Nantes

The medieval Bouffay quarter, just west of the Cathedral, comes alive after dark. Beneath its timber-framed facades and winding cobbled streets, you’ll find one of Nantes’ liveliest nightlife hubs—packed with bars, pubs, terraces, and late-night spots that buzz with students, locals, and visitors alike.

In the heart of the Bouffay district, this down-to-earth corner bar is where many Nantais nights begin. Cheap beers, tight tables, a buzz that spills into the street—it's loud, packed, and full of life. Ideal for kicking things off before moving elsewhere (or not).

Once a warehouse on the Île de Nantes, Le Hangar à Bananes has been reinvented as a lively nightlife hub. Overlooking the Loire and framed by the glowing Buren Rings, this stretch is lined with buzzing bars, clubs, and concert venues. Whether you're here for sunset drinks, live music, or dancing into the early hours, this is the place to be after dark in Nantes.

Le Lieu Unique is Nantes’ flagship cultural hotspot, set inside the city’s former LU biscuit factory. Since its transformation in 2000, it’s become a creative playground where art, music, and everyday life come together. You can catch an experimental show, browse the bookshop, sip a drink at the bar, dine at the restaurant, or even unwind in the hammam. The restored LU tower, a local landmark, now stands as a beacon of the city’s bold blend of heritage and innovation.

La Maison Café is a playful, retro-style bar that feels like stepping into a groovy 1970s home, complete with vintage furniture, bold colours, and even a bathtub-turned-seat. It's the perfect spot for a laid-back evening, whether you're lounging on a living room sofa or enjoying a cocktail out on the leafy terrace during warmer nights.

Stereolux is a vibrant hub for contemporary music and digital arts, located on the Île de Nantes as part of the innovative La Fabrique complex. Set in a creative neighbourhood near Les Machines de l’île, this cutting-edge venue hosts live concerts, festivals, and multimedia performances, attracting artists and audiences from across Europe. It’s the place to discover new sounds, experimental visuals, and the pulse of Nantes’ modern cultural scene.

John McByrne is a lively Irish pub in the heart of the Bouffay quarter, offering the kind of convivial buzz you'd expect from a true Celtic watering hole. Alongside the classic pints, you'll find an impressive selection of beers and whiskies, making it a favourite for anyone after a relaxed drink in good company.