highlights of the vast permanent collection include works by Delacroix, Rousseau, Tintoretto, Perugino, Renoir, and Gauguin, among many others, with key pieces including Rubens’ The Triumph of Judas Maccabaeus, Delaunay’s David Triumphant and Chagall’s Le Cheval Rouge. A well-established series of temporary exhibits complement the main displays, with a greater focus on contemporary art, while late openings on Thursday evenings include music, dance and literature inspired events.More
#3
Boissière du Doré Zoo (Zoo de la Boissière du Doré)

Boissière du Doré Zoo (Zoo de la Boissière du Doré)

star-00
Founded in 1984 and located 45 minutes from Nantes, the Zoo de la Boissière du Doré is home to over 800 animals and 70 different species, from giraffes to panthers to blue poison dart frogs. A popular destination for families, this conservation center and zoo gives visitors the chance to learn about wildlife from around the world.More
#4
Escal’Atlantic

Escal’Atlantic

star-00
In the French port city of Saint-Nazaire, near Nantes, get a glimpse of what life would have been like aboard a historic ocean-going vessel. Escal’Atlantic, an interactive museum dedicated to “the historical ocean-liner experience,” displays more than 200 artifacts, all of which hail from ships built in Saint-Nazaire.More
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Nantes?
Q:
What are the top activities in Nantes?
Q:
What are the top things to do near Nantes?
A:
Check out things to do near Nantes: