Things To Do In Nantes: 2-Day Itinerary

Nantes has a rich history with a beautiful chateau and a stunning cathedral to visit. It is a haven for lovers of art and architecture and has a good selection of museums to explore. Once the capital of Brittany, Nantes is now the capital of the Pays de Loire district and is a good base if you want to visit the vineyards and wineries of the Loire Valley. It is on the Loire River at the head of the estuary and is joined by the rivers Erdre and Sevre, so there are lovely riverside walks to be had. Nantes has many green spaces so you can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life if you need a little peace and quiet, surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees.

As there is plenty to see in Nantes, we have prepared a two-day itinerary which takes you to the best attractions in the city. If you have more time to spend there, we have given you other options in the city and ideas for day trips in the area.

Day 1

Morning: The Bouffay District

Start your tour of Nantes in the Bouffay district, the city's historical centre. Here you will see mediaeval half-timbered houses which have stood the test of time. A highlight is the Maison de l'Apothicaire which has sculptures on its facade and towers at three storeys high. Head to the square, Le Place du Bouffay, and have a coffee in one of the many cafes. The square was once the location of public executions so we leave it to your imagination what the mood would have been amongst the people.

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre Et Saint-Paul De Nantes

A seven-minute walk takes you to one of the highlights of the city, the cathedral. It took over 400 years to build, construction starting in 1434 and ending in 1891. It was built on the site of a Romanesque church and the crypts are Romanesque while the rest of the cathedral has been built in the Gothic style. It is large, comparable in size to the Notre-Dame-de-Paris. The facade is made from white stone and there are two towers which you can climb for amazing views of the city. Inside, you will see beautiful stained-glass windows, a superb pipe organ, and the tomb of the last Duke of Brittany, Francis II.

Château Des Ducs Bretagne

A three-minute walk takes you to another city highlight, the Château Des Ducs Bretagne, listed as a historical building in 1862. It has a mediaeval rampart with additional buildings added up to the 18th century. Don’t miss walking along the ramparts for superb views of the chateau and the city.

Not only has it been used as a chateau for French dukes, but it served as a bunker during WWII. The state took it over in the early 20th century when it was restored and then opened to the public. Apart from visiting some of the staterooms, the chateau is also home to Nantes History Museum, which, through 1,150 exhibits, tells you about the city from when it was founded in 70 BC until the present day. It hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Le Lieu Unique

Take a nine-minute walk to Le Lieu Unique, an arts centre housed in the former LU factory, a biscuit manufacturer. The building used to have two towers, but they were damaged in WWII and only one remains. Apart from being an arts centre, it tells the story of the LU brand through posters, photos, and videos. You should go up to the dome as the view is spectacular. There is a bar which becomes a venue for concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings.

By now you will probably be ready for lunch and if you retrace your steps towards the castle, you will come across a stylish brasserie called La Loco which specialises in seafood.

Day 1 - Nantes Tour Map

Afternoon: Les Jardins Des Plantes

The first stop in the afternoon is Les Jardins des Plantes, the botanical garden of Nantes, a six-minute walk from La Loco. It covers seven hectares making it one of the largest botanical gardens in the country. It is a beautiful place to take a stroll. There are ancient trees such as a 220-year-old magnolia and two 150-year-old giant sequoias. 50,000 flowers are planted every season, so the gardens are awash with colour. Also worth visiting are the greenhouses such as the Palm House and the greenhouse with African and Asian orchids.

Musée D’Arts De Nantes

Five minutes away from the botanical gardens is the Musee D’Arts De Nantes. It houses a magnificent collection of artworks from the 12th century to the present day, including sculptures, paintings, and decorative srts. You will see masterpieces by such artists as Delacroix, Monet, Picasso, and Rodin. There are 34 rooms to explore where you will be able to see how art has changed over the centuries.

Eglise-Saint-Clément

Take a six-minute walk to one of the many churches in Nantes. The Eglise-Saint-Clement. It is a Roman Catholic church with beautiful stained-glass windows, including a rose window. This Neo-Gothic church has a striking facade and the tallest bell tower in Nantes.

Ile De Versailles

The final stop on your first day’s exploration of Nantes is this artificial island covering 1.7 hectares. There is a beautiful Japanese garden on the island which was created in 1983. In the middle of the island is a traditional tea house, the Maison de l’Erdre, where you will find an exhibition about the plants and animals you can see along the river.

