3 Best Places To Visit in Nantes, France

Expert-recommended Top 3 Places To Visit in Nantes, France. All selected places to visit undergo our rigorous 50-Point Inspection, assessing reviews, reputation, history, price, proximity, and more to ensure excellence. No Pay-to-Play!

4+ YEARS IN TBR
CALL

LES MACHINES DE L'ÎLE

Parc Des Chantiers, Boulevard Léon Bureau,
44200 Nantes Directions

Since 2007

Specialty:

Grant Elephant Carousel of the Marine Worlds Park Attraction Workshop Gift Shop Machines Gallery

"Les Machines de l'Île was developed to promote the city's image and create a metropolis of dreams and fantasy. The tourist attraction is an artistic, tourist and cultural project created by artists François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice. Les Machines de l'Île was opened to the public in 2007. The primary attraction of the great elephant is a mechanical elephant which is 12 metres (39 ft) tall and 8 metres (26 ft) wide. The tourist attraction is made up of 45 tons of wood and steel. The Machine Gallery has an exhibition that explains the background story of the machines. The Marine Worlds Carousel is 25 metres high and measures 20 metres in diameter. The Carousel features 35 moving underwater creatures on three levels. Les Machines de l'Île also has a workshop to observe the ongoing building process.

2026 Update: Each ticket grants access to the film, the Terraces of the Workshop, and the Prototype Branch. The ticket is free for children under 4 years old."

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review

Price:

LARGE ELEPHANT JOURNEY:
Full price €9.50
Discounted price €7.50
GALLERY OF MACHINES:
Full price €11
Discounted price €9

Contact:

TBR® Inspection Report:

4+ YEARS IN TBR
CALL

CHÂTEAU DES DUCS DE BRETAGNE

4, place Marc Elder,
44000 Nantes Directions

Since 1207

Specialty:

Museum Collection Guided Tour Castle Historical Things Night-Time Illuminations Practical Information Exhibitions

"Château des ducs de Bretagne has the history museum of Nantes. The 500-metre round walk on the fortifications provides views of the castle buildings and courtyards. Château des ducs de Bretagne is a large castle that served as the centre of the historical province. Since 1840, the castle has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. The history museum is spread over 32 rooms and features more than 1,150 artefacts. Château des ducs de Bretagne has friendly staff to help the visitors. Admission to the museum and exhibitions is free for all.

2026 Update: Château des ducs de Bretagne was built at the end of the 15th century by François II and his daughter Anne de Bretagne. Out of 32 rooms, 28 rooms are accessible for reduced mobility, and the moat garden is also accessible for them."

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review

Price:

Museum Entry (One-Day Ticket)
Full Price: €9
Reduced Price: €5
Free Admission: Free
Guided Tour (Includes Museum Entry)
Full Price: €12
Reduced Price: €7.50
Reduced Price: €4
Youth Price: €2.50
Free Admission: Free
Children’S Activities
Local Child Price: €4
Non-Local Child Price: €7
Card Holder Child Price: €2.50
Audioguide Visioguide
Standard Price: €2
Free Admission: Free
Pass MuséEs
Annual Museum Pass: €15
Pass Nantes
24-Hour Pass: €29
48-Hour Pass: €39
72-Hour Pass: €47
7-Day Pass: €75
Reduced 24-Hour Pass: €18
Reduced 48-Hour Pass: €25
Reduced 72-Hour Pass: €30
Reduced 7-Day Pass: €45
Family 24-Hour Pass: €76
Family 48-Hour Pass: €103
Family 72-Hour Pass: €124
Family 7-Day Pass: €195

Contact:

TBR® Inspection Report:

CALL

JARDIN DES PLANTES

Rue Stanislas Baudry,
44000 Nantes Directions

Since 1806

Specialty:

Botanical Garden Botanical Greenhouses Art Installations Menagerie and Wild Ducks Seasonal Observations Children's Playground Paddling Pool or Water Games Drinking Water Point Picnic Table and/or Rest Area Defibrillator Presence of Farm Animals

"Jardin des Plantes covers 7 hectares of greenery in the city centre. The garden features 10,000 species, 800 m² of greenhouses and more than 50,000 flowers planted each season. The garden is one of France's four major botanical gardens, housing unique collections. This garden is a serene space that fosters discovery and contemplation in the heart of the city. Jardin des Plantes is an urban paradise dedicated to botany, officially established at the turn of the 19th century. The garden is an ideal place to explore various plant collections, including the camellia, which provides 600 varieties, and orchids, which can be seen in the greenhouses. Jardin des Plantes receives approximately 1,000 species each year from around 150 institutions.

2026 Update: The Hectot magnolia, over 200 years old, is the oldest tree in the park. The Wollemi pine is a young tree planted in 2009."

Reviews | Play Video | Write a Review

Contact:

TBR® Inspection Report:

We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing, you agree to our Privacy Policy.