Things to do in Nantes start with the green line painted on the ground by Le Voyage à Nantes: it links the castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the cathedral, the Passage Pommeraye, the Île de Nantes and its Machines, and dozens of contemporary artworks installed around the city. Allow 2 days for the city, 3 days with the estuary or the vineyards. Best time: May to September, with the summer event of Le Voyage à Nantes. To continue towards the Vendée coast, our guide to things to do on Noirmoutier covers the Passage du Gois causeway and the salt marshes.
About two hours by TGV high-speed train out of Paris, Nantes is one of the easiest French cities to visit over a weekend without a car. This guide follows the green line step by step and covers the highlights, the best areas to stay and a month-by-month rainfall comparison between Nantes and Paris, based on Météo-France normals.
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Nantes: practical information
- By train: TGV between Paris-Montparnasse and Nantes, from about 2 hours (fastest journey time)
- Airport: Nantes-Atlantique (NTE), south-west of the city, linked to the centre by shuttle
- How long: 2 days, 3 with the estuary or the Muscadet vineyards
- Best time: May to September
- Entry: Schengen rules; no visa for US and UK citizens for short tourist stays (see entry requirements)
- Public transport: 3 tram lines, Busway, Navibus river shuttles, bike hire
- Currency: the euro (€)
Le Voyage à Nantes and the green line
Le Voyage à Nantes is both the city’s tourist office and a permanent art trail. A green line painted on the ground, more than 20 kilometres (12 miles) long according to descriptions of the project, links monuments, viewpoints and contemporary artworks; the permanent collection numbers 84 works according to the official site. Each summer, an event adds new installations, some of which then stay in the city.
The number of stops changes from one edition to the next: pick up the current map at the tourist office or on the Voyage à Nantes website. Here is the most logical order, starting from the station.
| Section | Main stops |
|---|---|
| 1. North station → castle | Jardin des Plantes, Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral, castle of the Dukes of Brittany |
| 2. Bouffay → Graslin | Medieval Bouffay quarter, Passage Pommeraye, Place Graslin and the theatre |
| 3. Quays → Île de Nantes | Quai de la Fosse, the Loire, Machines de l’île, Hangar à Bananes and Buren’s rings |
| 4. Back along the Erdre | Île de Versailles, Erdre quays, Lieu Unique |
Things to do in Nantes: the highlights
The castle of the Dukes of Brittany
A 15th-century fortress surrounded by moats, the castle of the Dukes of Brittany houses the Nantes history museum, which traces the city’s past, including its major role in the Atlantic slave trade. The ramparts walk and the courtyard are free during opening hours; the museum charges admission.
The Machines de l’île
On the site of the former shipyards, the Machines de l’île are Nantes’ most famous attraction: the Great Elephant, a 12-metre (39 ft) machine that carries passengers on a walk, the Galerie des Machines and the Carrousel des Mondes Marins. Elephant rides sell out quickly in the holidays: book ahead or arrive at opening time.
Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral
Built over more than four centuries, the Gothic cathedral holds the tomb of Francis II, Duke of Brittany. It was damaged by a fire in 2020; check which parts are open before you visit.
The Passage Pommeraye and the Graslin quarter
A covered shopping arcade completed in 1843, the Passage Pommeraye stacks shops and staircases on three levels. It opens onto the 18th-century Graslin quarter, with its theatre and La Cigale, a brasserie with Art Nouveau decor.
The Bouffay and Île Feydeau
The Bouffay, a medieval quarter of pedestrian streets, is packed with bars and restaurants. Close by, the former Île Feydeau, filled in during the 20th century, keeps the leaning 18th-century facades of shipowners’ houses, decorated with carved masks.
The Jardin des Plantes and Île de Versailles
Opposite the station, the Jardin des Plantes is one of the finest botanical gardens in France, known for its camellias and art installations. On the Erdre, the Île de Versailles has a quiet Japanese garden, free to enter.
The Lieu Unique and the LU tower
Once the LU biscuit factory, the Lieu Unique is now a national arts venue with a bar, bookshop and exhibitions. Its tower, a survivor of the factory, can be climbed for a view over the city.
Trentemoult and the estuary
The Navibus, a river shuttle that is part of the public transport network, crosses the Loire to Trentemoult, a former fishing village with brightly painted houses. Along the estuary to Saint-Nazaire, around thirty contemporary artworks line the banks (the Estuaire trail); see them by car, by bike or on a summer cruise.
The Musée d’arts and the Jules Verne museum
The Musée d’arts de Nantes covers nine centuries of painting and sculpture in a renovated palace. The Jules Verne museum, on the Butte Sainte-Anne, honours the writer, who was born in Nantes; the view over the Loire from the hill is one of the best in the city.