Day 1 - Nantes Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Passage Pommeraye

Start your second day at this stunning covered shopping centre constructed in 1843. It has an enormous, ornate staircase, is decorated with neo-Renaissance sculptures, and has a glass roof which lets in natural light. You will find luxurious shops throughout the centre such as Hermes as well as food stores, for example, Chocolaterie Vincent Guerlais. It is on three floors, so it is a shopaholic's paradise.

Musée D’Histoire Naturelle

Having had your shopping fix, head to the Musee D'Histoire Naturelle, a seven-minute walk away. Here you can learn about the geology, zoology, and palaeontology of the world through a wide range of exhibits including a big collection of fossils. There is even a vivarium housing live reptiles. The most spectacular part of the museum is the zoology section which showases over 1,600 vertebrates including a whale skeleton which is over 18 metres long. The museum is family friendly as it has interactive exhibits and workshops for children.

Cours Cambronne

A four-minute walk takes you to this stylish park, designed in the 19th century by Mathurin Crucy, a famous architect and urban planner. It was named after General Cambronne, a general of the first French Empire, whose statue is in the park. It lies between the white facades of homes and is lined with lime trees and magnolias. Having had a gentle stroll in Cours Cambronne, you will be ready for lunch. There is a good choice of restaurants close by, including Donatello Pizzeria, New Vietnam Express, the Latin American Loco Loca, and the Mexican La Salerosa.

Day 2 - Nantes Tour Map

Afternoon: Musée Atelier de l'Imprimerie de Nantes

Start your afternoon tour at this museum which is a six-minute walk from Cours Cambronne. The museum is fascinating and takes you on a journey through the development of printing. You will see vintage printing presses, typefaces, and manuscripts which show what the effect has been of printing on society. You can take a guided tour of the museum which is well worth taking as you will learn more..

Memorial De L’Abolition De L’Esclavage

An eight-minute walk takes you to this monument dedicated to the people who fought to abolish slavery and to the victims. 43% of the French slave trade came through the port of Nantes and the monument is a reminder of this. It is a commanding and emotive tribute to those who suffered. An exhibition next to the monument tells you about the abolitionist movement.

Le Maile Breze

Le Mille Brize is a decommissioned French naval ship which has been converted into a naval museum. It is a nine-minute walk from the memorial. Here you can learn about French naval history and wander through the different rooms including the engine room and the cabins where the officers slept. There are interactive exhibits so children will enjoy this museum in addition to the excitement of being on a ship.

Day 2 - Nantes Tour Map

Other Things To Do In Nantes

• Eglise Saint Croix: This church is spectacular and is well worth taking a look at. It was built in the 17th century with the facade constructed in the classical style. However, this was adapted when the choir was built in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style. The high altar is imposing with its white marble and gilded wood altarpiece, the pulpit is made from mahogany, and the stations of the cross are oak. Most of the stained glass windows were created in the 19th century and are stunning.

• Musee Jules Verne: Nantes was the birthplace of Jules Verne, writer, poet, and playwright. He was one of the first authors to write in the science fiction genre and amongst his novels are Journey to the Centre of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. He was born in 1828 though not in the building that houses the museum which was built in 1878. There are eight rooms to explore, the highlight being Verne’s collection of books, manuscripts, and drawings.

• Basilique Saint Donatian - Saint Rogatian: This basilica is dedicated to the first Christians from Nantes, Donatian and Rogatian who were brothers. It was built in the late 19th century in a Neo-Romanesque style on the site of a Gallo-Roman villa. It is a magnificent building with two towers, each measuring 44 metres tall. There was a fire in 2015 and it took six years to restore the basilica, but it is now open for viewing. Next to the basilica is the Saint-Donatien cemetery which is the oldest graveyard in the city which is still being used. You will also come across a chapel dedicated to St. Stephen which dates to the 6th century. However, the facade was recreated in the 18th century in the Neoclassical style.

• Tour Bretagne: This is just an office tower but pay a euro and you can go right up to the 32nd floor and get panoramic views of the city. Have a drink in Le Nid, which is at the top of the tower. Head there at sunset for the best views.

