Have you booked your holiday but still don't know what to do in Nantes? The city that stretches along the Loire is full of treasures for lovers of culture and nature. From the Sōzō Hotel, easily access the main points of interest such as the Jardin des Plantes, the castle of the Dukes of Brittany or the Île de Nantes. With our advice, visit Nantes in 1, 2, 3 days or more. Follow our guide and discover the city's must-sees.
Around the Sōzō Hotel, the historic center of Nantes reveals its treasures. When you ask yourself “what to do in Nantes?” it is impossible not to be interested in the castle of the Dukes of Brittany. This iconic fortress includes a 15th century rampart and several buildings that date from the 14th to the 18th century. Listed as a Historic Monument since 1862, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne also houses the Nantes History Museum. At the foot of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is the Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Saint Paul de Nantes. Just opposite the castle, the LU tower, a former factory for manufacturing the famous biscuits, has become an atypical art center with a performance hall, the Lieu Unique. It is possible to climb to the top of the tower to admire a breathtaking view of Nantes.
Nearby, discover the Graslin district and the famous Passage Pommeraye, with its monumental glass roof. Stroll through this shopping mall which connects Place Graslin and Place Royale. Finally, opposite the hotel, be sure to visit the superb Jardin des Plantes which houses more than 10,000 species in an enchanting setting. Also take advantage of your stay to take a guided boat trip on the Loire or rent a boat to navigate at your own pace.
The former shipyard workshops are home to one of Nantes' most popular attractions. There is so much to see and do in Nantes, but the Machines de l'Île are truly a must in the city. Discover impressive mechanical animals, giant heron, ant, caterpillar or 12-meter elephant, inspired by both Jules Verne and Leonardo Da Vinci. It is even possible to take a ride on the back of the wooden and cast iron elephant. Also visit an incredible carousel 25 meters high presenting a marine universe on three levels.
If you are wondering “what to do in Nantes when it rains?” why not visit two fascinating museums, to stay in the shelter while cultivating yourself. Instead of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, there is now the Musée d'Arts de Nantes. Here you can admire collections of paintings ranging from the 13th century to the 21st century. The Nantes Art Museum is about an 8-minute walk from the hotel.
About 25 minutes from the Sōzō Hotel by public transport, discover the Jules Verne Museum which is nestled in a bourgeois house on the Butte Sainte-Anne. The museum retraces the life of the writer who was born and lived in Nantes and also inspired the Machines de l'Île.