Itinerary: Nantes in 2 days
- Day 1, morning: Jardin des Plantes, cathedral, castle of the Dukes and its ramparts
- Day 1, afternoon: Bouffay, Île Feydeau, Passage Pommeraye, Graslin; evening in the Bouffay
- Day 2, morning: Machines de l’île (Great Elephant, Galerie) and the Hangar à Bananes
- Day 2, afternoon: Navibus to Trentemoult, or the Musée d’arts and Île de Versailles
A third day lets you head out to Clisson and the Muscadet vineyards, or follow the estuary to Saint-Nazaire. For more ideas, see our cheap weekend breaks.
When to go to Nantes
From May to September, Nantes sees afternoon highs of 19.6 to 25.4 °C (67 to 78 °F) and its driest months (about 44 to 48 mm, or 1.7 to 1.9 in, of rain in June-July). The Voyage à Nantes summer event takes place in summer. October to January are the wettest months: almost 101 mm (4.0 in) in December and 12 to 13 rainy days a month.
| Month | Avg max | Avg min | Rain | Rainy days | Sun / day | Sun vs Paris | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.3 °C (49 °F) | 3.4 °C (38 °F) | 87.9 mm (3.5 in) | 12.5 | 2.3 h | +0.4 h | ❌ Wet and grey |
| February | 10.5 °C (51 °F) | 3.0 °C (37 °F) | 67.5 mm (2.7 in) | 10.6 | 3.7 h | +0.7 h | ⚠️ Cool, museums |
| March | 13.5 °C (56 °F) | 4.9 °C (41 °F) | 58.4 mm (2.3 in) | 9.4 | 4.8 h | +0.4 h | ⚠️ Changeable spring |
| April | 16.2 °C (61 °F) | 6.6 °C (44 °F) | 58.3 mm (2.3 in) | 9.7 | 6.1 h | +0.2 h | ✅ Mild, gardens in bloom |
| May | 19.6 °C (67 °F) | 9.8 °C (50 °F) | 61.0 mm (2.4 in) | 9.6 | 6.6 h | +0.1 h | ✅ Pleasant |
| June | 23.0 °C (73 °F) | 12.7 °C (55 °F) | 48.5 mm (1.9 in) | 7.6 | 7.1 h | +0.3 h | ✅ Driest, long evenings |
| July | 25.1 °C (77 °F) | 14.3 °C (58 °F) | 44.2 mm (1.7 in) | 7.1 | 7.4 h | +0.2 h | ✅ Summer Voyage à Nantes |
| August | 25.4 °C (78 °F) | 14.2 °C (58 °F) | 50.3 mm (2.0 in) | 7.2 | 7.5 h | +0.6 h | ✅ Mild, lively |
| September | 22.4 °C (72 °F) | 11.8 °C (53 °F) | 59.5 mm (2.3 in) | 7.8 | 6.6 h | +0.8 h | ✅ Ideal, fewer people |
| October | 17.6 °C (64 °F) | 9.5 °C (49 °F) | 88.8 mm (3.5 in) | 11.8 | 4.0 h | +0.1 h | ⚠️ Rain returns |
| November | 12.9 °C (55 °F) | 5.9 °C (43 °F) | 94.1 mm (3.7 in) | 13.0 | 3.0 h | +0.7 h | ❌ Rainy |
| December | 9.8 °C (50 °F) | 3.7 °C (39 °F) | 101.0 mm (4.0 in) | 13.5 | 2.5 h | +0.7 h | ❌ Wettest month |
Does it rain more in Nantes than in Paris?
Over the year, yes: 820 mm (32.3 in) at Nantes-Bouguenais against 634 mm (25.0 in) at Paris-Montsouris, and 120 rainy days against 109. The gap is widest from October to February (up to almost 40 mm, or 1.6 in, more in January, November and December). From May to August, on the other hand, Nantes gets less rain than Paris, and it is slightly sunnier over the year.