• Eglise Saint Similien: This church is dedicated to Saint Similien, the third bishop of Nantes who lived in the 4th century. It was built over his tomb and has been rebuilt many times, lastly in the 19th century and in the Neo-Gothic style. It was supposed to have two bell towers, but the church was never finished. It is worth going inside to see the spectacular stained-glass windows which include rose windows. There are several altars. The high altar has a sculpture of the Crucifixion carved in Carrara marble and another the tabernacle, next to which is a statue of the Virgin Mary, arms outstretched to welcome the congregation.

• Parc Du Grand Blottereau: This park is the largest in the city, covering 22 hectares. There are a number of beautiful, cultivated gardens to visit, such as the Korean Garden with its bamboo and tropical vegetables, and a Mediterranean rock garden with olive trees and cypresses. The greenhouses are home to tropical flowers and plants, spices, food plants such as 15 types of peppers, and fruit trees.

• Le Miroir D’Eau: Le Miroir D’Eau translates to Water Mirror, and this is exactly what it is. Situated in Place Elisa Mercouer, it is a shallow reflecting pool that mirrors the surrounding buildings. The reflections change with the light and the weather making it a captivating place to spend some time. You can walk in the water, and you will often see children playing there on a hot summer’s day.

• Basilique Saint Nicholas: This Roman Catholic Basilica is in the heart of the city and was built between 1844 and 1869 on the site of a mediaeval church. It was constructed in the Neo-Gothic style with an elaborate facade and towering spires. Inside, you will see beautiful stained-glass windows and intricately carved sculptures.

• Theatre Graslin: Theatre Graslin is a beautiful theatre and one of the oldest in the country. It was built in the Neoclassical style in the late 18th century and has a beautiful facade decorated with sculptures. The highlight of the building is a waterfall tumbling down from the roof. It is illuminated at night and looks enchanting. The auditorium is chic with a fresco on the ceiling and blue velvet seats. Check online to see what is on while you are in the city. There could be a play, opera, or musical and maybe a show for children.

• Parc De La Beaujoire: This park overlooks the Erdre River and covers 14 hectares. It is a carpet of colour in the spring and summer with its 14,000 rose bushes and a hundred varieties of magnolias.

• Place Royale: In the centre of this square is a statue of Louis XIV, a reminder of France’s royal past. It is a lively square where people gather in the many cafes for a coffee or a drink. Why not do the same and people-watch?

• Belem: The Belem is an impressive cargo ship which went on its maiden voyage in 1896. It has been restored and you can visit it to learn more about seafaring in days gone by. It is a three-masted barque, and you can wander around the cabins and on deck to see what life was like onboard a cargo ship in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Day Trips From Nantes

• Trentemoult: Trentemoult is a pretty fishing village which is a short ferry ride from Nantes on the Loire River. It has a laid-back attitude so take a gentle stroll through the narrow alleys with their brightly coloured houses. The waterfront is lively so settle down in one of the cafes and enjoy a drink or sample freshly caught fish in a waterfront restaurant while gazing at the Nantes skyline.

• Clisson: Clisson is a beautiful mediaeval town 35 km southeast of Nantes which has a chateau and a church built in the Romanesque style. Try to go on a Tuesday or Friday morning when the wooden market hall hosts one of the biggest and oldest markets in the country. It’s a great opportunity to buy local produce and to mix with the locals. The town is the capital of the vineyards in the Nantes area so visit one of the wineries to taste their products.

• Lac De Grand-Lieu: Lac De Grand-Lieu Is 30 km south of Nantes and is the largest natural lake in France. Here there are around 500 species of plants, many of which are rare, and there is a large colony of grey herons. In winter, the lake doubles in size, sometimes getting bigger than 6,500 hectares.

• Pornic: Pornic is located by the Atlantic Ocean and lies 51 km west of Nantes. You can have a relaxing day on the beach or enjoy watching the boats from a cafe in the harbour. As the town is by the ocean, many of the restaurants serve freshly caught seafood. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the 12th-century Chateau de Pornic and stroll along the mediaeval cobbled streets of the old town. If you are feeling energetic, rent a bike and cycle part of the way along the Atlantic Coast route which stretches 1,200 km between Roscoff and Hendaye.

• Guerande: Guerande is a fortified mediaeval town built in the 14th century. It has towers, bastions, four impressive gates, and ramparts which you can walk along for stunning views of the countryside. In the centre of the town is the church of Saint Aubin, declared a historical monument in 1853. Another church in the town is the Notre Dame La Blanche. The town is, however, mainly known for the 2,000 hectares of salt flats surrounding it.

