Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nantes?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nantes?
Many travelers spend two to three days in Nantes during their visit. After all, the historical 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Nantes?
Many visitors choose to spend around three days in Nantes. This would give you the chance to experience the city's most popular activities such as the restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to three days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the historical destination.
How to spend 3 days 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.
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).
Shopping in Nantes is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.
Nantes is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The beauty of the surrounding countryside merges with the historical sights of the city center. You'll find many parks and gardens as well as impressive architecture and quaint streets.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local ($52)
- Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Nantes with official tour guide ($236)
Is 4 days enough time in Nantes?
Four days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Nantes at your own pace to experience the restaurant scene, the famous sights and museums, the nightlife scene, and the gorgeous scenery. Then you can use this spot as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
Nantes, France
How to spend 4 days in Nantes
With 4 days in Nantes, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local ($52)
- All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide ($146)
- Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Nantes with official tour guide ($236)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Nantes?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Nantes has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Nantes as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can dine out at amazing restaurants, wander through the museums, grab some drinks at a bar, and take in the beautiful scenery at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Nantes
If you have more than 5 days in Nantes, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Nantes, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Nantes.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Nantes, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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