Nantes
Attractive historic regional capital with great atmosphere
Flights to Nantes take visitors to elegant shopping and medieval buildings. After trips to Nantes' Renaissance Château des Ducs de Bretagne, there's plenty to explore in the historic Bouffay and Graslin quarters.
Things to do
Nantes highlights range from 13th- to 21st-century art at the Nantes Museum of Fine Arts in the city centre to walks around the medieval Bouffay and neo-classical Graslin quarters. On the Ile de Nantes, you can take trips on Nantes' mechanical elephant and other Machines of the Isle.
Shopping
On a Nantes city break, you'll discover luxury shopping in the Graslin quarter, bursting with fashion and style, especially in 19th-century Passage Pommeraye. For bargains, it's fun to travel to Nantes' traditional Talensac Market.
Restaurants
After flights to Nantes, you can enjoy affordable French cuisine and traditional Breton fare in the city centre or Graslin area. For elegant modern gastronomy, Atlantide Restaurant is Nantes' premiere dining establishment.
Nightlife
Nantes' Bouffay quarter is the focus for pubs and music bars. At Hangar à Bananes on Ile de Nantes, you'll find upbeat clubs. Eighteenth-century Graslin Theatre and city centre Le Lieu Unique host first-class stage performances.
When to go
KLM has frequent flights to Nantes. Book your Nantes ticket to catch top events. August brings riverside jazz for the Rendezvous de l'Erdre, while in October and November, Celtomania celebrates Celtic culture.
Upcoming events
- Rendez-Vous de L'ErdreAug 2012 (annual)
- ScopitoneOct 2012 (annual)
- Show all events
Things to do
SpotlightChâteau des Ducs de Bretagne
Mighty stone ramparts surround the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, on the edge of the historic Bouffay quarter. Within the More about this item
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SpotlightPassage Pommeraye
Charming Passage Pommeraye, in the attractive old Graslin district, is an ornate 19th-century glass-covered shopping arcade in Neoclassical style decorated More about this item
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SpotlightGraslin Theatre
The imposing colonnaded façade of the 18th-century Graslin Theatre faces the square at the heart of the Graslin quarter. It More about this item
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