• Angers: Angers is 92 km northeast of Nantes on the banks of the Maine River. Explore Chateau D’Angers which was built in the 13th century and given defensive walls and towers. However, the rooms are beautifully furnished as a chateau would be, and the gardens are spectacular. The chateau houses the Apocalypse Tapestry, the oldest and biggest mediaeval tapestry in the world. Measuring 100 metres in length and 6 metres in height, it tells the story of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelations. The city also has a magnificent cathedral, the Cathedrale Saint-Maurice D’Angers which is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture with Baroque sculptures. Other highlights of the city are the museums and the Cointreau distillery, the only place this drink is produced.

• Vannes: Vannes is a little further away than Angers, 116 km northwest of Nantes but it is worth a day trip. It is home to two impressive museums, Château Gaillard, a 15th-century mansion which houses archaeology artefacts and La Cohue, a museum of fine arts. Stroll around the cobbled streets of the old town with its half-timbered houses and visit the Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre.

• Chateau De Goulaine: This chateau is 17 km southeast of Nantes and has belonged to the same family for 1,000 years. It began as a fortification but was turned into a chateau during the Renaissance. You can take a guided tour of the chateau and see the mediaeval kitchens, the spectacular room used by the King when he visited, and other state rooms. The gardens are beautiful so take a stroll around them. The chateau is family friendly as children can go on a treasure hunt, take part in food workshops, and dress in period costumes.

• Château D'Oudon: Chateau D’Oudon is 36 km northeast of Nantes. Building started at the end of the 14th century, and it has served as a home, a stronghold, and a state prison. It has cobbled streets and a 30-metre-high keep which you can climb for fantastic views of the Loire Valley. Adults can enjoy a guided tour while children can dress up in period costumes and enjoy mediaeval games.

Things To Do With Kids In Nantes

• The Escape Hunt Experience: This attraction is just 10 km away in Saint Herblain and is a game for 8 -14-year-olds. The children can play in teams up to eight and they have up to 90 minutes to complete the challenges and get out of the room. There are four different themed rooms to choose from.

• Les Machines De I’Ile: This is the must-see attraction in Nantes and both adults and children will love it. Giant mechanical animals have been created based on the ideas of Jules Verne and Leonardo Da Vinci and are on an island in the Loire River. You will learn how they work and can even ride or lead some of them. The highlight is the 12-metre-tall giant elephant which weighs in at a massive 48 tons. You can ride it for half an hour at a speed of 1 - 3 km/hour. The island also houses the Marine Worlds Carousel where you can find out more about sea creatures on three different levels; the sea surface, the seabed, and the abyss. You can ride mechanical sea creatures such as giant crabs, Manta rays, and squid. You could easily spend a few hours on the island as there are restaurants and bars for when you need to take a break.

• The Puy Du Fou Theme Park: This theme park is 81 km southeast of Nantes and presents fantastic shows, each lasting around 35 minutes. They recreate different periods in time and include The Vikings, Richelieu’s Musketeers and WWI, with actors dressed in costumes of the period.

• Parc de Proc: This Nantes Park is a beautiful and peaceful setting where the whole family can get some exercise after a filling lunch. Younger children will particularly enjoy it as there is a merry-go-round, slides, playgrounds, and a paddling pool.

• Ferme De La Chasseloire: This farm is 11 km west of Nantes and is family friendly. Children of all ages will enjoy meeting the farm animals, including pigs, turkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits, donkeys, cows, and chickens. You can take a guided tour and learn about farming practices and sustainable agriculture. There are even opportunities to take part in some farm activities and from May until November, you can pick and buy and vegetables.

• Jardin Extraordinaire: This garden really is extraordinary. It was created in an old quarry and there are cliffs in a semi-circle around the garden with three spectacular waterfalls cascading 25 metres into a pond below. There are paths around the garden including over the pond. The garden houses some beautiful tropical plants and trees such as tree ferns and banana palms, and the pond is filled with lotus plants. On the other side of the garden is a climbing wall with 29 different climbs for all ages.

• Parc Des Naudieres: This amusement park is 12 km northwest of Nantes and has more than 100 attractions. Your children can enjoy inflatables, climbing walls, a roller coaster, pedal boats, slides, zip lines, and sledges. There is a mini farm where they can interact with animals and you can then relax on a sandy beach. You could easily spend all day here as there is a restaurant.

