The sixth largest city in France, on the Loire: a castle of the dukes of Brittany, a giant mechanical elephant, a Jules Verne museum and a covered market, about two hours from Paris by TGV.
A first look at Nantes
Dukes of Brittany Castle
A castle and museum on the history of Nantes and its port; the courtyard, rampart walk and moat gardens have no entrance fee.
Jardin des Plantes
A 7-hectare botanical garden in the city centre with 600 camellia varieties, a palm greenhouse and dwarf goats; free, open to 9:30 pm.
Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery
A free 7,000 m2 promenade on the Loire quay with 2,000 glass plaques, dedicated to abolitionists and victims of the Atlantic slave trade.
Nantes Cathedral
A Gothic cathedral begun in 1434 and finished in 1891, with sculpted tombs and stained glass; open Tuesday to Sunday.
Nantes Museum of Arts
A fine-art museum of French and European art from the 13th century to today; free on the first Sunday and late on Thursdays.
Les Machines de l'Île
An artistic park attraction with a giant mechanical elephant and heron, inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci, on the Île de Nantes.
Balthazar
A bistro and wine cellar with a list of 150 Muscadet wines, open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
La Cigale
An Art Nouveau brasserie on Place Graslin, opened in 1895 and a historic monument since 1964; open every day from 7:30 am to midnight.
Roza
A French restaurant of artfully plated cooking and select wines in split-level rooms, open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner.
Talensac Market
A 1930s covered market hall of about 150 stallholders that the city calls the most widely known in Nantes; mornings only, closed Mondays.
This page shows 10 of 19 places. The app has all of them, with hours, maps and a plan for your days.