Destination – the North-West (Nantes) Let’s go! Switzerland to Nantes takes two ticks on three trains

Nantes really isn’t that far away, we promise! From Switzerland, the journey takes two ticks. A TGV Lyria from Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich or Basel to Paris, then another two-hour TGV journey from Paris to Nantes. The third bit is the twenty-minute métro ride from Paris Gare de Lyon to Gare Montparnasse, where you’ll catch the train to Nantes. Once you get there, you’ll be glad you made the journey. Nantes is a civic-minded, dynamic city that loves spoiling its visitors. To save you from doing lots of detailed research, here’s our pick of the best things to do in Nantes

Things to do in Nantes

  • Start off with a stroll around the city. Easier said than done when you’re not familiar with the area. Luckily, the city has got your back. All you need to do is follow the ‘Voyage à Nantes’ trail. Start your walk at the station, naturally, and keep your eyes fixed firmly on the ground. You’re looking for a green line and all you have to do is follow it! Allow a fair few hours to complete the loop, including a number of stops at such iconic sites as the Château des Ducs, Passage Pommeraye arcade, Galerie des Machines exhibition hall and Cours Cambronne square. Should you get lost, you’ll find all the information you need online on the city’s website, or in person at the Tourist Office. 
  • Right, let’s talk about your next stop: the Galerie des Machines. Also known as the Machines de l’Île gallery, this enormous hangar is a magnet for those with an interest in the weird and wonderful. Here, you’ll find a magnificent mechanised elephant made of wood, who often takes visitors for a walk. Not a very fast one, admittedly, but the machine does spray out water from its trunk, to the delight of everyone around it. If you have children with you, or you’re a kid at heart yourself, take a ride on the most unusual merry-go-round you’re ever likely to encounter: the Carrousel des mondes marins (Seaworld carousel). Simply choose your favourite mechanical sea creature and off you go! 
  • Are you familiar with LU biscuits? If so, did you know that they were created here in Nantes, right in the centre of the city? These days, the factory can be found on the outskirts, in Vertou. But the former factory and one of its original towers (the other was bombed during the war) are still standing. Head to the Lieu Unique (see what they did there?), close to the station to visit the tower or attend one of the many arts events – concerts, exhibitions, plays, DJ sets – that are held there. 
  • You would have stopped at the Passage Pommeraye arcade by following the green line of the Voyage à Nantes, but you may have missed something. At the end of the arcade, a must-see in Nantes, you’ll find the Maison Larnicol patisserie and chocolate shop. It offers specialities from the Loire-Atlantique region, such as kouignettes, kouign-ammans and the traditional gâteau nantais. 
  • How about a trip to Trentemoult? This colourful little fishing village can be accessed on foot or, even better, by ferry. Once you’re on the Rezé side of the river, keep your eyes peeled for colour. You’ll really enjoy wandering around all the little alleyways. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find little galleries and great eateries tucked away at the port or in the village. Perfect for a few hours’ getaway! 
  • In the summer, Nantes is full of great places to have a drink, with your feet dangling over the water. This is the season when little ‘guinguettes’, or open-air cafés, spring up all along the Erdre river. Make a pit stop at the Bateau-Lavoir guinguette, close to the Île de Versailles (also worth a visit). If you prefer the urban buzz, head to the Hangar à Bananes, right by the Machines de l’Île, where you’ll find a plethora of bars and restaurants along the Loire. In the evening, artist Daniel Buren’s illuminated sculptural rings are an amazing urban spectacle. 
  • The Loire region is well-known for its wine, but Nantes? Not so much – even though its vineyards are located just outside the city. Head off for a half-day among the vines along the Sèvre and Maine rivers and taste some wines from Nantes, as well as the Loire region. 

📆 The best time to visit Nantes

🗓 The events to sneak into

  • Late August – Les Rendez-vous de l’Erdre, a free musical event along the Erdre River in Nantes and beyond to get you jazzing.
  • June / July / AugustThe Summer Voyage. Le Voyage à Nantes switches to summer mode! Unique artworks are scattered all along the green line. In winter, the voyage transforms into a winter wonderland with other artistic settings.
  • SeptemberThe Nantes Night of Tables. Hungry? This is the time to indulge! Over 80 spots in Nantes offer their dishes at affordable prices, street-food style! 

⛅ The climate at Nantes 

To avoid the occasional Nantes drizzle, plan your visit between May and October. During this period, you’ll fully enjoy the city’s sunny riverside charm. With the ocean nearby, the summer climate remains pleasant and mild, never overwhelming. If you want to avoid the rain, steer clear of winter — though the city is still delightful and much quieter during this time of year.

💡 Did you know...?

  • Nantes was the birthplace of Jules Verne (that explains a lot!)
  • The Petit Beurre LU biscuit, designed in the Nantes factory, is in fact a calendar: 52 indents, like the number of weeks in a year. 24 holes for 24 hours of a day. 7 centimeters, like the 7 days of the week.
  • Nantes has its own city frangrance, chosen by the residents!

Nantes in figures



127

740 000 

buildings as historical monuments title

visitors to the Voyage de Nantes in 2023 

Nantes, here we go!
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