Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Nantes?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Nantes?

A weekend is generally not enough time to dine out at amazing restaurants, wander through the museums, grab some drinks at a bar, and take in the beautiful scenery in Nantes. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to enjoy popular activities such as the restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, the nightlife scene, and the gorgeous scenery. To genuinely appreciate the highlights of the friendly city, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. Many tourists opt for two to three days here. After all, Nantes is popular with tourists and offers some fun sights and attractions. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Nantes?

Many travelers spend two to three days in Nantes during their visit. After all, the friendly city has plenty to explore such as the restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene.

Located along the Loire River in western France, Nantes was historically a port city but today is has a mix of natural and historical beauty that attracts visitors from around the globe. Tourists come to see the city's castles and monuments, as well as sip the wine. There are many parks and gardens throughout the city that bring nature into the city center. There's also an impressive historical center that's found in the Bouffay District.

Do you have one or two days to visit Nantes? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Nantes?

As a small city, Nantes offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the friendly city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have two to three days to fully enjoy the city. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.

How to spend a day in Nantes

Don't miss the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany during your trip to Nantes, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The culinary scene in Nantes is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

A few tour suggestions include:

Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience ($104)
All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide ($146)

Nantes is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Nantes?

A weekend is generally not enough time to dine out at amazing restaurants, wander through the museums, grab some drinks at a bar, and take in the beautiful scenery in Nantes. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to enjoy popular activities such as the restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, the nightlife scene, and the gorgeous scenery. To genuinely appreciate the highlights of the friendly city, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. Many tourists opt for two to three days here. After all, Nantes is popular with tourists and offers some fun sights and attractions. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.

Nantes, France

How to spend 2 days in Nantes

With a weekend (two to three days) in Nantes, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Nantes, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

A few tour suggestions include:

Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour ($7)

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

The public transit in Nantes is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Nantes, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.