3 Days of Art, Culture, and Fun in Nantes

Explore Nantes’ culture and charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Nantes on a limited budget is possible with plenty of cheap food options and free activities. The must-see attractions include the Jardin des Plantes botanical garden, the Château des ducs de Bretagne and the artistic Machines de l’Île. To save on accommodation, consider staying in a budget hostel or Airbnb outside the city center.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Explore the Heart of Nantes

  • Check in at the Hôtel du Château, a charming budget hotel near the historic center
  • Visit the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, a medieval fortress turned museum with stunning views of the city
  • Stroll along the Loire River and take in the art installations of the Estuaire Nantes <> Saint-Nazaire
  • Grab a crepe at Crêperie Jules Verne, a local favorite with delicious sweet and savory options
  • End the day with a drink at La Cantine du Voyage, a trendy bar on a boat with live music and a lively atmosphere
Day 2

Explore the Artistic Side of Nantes

  • Begin your day at the quirky Les Machines de L'ile, an artistic and interactive park featuring giant mechanical animals
  • Visit the Musée d'Arts de Nantes, a museum showcasing local and international contemporary art
  • Stop by the Passage Pommeraye, a gorgeous 19th-century shopping arcade with stunning architecture
  • Have lunch at L'Autre Quai, a cozy restaurant with delicious French cuisine and a view of the river
  • Take a street art tour in the Bouffay district, and admire Nantes' vibrant urban art scene
  • End the day at Le Nid, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city and a quirky giant bird sculpture
Day 3

Discover the Surroundings of Nantes

  • Take a day trip to the coastal town of Saint-Nazaire, and visit the Escal'Atlantic, a museum dedicated to transatlantic ocean liners
  • Grab lunch at Le Grand Café de la Plage, a beachfront restaurant with delicious seafood dishes
  • Visit the Saint-Nazaire Shipyard, where some of the biggest and most technologically advanced ocean liners are built
  • Head back to Nantes and take a relaxing walk in the Jardin des Plantes, the city's largest botanical garden
  • End the day with dinner at Bistrot Le Chantilly, a cozy restaurant with excellent French cuisine and affordable prices
  • Nantes is a vibrant city full of surprises, with a rich cultural scene, artistic vibe, and delicious food. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or a foodie, Nantes has something for everyone.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Nantes by plane is to fly to Nantes Atlantique Airport from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The flight is operated by Air France and takes approximately 1 hour.

Car

The best way to get to Nantes by car is to take the A11 motorway from Paris. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Train

The best way to get to Nantes by train is to take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Nantes train station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Boat

There is no direct boat route to Nantes. However, it is possible to take a boat to nearby Saint-Nazaire and then take a train or bus to Nantes from there.

Bus

The best way to get to Nantes by bus is to take the Ouibus from Paris Bercy to Nantes. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

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