Nantes
Popular Nantes Hotels
Nantes Stadtführer
Nantes is located in the Loire-Atlantique department of France, on the Loire River about 50 km from the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital city of the Pays de la Loire region and the sixth-largest city in France, with a population of 320.000 in Nantes proper and a metropolitan area of nearly 1 million inhabitants.
Nantes had a rich history dating back to the Gallic period when it was founded by the Namnetes tribe in 70 BC. the city played a significant role in the slave trade during the 18th century, contributing to its growth and development as a major city. Today Nantes is known for its innovative approach to urban planning and its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The city is also home to several museums, including the Nantes History Museum and the Muss dArts de Nantes. Nantes is easily accessible by air, train, or car, and is a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Where To Stay In Nantes?
Here’s a quick table of which areas in Nantes are great for tourists:
District | Best For | Best Attractions | Average Trip Cost |
---|---|---|---|
City Center | Sightseeing Shopping Dining | Château des Ducs de Bretagne Nantes Cathedral Passage Pommeraye | Mid-Range to Luxury |
Bouffay District | Historic charm Lively atmosphere | Bouffay Square Medieval streets and buildings | Mid-Range |
Erdre District | Nature, tranquility | Erdre River Parks and gardens | Mid-Range to Luxury |
Graslin District | Upscale dining Shopping | Théâtre Graslin High-end shops and restaurants | Luxury |
Bellevue District | Budget accommodations | Parc des Expositions Beaujoire Stadium | Budget |
Best Hotels in Nantes
Hotel | District | Affordability | Why To Stay There? |
---|---|---|---|
Oceania Hôtel de France Nantes | City Center | Luxury | Housed in a historic building dating back to 1845 Offers elegant rooms with views of the Erdre River or the city Boasts a gourmet restaurant and a bar with a terrace |
Radisson Blu Nantes | City Center | Luxury | Modern rooms, excellent service, and a convenient location in the heart of Nantes. The hotel offers amenities like a fitness center and restaurant. |
Radisson Blu Hotel | City Center | Mid-Range | Situated in the city center, walking distance to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne Features an indoor pool, fitness center, and sauna Provides a buffet breakfast and on-site restaurant |
Novotel Nantes Carquefou | Near Attractions | Mid-Range | Situated near the Château de Carquefou and the Parc des Expositions Features an outdoor pool and a terrace Offers a buffet breakfast and a bar |
Appart'City Nantes Cite Des Congres | Near Attractions | Midrange | Spacious apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays and is located near the Cité des Congrès convention center and many attractions. |
Campanile Nantes Ouest Bouguenais | Near Airport | Budget | Located just 2 km from Nantes Atlantique Airport Provides free shuttle service to the airport Offers a restaurant serving regional cuisine |
Hotel Pommeraye | City Center | Budget | Located in the heart of Nantes, close to major attractions Offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi Serves a continental breakfast daily |
Discover more of France with Nantes hotels here!
Places To Visit In Nantes
- Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany): the stunning castle was once the home of the Dukes of Brittany.
- Machines de I’ile (Machines of the Isle): it’s a great place to visit for families with children. Inspired by the works of Jules Verne, this theme park features giant mechanical creatures.
- Passage Pommeraye: a beautiful 19th-century shopping arcade.
- Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes (Nantes Cathedral): this stunning cathedral is an example of Gothic architecture.
- Jules Verne Museum: this museum is dedicated to the life and works of Jules Verne.
Where is Nantes?
Nantes is located in northwestern France. It’s not directly on the coast but situated 50 kilometers (31 miles) inland from the Atlantic Ocean, at the head of the estuary of the Loire River.
Is Nantes Safe?
Nantes is generally considered safe to visit, with relatively low crime rates and a low risk of muggings or violent crime against tourists. However, it is still advised to remain vigilant and take common-sense precautions, especially in crowded areas.
Is Nantes Expensive To Visit?
Here is a breakdown of some of the costs:
- Accommodation: you can find budget-friendly hostels and Airbnbs, or mid-range hotels with reasonable rates.
- Food: Nantes offers a range of options. You can grab affordable meals at cafes and bakeries.
- Sightseeing: many attractions, like the Passage Pommeraye, are free to enter.
Overall, a daily budget of around $118 is a good starting point.
Nantes, France Currency
The national currency of France is the Euro. The euro is the second most traded currency on the world’s foreign exchange markets.
Language spoken in Nantes
The official language spoken in Nantes, France is French. The regional language traditionally spoken in the area is Breton which is a Celtic language closely related to Cornish and Welsh.
Nantes, France Time Zone
Nantes, France is currently in Central European Time (CET), which is GMT+2.
How Many Days Are Suggested To Visit Nantes?
To enjoy Nantes, plan on spending 2-3 days there. This allows enough time to experience the city fully.
When Is The Best Time To Stay In Nantes?
- Pleasant weather and outdoor activities: May to September is the peak tourist season in Nantes, with warm and sunny weather perfect for exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions.
- Fewer crowds and lower prices: the shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and more affordable prices.
Packing List For Nantes?
- Comfortable shoes
- Light jacket
- Sweater
- Lightweight raincoat and umbrella for fall and winter
- Travel adapter (type E plugs)
- Daypack
- Sunscreen and hat
Best Nantes Foods
Nantes offers delightful foods, here is a breakdown of some must-try Nantes foods:
- Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc: this dish is a delicate sandre fillet (perch) bathed in a rich white butter sauce called “beurre blanc”
- Le Canard Nantais (Nantes Duck): it is traditionally prepared roasted or confit (preserved in fat) and served with various accompaniments.
- Rigolettes Nantaises: this slow-cooled stew features diced veal or lamb simmered with vegetables and white in a creamy sauce.
- Lard Nantais: this cured pork belly is a local delicacy. Thinly slices and often serves as an appetizer.
- Gâteau Nantais: this traditional cake is a crowd-pleaser. A moist pound cake flavored with rum and sometimes lemon.
- Muscadet: a dry white wine made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape.
Nightlife In Nantes
Nantes offers a diverse preference from energetic dance clubs to chill pubs. These bars offer a variety of experiences, from intimate settings to lively atmospheres, and are popular among locals and tourists alike. They are located in different areas of Nantes, such as Bouffay, the Erdre, and the medieval district, providing diverse settings and experiences.