Nantes on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

Explore Nantes without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Nantes, France offers plenty of affordable attractions, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. You can explore the historic Château des Ducs de Bretagne, relax in the Jardin des Plantes, and visit the Machines de l'Île for a unique experience. To save money on food, take advantage of the city's many affordable cafes and markets.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Bienvenue à Nantes!

  • Check into the cute and colorful Hôtel Voltaire Opéra, located right in the heart of the city.
  • Stroll through the picturesque Jardin des Plantes, one of the oldest botanical gardens in France.
  • Pay a visit to the strikingly modern Machines de l'Île, featuring fantastical animal-inspired mechanical sculptures.
  • Indulge in a hearty and affordable French dinner at L'Écurie, a cozy bistro with rustic charm.
Day 2

Culture and Creativity

  • Wander around the historic Bouffay district, admiring its charming medieval architecture.
  • Explore the Musée d'arts de Nantes, home to works by French impressionists and contemporary artists.
  • Take in a show at the Théâtre Graslin, an ornate neoclassical venue with a diverse repertoire.
  • Grab some delicious street food at Le Camion Qui Fume, a funky American-style food truck parked by the Loire River.
Day 3

Island Adventure

  • Catch a boat to the Île de Nantes, a revitalized industrial island turned cultural hub.
  • Visit the quirky Les Anneaux de Buren, a series of colorful rings bringing a touch of whimsy to the urban landscape.
  • Learn about the city's seafaring history at the Musée naval Maillé-Brézé, a decommissioned warship.
  • Sample some of the region's best seafood at the trendy La Cantine du Voyage restaurant.
Day 4

History and Heritage

  • Take a day trip to the nearby Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, a magnificent medieval fortress and museum.
  • Visit the impressive Lieu Unique, a former biscuit factory turned multi-disciplinary arts center.
  • Wander around the Sainte-Croix cemetery, a peaceful and picturesque final resting place.
  • Savor a traditional French meal at affordable prices at the charming Le Lieu Unique restaurant.
Day 5

Nature Escape

  • Head out of town for a day trip to the Parc Naturel Régional de Brière, a stunning wetland preserve with diverse flora and fauna.
  • Go bird watching, kayaking, or horseback riding in this natural paradise.
  • Have a picnic lunch in the great outdoors, surrounded by the tranquil landscape.
  • Return to Nantes for a farewell dinner at the cozy and charming Le Bistrot à Gilles, serving up classic French cuisine with a modern twist.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Nantes

Nantes, a city where history and innovation collide like two bumper cars at a carnival. Get ready to be charmed by its narrow streets and quirky art installations, and keep an eye out for the giant mechanical elephant wandering around.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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The Ultimate 5-Day Nantes Adventure

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3 Days of Art, Culture, and Fun in Nantes

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.