• Planetarium: The planetarium allows your children to learn about space, planets, stars, and other celestial phenomena. The dome is 8 metres in size and shows around 90,000 different stars. There are sessions geared to different age groups, starting from as young as four years old.

• Parc Du Grand Blottereau: We have already mentioned this park, but there are also things for children to do. It has large slides and a money bridge for them to enjoy.

Wineries Near Nantes

• Château De La Cassemichere: The chateau is 20 km southeast of Nantes and is a 17th-century building surrounded by vineyards. It produces many labels in different styles. There are two tours on offer. You can tour the winery and taste three wines, or you can tour and have a three-wine tasting with food pairings. The chateau is also a hotel.

• Domaine Des Génaudières: 30 km northeast of Nantes, this winery produces several wines including the famous Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire. It is a lovely property as you can look down on the river while tasting the wines. It offers a cottage to rent.

• Domaine Landron: This winery is in the Muscat Sevre and Maine appellation and is known for producing excellent Muscadet wine, The vineyards, which cover 50 hectares, have been cultivated by the same family since the 1950s. The vineyards are certified as being organic. Tastings are by appointment only.

• Château Du Coing: Chateau Du Coing is one of the estates of Vignobles Gunther Chereau in the Muscat Sevre et Maine appellation. It is working towards getting organic certification. The wines produced are fruity, floral, and have some minerality and the Muscadet wines are aged on the leas underground. The winery puts on special events throughout the year such as open days, wine and cheese pairing sessions, country dinners, rock music and Muscadet evenings, gourmet walks, and oyster and Muscadet pairings. It is 17 km southeast of Nantes.

• Domaine de la Pépière: This winery is 22 km southeast of Nantes. It is new as the vineyards were planted in the 1980s by the founder, Marc Olivier. It produces excellent Muscadet AOC and Communal wines as well as some unique to the area varietals. Visits and tastings are by appointment only.

Golf Courses In And Near Nantes

• Neogolf: Neogolf, 9.4 km northeast of Nantes, has nine holes and offers disc golf in addition to regular golf. It has a golf school for children.

• Association Golf De Saint Sebastian Sur Loire AGS: The golf course, 9 km east of Nantes, has nine holes and covers 21 hectares with the length of the course being 2,700 metres. Lessons are on offer with a golf school for children aged 7 - 17 years.

• Golf Bluegreen Nantes-Erdre: This golf course is just 6 km from the centre of Nantes on land covering 50 hectares. The 18-hole golf course offers an interesting layout with small hills, three lakes, hedges, and fruit trees to negotiate. There is also a driving range with 32 covered positions, two putting greens, an approach green, and a practice area. The bar and restaurant are open to all.

Where To Eat In Nantes

Nantes has plenty of options of places to eat from cosy creperies and cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are a few of our choices.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants

• L’Atlantide 1874 Maison Gueho: Located on Rue de l’Hermitage, Michelin-starred chef Jean-Yves Gueho creates inventive and flawless dishes. Try the Mainsin roast sole with Cantonese spices, ginger, caramel, gnocchi, and bok choy from their garden. The ambience is chic, the wine list excellent, and the service impeccable.

• Les Cadets: Les Cadets is on Rue des Hauts-Paves and is the enterprise of two brothers. It was awarded a Michelin star in 2023. The decor is contemporary, the cuisine is delectable, and the wine list ensures excellent pairings with the food. Starters include mackerel, winter radish and green crab soup, while the dessert of ice cream, an Arlette biscuit, caramelised apple, and cider caramel is to die for.

Creperie

• Le Milan Et Le Rossignol: Along Rue Gretry, this cosy creperie offers a variety of crepes, from simple to innovative. Try the buckwheat savoury galette filled with Ferraro ham, cream of truffle, pecorino, onions, mushrooms, and Emmental cheese, served with a walnut biscuit and a green salad. They also serve sweet crepes.

Brasserie

• Brasserie Felix: Brasserie Felix is on Rue Lefevre-Utile with beautiful views of the Erdre River from both the dining room and the patio. It serves classic French dishes and excellent wines, with impeccable service. Starters include organic snails, stuffed with parsley butter. For your main course, try the veal kidneys cooked in white port and served with mushrooms, glazed onions, and gratin dauphinoise. There is a plant-based option of fresh tagliatelle with mushrooms of the moment.

