Things to do in  Nantes

Nantes’ flagship art museum whisks art lovers on a journey through nine centuries of art, from 13th-century Old Masters to modern and 21st-century contemporary art. It’s a thrilling ride, with more than 12,000 works on display and plenty of big-name artists in the mix, including Picasso, Monet, Delacroix, Kapoor, and Soulages.

Considered one of Nantes’ most important landmarks, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany) has been a listed Historic Monument since 1862. Built by the last Duke of Brittany, François II, in the late 15th century, the castle is now home to the Museum of the History of Nantes (Musée d’Histoire de Nantes).

Whether you’re climbing aboard a life-size mechanical elephant, riding on a carousel of fantastical sea creatures, or operating a flying machine, a visit to Les Machines de L'île is probably unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Inspired by the creations of novelist Jules Verne, Nantes’ flagship attraction is fun for all ages.

Built in the 1840s, the Passage Pommeraye is a multi-level shopping arcade that connects the Rue Santueil with the Rue de la Fosse. It's known for its elaborate architecture and beautiful sculptures created in the neo-Renaissance style.

Jules Verne, acclaimed author of Around the World in 80 Days, was born in Nantes, where today a museum pays homage to his life and literary works. Personal objects, first-edition manuscripts, and handwritten edits are among the treasures inside, making a trip there a treat for book lovers and Verne enthusiasts alike.

Founded in 1984 and located 45 minutes from Nantes, the Zoo de la Boissière du Doré is home to over 800 animals and 70 different species, from giraffes to panthers to blue poison dart frogs. A popular destination for families, this conservation center and zoo gives visitors the chance to learn about wildlife from around the world.

In the French port city of Saint-Nazaire, near Nantes, get a glimpse of what life would have been like aboard a historic ocean-going vessel. Escal’Atlantic, an interactive museum dedicated to “the historical ocean-liner experience,” displays more than 200 artifacts, all of which hail from ships built in Saint-Nazaire.

Far from its namesake palace, Nantes’ Île de Versailles is a picturesque island set along the Erdre River in the heart of the city. Cross the footbridge to the small man-made island and follow the tree-lined walkways through an idyllic Japanese garden, complete with wooden bridges, red-painted pavilions, and water features.