What are the best things to do in Nantes?
Explore local landmarks, neighbourhoods and day trips around Nantes, France. This guide covers attractions, food and where to stay.
Photo: Eric Brosselin · CC BY-SA 3.0
Why visit Nantes
Travel guide for Nantes, France — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Nantes is a stop in France, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. Mid-range ground costs are about 110–240 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Budget
Nantes trip cost
Budget
USD 50–85
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 110–240
per person / day
Luxury
USD 275–455+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Nantes, France. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Nantes
Estimated total (USD)
$3,090
≈ $1,545 per person · $441 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $180/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Nantes mid-range ground costs (budget 50–85 · mid 110–240 · luxury 275–455+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
La Ripaille Burger
Above-average quality at this sit-in fast-food cafe.
L'Épicerie de Ginette
Friendly small grocery cafe.
L'endroit
Small brasserie just north of Feydeau.
Café du Passage
Pleasant cafe-bar for coffee and light bites next to the Basilica.
Fresh Burritos
Good Mexican food.
Le Loo Librairie Gourmande
Pleasant coffee-shop and bookshop.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
Novotel Nantes Centre Gare
Efficient central chain hotel.
- $
ibis Styles Nantes Centre Gare
Comfy mid-price hotel, the family rooms are spacious.
- $
Ibis Centre Gare Sud
Comfy simple chain hotel.
- $
Ibis Centre Tour de Bretagne
Slick clean budget hotel with its own parking.
- $
Radisson Blu
Great reviews for this smart business hotel in a former courthouse.
In pictures
Nantes gallery
Photos: Eric Brosselin, Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, Velvet, Jibi44, Detroit Publishing Co., under license from Photoglob Zürich — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Nantes travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Nantes?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Nantes?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Nantes, depending on how many day trips you want in France.
Where should I stay in Nantes?
Popular stays in Nantes include Novotel Nantes Centre Gare, ibis Styles Nantes Centre Gare, Ibis Centre Gare Sud. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Nantes cost?
On the ground in Nantes (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 50–85 per person per day, mid-range about 110–240, and luxury about 275–455+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Nantes, France. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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