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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

• 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

• 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

• 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.