Italian Food

• Graziella: Italian food is popular in the city, and this is one of the best Italian restaurants. Jeremy Dechoux is the owner, and the restaurant is along Rue Saint-Leonard. The pizzas are excellent and are made from sourdough which are cooked in a wood-burning oven. Try the Quattro formaggi (4 cheeses) or a calzone. Starters include burrata with truffle and homemade focaccia and deserts include olive oil cheesecake.

Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants

• Disco-Bol: This eatery is completely vegan and is open for lunch from Tuesday to Friday on Place Rosa Parks. Mains include lentils in a tomato sauce and desserts, orange blossom cake.

• Chaiyo: Chaiyo is along Rue Armand Brossard and although it does serve meat, it has a full vegan menu. The food is Thai and includes red or green vegetable curry, coconut soup, Thai tom soup, and massaman curry.

Where To Stay In Nantes

• Mercure Nantes Centre Gare: The Mercure is in the centre of the city, a five-minute walk from the chateau. It is four-star and has modern rooms, with air conditioning, soundproofing so you get a good night’s sleep, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel offers triple and family rooms in addition to double. Breakfast is a continental buffet with children 12 and under having it free. Lunch and dinner are served in La Brasserie every day of the week. It offers local, traditional, and seasonal cuisine. The hotel also has a bar which serves snacks as well as drinks and there is a lounge area with a library.

• Hotel De La Cite: This three-star hotel is 600 metres from Le Lieu Unique. The rooms have free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a desk, a coffee maker, a safety deposit box, a TV, and a private bathroom. Room service is on offer and there is an American buffet breakfast each day, with vegetarian and gluten-free options. The hotel also offers a garden, a terrace, private parking, and a shared lounge

• L’Hotel is a three-star hotel within walking distance of the cathedral. The rooms are modern with complimentary Wi-Fi, a TV, and a private bathroom. Breakfast is a continental buffet with gluten-free and vegetarian options. You can have breakfast either in the lounge or in your room. The hotel has a bar serving drinks all day. If you are driving, reserve private parking in advance as spaces are limited.

• Okko Hotels Nantes Château: This four-star hotel is 200 metres from the chateau along Rue de Strasbourg. The rooms are modern, are ensuite with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer, and have free Wi-Fi, a TV, a safe, an iPod docking station, and a coffee maker. A continental buffet breakfast is available each morning, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Complimentary soft drinks are served all day in Le Club. A lovely touch in the evening is the offer of Italian snacks (aperitivo). Le Club also has a complementary wellness centre, a sauna, sports machines, and the free use of computers.

• Seven Urban Suites: This four-star hotel is in the heart of Nantes, close to the historic centre. The rooms are all personally decorated, have air conditioning, a kitchenette, complimentary Wi-Fi, a TV, a safety deposit box, and a tea/coffee maker. They are all ensuite with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Enjoy an American buffet breakfast every morning. With a surcharge, you can make use of the spa, conference room, and private parking.

The Best Time To Visit Nantes

Many attractions are open year-round in Nantes so you can visit at any time. However, if you are looking for good weather, but want to avoid the crowds, June until mid-July are the best times as it is before the school holidays begin and prices go up. The temperature is around 24C, but it can be higher. In the winter, temperatures can get as low as 3C, and it rains a lot in December.

Festivals In Nantes

• La Folle Journee De Nantes: This is a classical music festival held in January and February for five days which tries to bring this genre of music to a wider audience. Prices are affordable and the concerts are just 45 minutes long to maintain interest. A total of 270 concerts are held.

• Le Voyage A Nantes: The whole city becomes an artistic venue during July and August. Follow the artistic trail along the green line to performances, art installations, and cultural events.

• Le Rendez Vue De L’Erdre: The festival is on for six days in August along the River Erdre and takes place in many different towns, with concerts and boat parades along the river. In Nantes, a gathering of heritage boats travel the 28 km of the Erdre, showcasing the different types of jazz music, the blues, swing, and electronic music.

• Aux Heures D’Ete: This festival of world cultures lasts all year with concerts, shows for children, readings, and open-air cinema. The great thing is that it’s all free.

• Les Utopiates: A four-day festival at the end of October and beginning of November, bringing together science and science fiction. During the festival, there are films, readings by authors, researchers, and designers, and exhibitions.

• Festival Of 3 Continents: This festival has been going for over 40 years. It takes place for nine days in November and showcases fiction films and documentaries from Asia, Latin America, and Africa.