Nantes is a charming and off-the-beaten-path town in western France that too many tourists have the bad luck to bypass. Situated on the river Loire and within hours of Paris by train, Nantes combines history, art, and technology in a manner that is both invigorating and thrilling. If you enjoy meandering one’s way round ancient castles, strolling around gardens in a leisurely manner, or stumbling upon peculiar and quirky street art, then Nantes is full of bold new surprises and unique things to do in Nantes to intrigue you at each turn.
A City of Surprises
Nantes is not one to ring a bell as Paris or Nice might, but that is half its charm. It is less populated, laid back, and full of surprises. It was once the final capital of the Duchy of Brittany and has centuries of history under its belt. Nowadays, it has become an artistic, hip city that never forgets where it came from.
As you stroll down the street, you would see something unique. There is a green marked line on the street that runs through the city. It has been referred to as the green line of Nantes. You can walk there and it would take you to all the best spots of the city. It is this creative concept that makes easy and pleasant discovery possible, particularly for newcomers.
Start at the Heart of the City
Your discovery of Nantes can start in the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. It is a big stone castle located smack in the center of old town. There is a museum inside that tells us about the history of Nantes and its involvement in the ancient slave trade. The castle has serene gardens and a big moat around it, so it is a great place to take a walk or have a picnic.
Just a stone’s throw away is the Bouffay quarter. It is the oldest part of the city, with narrow streets, painted buildings, and animated cafés. It is the ideal place to sit back and enjoy a croissant or a glass of wine and watch the world pass by.
An Open-Air Art Museum
One of the unique things to do in Nantes is to explore its urban art. The city converted numerous parks and roads into outdoor galleries that you could touch, scale, or pass through. During the summer, the city is home to an art festival known as Le Voyage à Nantes. New sculptures are installed within the city over the summer period, and a few stay to become permanent art installations.
You can see a huge tape measure drawn across a square or a tree made of basketball hoops. Among the favourites at art sites is the Place du Bouffay, where a statue appears to be stepping off its pedestal. Along the river, you can see glowing metal rings and other strange and beautiful artworks on the island called Île de Nantes.
Ride a Mechanical Elephant
Les Machines de l’Île is the largest tourist attraction in Nantes. It’s an amusement park where artists and engineers construct gigantic walk-around machines in the form of fantasy creatures. The most well-known one is a 12-meter-high mechanical elephant. You can ride on its back while it ambles through the park. It sprays water from its trunk and wags its ears and legs like an actual elephant.
It features a huge steampunk carousel made out of sea creatures and has a workshop showcasing other art pieces in the form of giant ants, spiders, and birds. All this is achieved in precise steampunk detail on the cover of a fantasy novel.
Step Into a Jungle in the Jardin Extraordinaire
Another must-see attraction in Nantes is the Jardin Extraordinaire. This garden was constructed over an old quarry and is just as much a mini-jungle within the city. Waterfalls, tall trees, and tropical flowers welcome you when you walk down into the quarry. It contains resting points where you can rest and relax, and the one at the top is just as lovely as the view from the bottom. It’s a beautiful place to breathe away from tourism and some nature to be experienced.
The Past Recalled at the Memorial
Nantes also attempts to forget its tainted past. You learn at the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery about how the city was the focus of slave trading at some point. The memorial is situated by the river, and over 1800 plaques bear the names of slave ships. At the bottom of the walkway is a peaceful corridor with human rights and freedom quotes. It is a moving and touching site that evokes reflection and respect.
Museums and Gardens to Explore
Nantes is full of great museums. Monet and Picasso’s world-renowned paintings reside in the Musée d’Art de Nantes. The Jules Verne Museum, within walking distance of the Jardin Extraordinaire, honours the science fiction author born in Nantes. Another destination is the Musée Dobrée, holding its historical and modern pieces in a stunning historic building.
For a peaceful retreat, visit the Île de Versailles Japanese Garden. This small island in the Erdre River is lined with bamboo promenades, koi ponds, and wood pavilions. It’s a peaceful and beautiful spot to absorb nature and take some photos.
Beyond Nantes: Art and Submarines
If time allows, make a journey along the Estuaire artistic trail from Nantes to Saint-Nazaire, the seaside town. On this 60-kilometre path, you can see 33 giant sculptures the river has discarded. Some are strange, such as a house tumbling into the ocean or a melted boat. In Saint-Nazaire proper, there is an old submarine vessel named the Espadon. It is part of a gigantic concrete foundation constructed during World War Two. There, you can see the tiny rooms where 65 sailors used to live and work. It is a bizarre and intriguing experience.
Plan Your Visit Now
Nantes is an unexpected city. It combines the new and the old in a combination that is novel and thrilling. You can walk through castles, jump on moon trampolines, ride a robotic elephant, and see serene gardens all in a single excursion. The city is open, filled with surprises, and ideal for inquisitive travellers seeking something unique in France.
If you’re wondering what to do in Nantes at night, the city has a vibrant bar and café scene, especially around the Bouffay quarter and Île de Nantes, making your evenings just as exciting as your days.
So book your train, pack a bag, and prepare yourself to uncover one of the most neglected cities in France. Nantes awaits.
