A riverfront and creative city, Nantes is best explored during a car-free stay! Easily accessible by train, the city combines historical heritage, public art installations, walks along the Loire River, and bike rides.
One of the main themes of the city’s exploration is the “Voyage à Nantes” art trail, marked by a green line painted on the ground that connects monuments, artworks, and cultural sites throughout the city.
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Nantes, an open-air art city: follow the green line of the Voyage à Nantes
This permanent trail allows you to explore Nantes naturally, on foot or by bike.
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What to Do in Nantes in 3 or 4 Days: A Complete Guide to a City Break and a Ready-Made Itinerary
Since the SNCF train station is very close to downtown, the train is the ideal way to get to Nantes. From the north exit, you have direct access to tram line 1, while the south exit puts you within walking distance of the Cité des Congrès or Le Lieu Unique. For more practical information, feel free to check out this page.
Why choose the train over a car or plane?
Once you’re here, the city is particularly well-suited to sustainable transportation: walking, tram, bike, or even river shuttles—you’ll be spoiled for choice!
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In Nantes, sightseeing often revolves around the “Voyage à Nantes” route. The green line, marked on the ground, connects numerous cultural sites and works of art throughout the city.
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Nantes, an open-air art city: follow the green line of the Voyage à Nantes
Following this route, you’ll discover several of the city’s most iconic sites:
👉 For a detailed day-by-day itinerary, check out our complete guide:
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What to Do in Nantes in 3 or 4 Days: A Complete Guide to a City Break and a Ready-Made Itinerary
That’s right—Nantes is particularly well-suited for exploring by bike. And for good reason: the city boasts over 800 km of bike paths and more than 30,000 bike parking spaces.
The city is also located at the crossroads of several major cycling routes :
The Voyage à Nantes website also offers several ideas for day-long bike rides, connecting the main cultural sites with the banks of the Loire.
Nantes is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area without a car. Several destinations are quickly accessible by train or Navibus (Le Voyage à Nantes also features a page dedicated to train getaways around Nantes). Here are a few ideas:
Clisson is easily accessible by TER from Nantes. The town is known for its Italian-inspired architecture and its medieval castle.
Trentemoult is a former fishing village located on the south bank of the Loire, accessible by Navibus from Nantes.
Colorful houses of Trentemoult
The Estuaire Nantes - Saint-Nazaire art trail connects Nantes to the ocean through a series of contemporary artworks installed along the Loire.
The Nantes Pass provides access to over 50 activities as well as unlimited public transportation.
Benefits included:
The 48-Hour Pass is available for €39.
Note: Certain attractions, such as the Galerie des Machines or the Château des Ducs de Bretagne museum, are included, while the Grand Éléphant ride is not.
Between April and September, a one-day bike rental with Détours de Loire is included in the Nantes Pass, subject to availability.
You can also explore other cities in France:
This guide is produced in partnership with the tourism office:
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