Weekend in Nantes: when the imaginary comes to life
Between the cobbled streets of the Bouffay and the mechanical silhouettes of the Machines de l'île, Nantes fires your imagination. The city where Jules Verne dreamed up his extraordinary voyages continues to cultivate this creative fantasy. Follow the green line painted on the ground and let yourself be surprised at every turn. Here, a wood-and-steel elephant snorts through old warehouses. Here, colorful rings light up the quays in the evening. Between history and unbridled creativity, Nantes invites you on a journey where the real flirts with the imaginary.
You'll love
Get sprayed by a 12-metre-high mechanical elephant
Stroll through a 19th-century passageway worthy of a Jacques Demy film
A sunset toast between two harbor cranes
Discover a singing waterfall among exotic plants
Day 1 : From Bouffay to Hangar à Bananes, a journey through time
Morning: the secrets of Bouffay, a district that's alive at all hours
Start your exploration in the Bouffay district. Lose yourself in this maze of alleyways, where medieval Nantes has endured through the centuries. By day, the timber-framed houses nestled between ashlar buildings tell tales of craftsmen and merchants of yesteryear. Independent boutiques, cafés with lively terraces and shops of all kinds are gradually awakening.
Look out for the "Le Voyage passe par ici" stickers on some of the storefronts. These shops are full of surprises: local products, original creations, and valuable advice on the city's hidden treasures that only the Nantais know about. As night falls, Bouffay is transformed: restaurants open their doors, bars come alive.
A few steps further and you're at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a landmark of Nantes' heritage. From the outside, it's an imposing medieval fortress whose walls stretch for 500 meters. Cross the drawbridge and the surprise is complete: the inner courtyard reveals an elegant 15th-century ducal residence in white tufa stone. Take time to stroll along the freely accessible ramparts, savoring the panoramic view over the city.
Afternoon: from 19th-century charm to urban jungle
After lunch in one of the center's shady squares, head for the Passage Pommeraye. This miraculously preserved 1843 shopping arcade is one of Europe's most beautiful covered passageways. On three levels linked by a monumental staircase, the boutiques invite you to take a shopping break. Film buffs will recognize this natural setting, immortalized by Jacques Demy in his films Lola and Une chambre en ville.
Continue your stroll to the Théâtre Graslin, a neoclassical jewel overlooking the square of the same name. Its blue velvet auditorium, one of the few surviving 18th-century auditoriums in France, is well worth a visit.
For a breath of fresh air, head for the Jardin extraordinaire in the former Miséry quarry. This haven of greenery, where exotic plants and lush vegetation have taken up residence, offers a complete change of scenery. Let yourself be hypnotized by the surging waterfall. From one of the seven belvederes surrounding the garden, the panorama of the Loire is breathtaking, especially as the sun begins to set.
Evening: lively atmosphere at Hangar à Bananes
When evening falls, head for the Hangar à Bananes. This former port warehouse, where bananas and pineapples were once unloaded, is now one of the city's liveliest spots, with bars, restaurants and clubs. Getting there couldn't be easier: take the Navibus, the river shuttle that's free at weekends, like all Nantes public transport. Choose one of the terraces facing the Loire River for dinner, from traditional brasseries to world-famous restaurants. As night falls, the Buren Rings light up along the Quai des Antilles.
For your overnight stay in Nantes, opt for eco-responsible accommodation. The city is committed to sustainable tourism, with several establishments boasting the "European Ecolabel" or "Clef Verte" label. Some even offer services adapted to cyclists, perfect if you're planning to explore the city on two wheels.
Day 2 : From Trentemoult to the Machines de l'Île, a journey into the imagination
Morning: Trentemoult, a fishing village
This second day begins with a trip to Trentemoult. This fishing village, with its multicolored facades, seems straight out of a fairy tale. From the moment you arrive, you'll be charmed by the narrow streets, brightly-colored houses and hollyhocks soaring along the walls. Stroll through this cheerful labyrinth, discover the artists' studios that have taken over the area, and enjoy a gourmet break on one of the terraces lining the river, with a breathtaking view over Nantes.
Back in Nantes, head for the Marché de Talensac, the city's largest food market. This temple of gastronomy brings together Nantes' finest artisans: fishmongers with stalls overflowing with freshly landed seafood, chocolatiers with delicate creations and pastry chefs with irresistible shop windows.
Afternoon: meet the Machines de l'île
Join us now on theÎle de Nantes, where former industrial wastelands have been converted into a creative playground. Under the Nave of the former shipyards, a fantastic world awaits you. In the Galerie des Machines, a mechanical bestiary comes to life. A giant spider, a heron with outstretched wings, a slow-moving sloth... Each creature is operated by machinists who explain the secrets of their workings with passion.
Outside, two monumental creations await to round off your visit. The Great Elephant, a 12-metre-tall colossus of wood and steel, proudly roars across the esplanade. Climb aboard and watch, from the back of an elephant, the mechanical ballet of gears that drive this mobile cathedral. Not far away, the Carrousel des Mondes Marins invites you to plunge into an imaginary ocean. On three floors, strange sea creatures take you on a poetic journey: giant crabs, pirate fish and luminous jellyfish come to life, powered by visitors.
Evening: Tables de Nantes at Le Lieu Unique
For your last evening, treat yourself to a gourmet meal in one of Nantes' renowned restaurants. Tables de Nantes brings together establishments that favor short circuits and local produce. Or why not explore the Magmaa Food Hall on the Ile de Nantes, which brings together under one roof a dozen restaurateurs offering cuisines from around the world.
To round off your Nantes escapade, look out for the emblematic tower of the former LU cookie factory, now transformed into the lively Lieu Unique cultural center. In this place where cookies have given way to ideas, watch the evening light play on the walls and let yourself be invaded by the city's unique atmosphere. Perhaps this is Nantes' real treasure: its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Want to extend your Nantes adventure?
- Follow the course of the Chézine on foot, jogging or kayaking: this peaceful river with its landscaped banks offers a moment of disconnection just a stone's throw from the city center.
- Sail on the Erdre, "the most beautiful river in France" according to François I, aboard a traditional boat: between elegant residences and unspoilt nature, the promenade offers a new view of the city.
- Pedal along the banks of the Loire on the Loire à Vélo bicycle route, a gentle way to discover the river landscapes and works of art along the way.