| Month | Rain in Nantes | Rain in Paris | Difference | Rainy days over a weekend in Nantes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 87.9 mm (3.5 in) | 47.6 mm (1.9 in) | +40 mm (+1.6 in) | 0.8 |
| February | 67.5 mm (2.7 in) | 41.8 mm (1.6 in) | +26 mm (+1.0 in) | 0.8 |
| March | 58.4 mm (2.3 in) | 45.2 mm (1.8 in) | +13 mm (+0.5 in) | 0.6 |
| April | 58.3 mm (2.3 in) | 45.8 mm (1.8 in) | +12 mm (+0.5 in) | 0.6 |
| May | 61.0 mm (2.4 in) | 69.0 mm (2.7 in) | −8 mm (−0.3 in) | 0.6 |
| June | 48.5 mm (1.9 in) | 51.3 mm (2.0 in) | −3 mm (−0.1 in) | 0.5 |
| July | 44.2 mm (1.7 in) | 59.4 mm (2.3 in) | −15 mm (−0.6 in) | 0.5 |
| August | 50.3 mm (2.0 in) | 58.0 mm (2.3 in) | −8 mm (−0.3 in) | 0.5 |
| September | 59.5 mm (2.3 in) | 44.7 mm (1.8 in) | +15 mm (+0.6 in) | 0.5 |
| October | 88.8 mm (3.5 in) | 55.2 mm (2.2 in) | +34 mm (+1.3 in) | 0.8 |
| November | 94.1 mm (3.7 in) | 54.3 mm (2.1 in) | +40 mm (+1.6 in) | 0.9 |
| December | 101.0 mm (4.0 in) | 62.0 mm (2.4 in) | +39 mm (+1.5 in) | 0.9 |
How to read it: a July weekend in Nantes has on average 0.5 days of rain, against 0.9 in December. To compare with other cities, see our ranking of the rainiest cities in France.
Where to stay in Nantes
| Area | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Bouffay, castle | First visit | Everything on foot, lively in the evening |
| Graslin, Commerce | Comfort, shopping | Elegant, tram, restaurants |
| North station, Jardin des Plantes | Arriving by train | Convenient and quiet |
| Île de Nantes | Machines de l’île | Modern district on the Loire; less central |
| Erdre, Talensac | Living like a local | Talensac market, Erdre quays |
Getting around Nantes
- On foot: the green line is designed for walking.
- Tram and Busway: the Naolib network has 3 tram lines serving the centre, the station and the Île de Nantes (Nantes Métropole, checked 26 October 2026).
- Navibus: river shuttles across the Loire (Trentemoult) and the Erdre, usable with a 1-hour ticket; according to Nantes Métropole (checked 26 October 2026), they are free at weekends.
- Bike: bike-share and long-term rental; the Loire à Vélo cycle route passes through Nantes.
- By train: TGV services between Paris-Montparnasse and Nantes station; see our tips for cheap train travel.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: you may enter the Schengen area, including France, for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa; your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your period of stay (six months recommended), and immigration officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist; your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being implemented: fingerprints and a photo may be taken at the border, free of charge (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026).
- Health and emergencies: UK travellers need a GHIC or valid EHIC for state healthcare; everyone should have travel insurance covering medical costs. Emergency numbers: 112 (European emergency number) and 15 (medical emergencies) (GOV.UK; travel.state.gov).
- Safety: as in any large city, keep an eye on your belongings in the evening and on public transport.
Practical tips for Nantes
- Rain: from October to February, keep an indoor plan: the castle, the Musée d’arts, the Galerie des Machines, the Passage Pommeraye.
- Machines de l’île: check opening times and closure periods, which vary with the season.
- Local food: beurre blanc, Muscadet wine, gâteau nantais, LU petit-beurre biscuits and berlingot sweets.
- Mobile data: check your home carrier’s roaming charges before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the green line in Nantes?
A green line painted on the ground by Le Voyage à Nantes that links monuments, viewpoints and contemporary artworks over more than 20 kilometres (12 miles). Just follow it; the current map is available at the tourist office.
How many days do you need in Nantes?
Two days for the city and the Machines de l’île; three with Trentemoult, the estuary or the vineyards.
When does Le Voyage à Nantes take place?
The summer event is held every year in July-August; exact dates are published by Le Voyage à Nantes. The permanent trail can be seen all year round.
What is the best time to visit Nantes?
May to September: June and July are the driest months according to Météo-France’s 1991-2020 normals. December is the wettest.
What to do in Nantes with children?
The Machines de l’île and the Great Elephant, the Carrousel des Mondes Marins, the Jardin des Plantes and its play areas, and the castle.
Can you visit Nantes without a car?
Yes: the centre is walkable, and the tram and Navibus do the rest; the TGV reaches Paris in about 2 hours.
Our sources
- Météo-France: climate sheet, 1991-2020 statistics, Nantes-Bouguenais station, and Paris-Montsouris station for the comparison (sheets accessed 21 October 2026)
- Destination de Voyage calculation: monthly rainfall difference Nantes/Paris and expected rainy days over a weekend
- Le Voyage à Nantes (levoyageanantes.fr): permanent trail and collection, accessed 21 October 2026
- Wikipedia (French edition): « Le Voyage à Nantes » (length of the green line) and « Gare de Nantes » (journey time to Paris)
- Nantes Métropole, public transport (Naolib network and Navibus), checked 26 October 2026
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, France country information (last updated August 11, 2025) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for France (updated 22 October 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our France travel guide, our pages on Brittany and the Loire Valley, and our other destinations in Europe.
