Nantes

After a major renovation in 2017, this former fine arts museum reopened with a new name and a much bigger footprint. The updated Musée d’arts de Nantes now covers 17,000 m² and includes a striking contemporary extension, a glass-roofed atrium, and even an auditorium. It’s one of the few museums in France, outside of Paris, that covers such a wide span of art, from the 13th century to today. Expect a bit of everything: classical paintings, modern works, and contemporary installations. The collection includes big names like Delacroix, Ingres, Courbet, Chagall, Kandinsky, and Picasso, along with changing exhibitions that bring in newer voices.

Right in the city centre, this 15th-century fortress was once the seat of the Dukes of Brittany—and now it’s home to the Nantes History Museum. The museum itself is well put together, with interactive exhibits that cover everything from the city’s maritime past to its industrial era. There are also temporary shows and events throughout the year. Even if you skip the museum, the castle’s ramparts are free to access and worth the walk for views over the moat, courtyard, and rooftops of Nantes.

Nantes Cathedral, or the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul of Nantes, is currently closed following a fire in July 2020. The blaze destroyed the 17th-century grand organ and damaged stained glass windows and parts of the interior. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with the cathedral expected to reopen to the public in September 2025. Construction of the Gothic cathedral began in 1434 and spanned over four centuries. It houses the tombs of François II, the last Duke of Brittany, and his second wife, Marguerite de Foix.

Nantes was once the main French port in the transatlantic slave trade—around 43% of the country’s slave ships sailed from here in the 18th century. In an effort to confront its past, the city has undertaken a significant political initiative to keep alive the memory of this dark chapter. The Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery, the largest of its kind in Europe, is part of that effort. It opened in 2012 on the Quai de la Fosse, the same riverbank where many of those ships once set sail. The memorial stretches along the Loire and leads underground into a quiet, contemplative space, marked with names of slave ships, key dates, and quotes from around the world. It’s a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the city’s former wealth—and a place to pause and reflect.

Since 2014, Nantes has turned its shop signs into a canvas for local artists. Along the green line, a route marked by painted pavement that guides visitors around the city's creative spots, you'll find a quirky collection of reimagined signs. These artistic creations stand out like little surprises, interrupting the usual commercial signs with something a bit more out of the box.

Dating back to 1788, the Théâtre Graslin is one of Nantes' landmark buildings. Its grand entrance—with eight Corinthian columns—makes it hard to miss, and the inside is all marble, gold, and deep blue velvet. It’s the home of the city’s opera and anchors the lively Place Graslin. Just across the square is La Cigale, the famous art nouveau brasserie, worth a visit even if just for a coffee and a look around.

Take a journey through the cosmos at the Planétarium of Nantes, where the mysteries of the universe are brought to life with immersive shows. Located near the Jules Verne Museum, it’s the perfect spot to explore the stars, planets, and beyond, whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious about the vastness of the universe.

Stretching 60 km along the Loire between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire, this open-air art trail mixes contemporary art with the landscape of the estuary. Since 2007, over 30 large-scale works by international artists have been installed in unusual or striking spots—on the riverbanks, under bridges, even out in the water. It’s not just about the art; the trail also leads you through lesser-known places, giving you a fresh look at the area’s heritage and natural surroundings. You can explore parts of it by car, bike, or boat, depending on the season.

If you’re in the mood for a peaceful stroll, the Jardin des Plantes is the place to be. It's a lush spot right in the city, packed with exotic plants from all over the world—trees from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The garden’s got everything from a gorgeous rose garden to a tropical glasshouse, and it’s actually been around since the 17th century. Nantes is full of green spaces, but this one stands out for its mix of beauty and history.