Must-visit attractions in Nantes

Mechanical animals and machines exhibition space created by artists and engineers. The main attraction is a 12-meter tall mechanical elephant.

Public botanical garden established in 1807 featuring over 11,000 plant species, fountains, ponds and sculptures across landscaped grounds.

Fortress and palace built in 1400s with white stone walls and slate roofs. The museum inside presents the city history through multimedia exhibits.

Three-level shopping arcade from 1843 with glass roof, ornate staircases and neo-classical decorations, connecting Rue de la Fosse to Rue Santeuil.

A public garden created on an artificial island in Loire river with ponds, bridges and pagodas. Visitors can walk along winding paths to observe water plants and flowers.

Former fishing village located on the Loire riverbank with multicolored houses, restaurants, and narrow streets.

An urban journey marked by a green line on the ground leading through remarkable art and heritage sites.

Museum with a broad collection from natural history.

Regional art museum with paintings and sculptures from 13th to 21st century, displaying works by French and European artists in renovated building.

Memorial promenade dedicated to the abolition of slavery.

A decommissioned destroyer ship from 1957, permanently moored at the Nantes quay. The vessel exhibits French naval history and maritime equipment.

Artificial island built in the 18th century with limestone mansions decorated with marine motifs and masks, reflecting the maritime trade wealth.

Museum displaying printing machines, tools and equipment from different time periods, with demonstrations of historic printing techniques.

Medieval square in the city center surrounded by buildings from the 15th century, with numerous restaurants and shops.

Public garden from 1791 with stone terraces extending 180 meters, surrounded by 19th-century residential buildings.

Neoclassical opera house constructed in 1788, with stone carvings decorating the building exterior and gold ornaments on the balconies of the performance hall.

Gothic revival church built between 1844 and 1869, notable for its colored glass windows and Beuchet-Debierre organ from 1901.

Museum housed in a 19th-century building exhibiting original documents, books and objects from the science fiction author's life.

18th-century public square designed by Mathurin Crucy, featuring a central fountain with Neptune statue and uniform stone buildings.

37-story skyscraper with observation deck offering city views.

The central covered market in the city presents regional products, seafood, fruits, vegetables and international specialties daily.

The former industrial area along the Loire has been transformed into a public park with artworks and walkways by the river.

The Gothic church was built in the 15th century. It has two 63-meter towers and serves as the burial site for the Dukes of Brittany.

A mechanical structure with three levels displays moving sea creatures up to 12 meters tall. Visitors operate the figures using pedals.

Located on Ile de Nantes, this 1950s industrial building spans 8000 square meters and now contains bars, restaurants, exhibition spaces and nightclubs.

This central waterway connects the Loire River to the Erdre River, featuring pedestrian paths, boat docks and green spaces along its 500-meter length.

Constructed in 1788, this square contains the Grand Theatre, cafes, and restaurants, surrounded by 18th-century buildings with uniform neoclassical architecture.

Historic garden with groves of atlas cedar trees and sequoias, complemented by collections of rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias throughout its landscaped grounds.

Public garden of 12 hectares near the Erdre river featuring a collection of 1300 roses, 190 iris specimens and numerous magnolia trees.

Art nouveau brasserie from 1895 near the Graslin theater, with sculptured wooden ceiling, decorated mirrors and ceramic walls. The restaurant serves French cuisine.