Nantes city centre, a place steeped in history and entertainment

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Between past and present, the city center of Nantes offers a leap in time with its medieval decorations and its famous castle. While the island of Nantes takes you into a magical universe and the Jardin des Plantes welcomes you for a break, away from the urban hustle and bustle. Discover the city center of Nantes and enjoy your stay with B&B HOTELS!

The essential districts of Nantes city center

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Strolling through the city center of Nantes is an opportunity to unwind a rich tapestry of history, culture and modernity. Each district reveals its own facet composing this dynamic metropolis. Discover the city of the Dukes, through its three emblematic districts.

The Bouffay district: a journey through time

Located in the historic heart of the city, the Bouffay district is full of history and entertainment. Its medieval atmosphere, its cobbled streets, its old buildings transport travelers to a whole other time: that of the Middle Ages.

At the bend of an alley, you will see the majestic Cathedral Saint-Pierre and Saint Paul built in 1434 or the famous Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. This architectural jewel also houses a museum on the history of the city.

The Bouffay district is also an animated nightlife and a varied gastronomic offer.

Let yourself be intoxicated by the many restaurants in the city center of Nantes and the scent of delicious Breton creperies or the aroma of a Nantais duck. Not far from there, do not hesitate to make a detour to the Talensac market. It is one of the only covered markets in Nantes and there is no doubt that you will find the best products of the region.

Continue your walk by walking through the shops, independent fashion boutiques, vintage bookstores or galleries run by local artists. Continue your discovery of the city by heading to the island of Nantes and the other districts of the city center.

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The island of Nantes: in assault of the mechanical creatures

Formerly an industrial zone, the island has gradually been transformed into a dynamic and lively district. Its tourist attractions, famous throughout the world, attract thousands of visitors every year.

The Machines of the Island, directly inspired by the work of Jules Verne and based on the mechanical world of Leonardo da Vinci, feature extraordinary creatures. Located in the old hangars on the banks of the Loire, this is a place straight out of a Tim Burton film. Here, the machines come to life. From the animal or plant world, discover an interactive journey between poetry and magic, which is like no other. A walk on the Great Elephant of the Machines of the Island is a delight for families, couples or even alone to relax.

At the origin of this project: François Delazorière and Pierre Orefice. The two visionary artists are the creators of the 12-meter high Great Mechanical Elephant, capable of carrying passengers on its back.

The Carousel of the Marine Worlds is not to be outdone with its sea creatures, like the giant squid or the mechanical crab. If you are passing through the district, do not forget to make a detour by the FRAC (Regional Contemporary Art Fund) of the Pays de la Loire or the Machine Hall.

The Graslin opera and the Graslin district: chic and glamorous atmosphere

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Change of atmosphere with the Graslin district. Also located in the heart of the city center, this central district offers an elegant touch with its Italian-style theater adorned with Corinthian columns, its royal square and its majestic fountain or the sublime passage Pommeraye and its giant staircase.

Renowned for its gastronomic restaurants, the Graslin district offers a choice between traditional bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Some have become emblems of the city, such as La Cigale, inaugurated in 1985, this establishment is also popular with personalities from the world of arts and entertainment.

The Graslin Opera, a sublime place of heritage in the center of Nantes and central to the Nantes lyrical art. The beauty of the ceilings makes it an exceptional place in France. 

Do not hesitate to participate in the guided tour of the building to discover its riches and to stroll through this district reflecting with success the art of living in Nantes and even in French!

The activities not to be missed during your visit to Nantes

Go to discover the most beautiful monuments and places of the city. Between art and history, take the time to offer yourself a break in the sumptuous Jardin des Plantes, before taking the road again.

The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

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In the heart of the Bouffay district, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne stands proudly, witness to the history of Nantes and Brittany.

Built in the 15th century, by François II, the castle then serves as a defensive military fortress against royal power.

His daughter, Anne of Brittany, will continue the embellishment work by drawing inspiration from Italian Renaissance architecture.

Today, the castle houses the Nantes History Museum and offers a dive into the city's past.

You will discover during your visit, different collections from the museum, the maritime history of Nantes and its port. The museum also highlights the industrialization of the city and its urban transformations, over the eras.

Enjoy the highlight of the show by climbing on the ramparts of the castle and admire the exceptional view of the city with in the distance the Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul cathedral, as well as the island of Nantes. Do not hesitate to visit the site to consult the program of events planned by the museum.

The Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Cathedral

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Built over nearly 450 years, from the 15th century, the Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul Cathedral is full of unsuspected treasures. Gothic style, it is a witness to the historical and spiritual richness of Nantes. Its two towers over 60 meters high, as well as its slender vaults, its columns, and its luminous stained glass windows accentuate its presence and beauty.

Inside, it houses the tomb of François II of Brittany and his second wife, Marguerite de Foix. Confected by the sculptor, Michel Colombe, the tomb is considered a masterpiece. The details, the meticulousness, the symbols engraved on the monument, make it an exceptional work of art.

Don't forget to take a detour to the Treasure of the Cathedral and its collection of relics and other sacred objects. And to better appreciate the acoustics of the places, go to a classical music concert programmed by the church.

The Jardin des Plantes

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Enjoy a break away from the urban hustle and bustle, in the heart of the Nantes Jardin des Plantes. Located in the city center, it offers a moment of total disconnection in the tumult of city life. This botanical park of 7 hectares turns out to be a real haven of peace.

Stroll between the shaded alleys, the colorful flower beds or the exotic greenhouses.

Admire the original and playful works of art in the form of giant animals, built from recycled materials.

Take the children for a family picnic or simply to enjoy the place and doze off for a few moments in the blades of grass.

And for one night or more, head to our B&B HOTELS  in Nantes Center and its surroundings.

The island of Versailles

A Japanese garden in the heart of the city of Nantes, this is what the island of Versailles offers you. Very popular with Nantes residents, this place of serenity is a place of contemplation that calls for relaxation, as tradition dictates when you are in a natural space in Japan. The island also offers the opportunity to rent a boat for a relaxing ride on the Erdre.

Jules Verne Museum

Author known worldwide for his whimsical works, Jules Verne was born and lived in Nantes for a long time. This is why the city pays tribute to him with this museum with many attractions and activities.

The Unique Place

A unique cultural center to discover in Nantes. Here, you can find art in different forms. Exhibitions, concert halls, dance shows and a bookstore. It is a true institution in Nantes, to be visited preferably at night to soak up the nocturnal atmosphere of the city.

Hotel in Nantes city center: opt for a B&B HOTEL!

Are you looking for accommodation for your business trip, with family or as a couple in the city center of Nantes? Opt for our B&B HOTEL, located in the heart of the city. A stone's throw from the Talensac market, the congress center, the Graslin district or the Bouffay district, reach all the main points of the city in just a few minutes.

Accessible by car (private paid parking available), public transport, bus line, tramway, or by train with the SNCF station nearby, our establishment is simple and easy to access.

By opting for a B&B HOTELS enjoy the following services:

• Rooms with PMR access
• Rooms for 1 to 4 people
• Air conditioning throughout the establishment
• High quality custom bedding
• Flat screen TV with TV package
• Breakfast buffet with local products

So, ready for your weekend or longer stay in Nantes? Book your room at a mini price with B&B HOTELS in one of our hotels near the city center of Nantes: 

• The B&B HOTEL Nantes Parc Expos La Beaujoire, which, as its name suggests, is near the La Beaujoire exhibition center
• The B&B HOTEL Rezé Saint-Sébastien, close to the center and 10 min from the SNCF station
• The B&B HOTEL Nantes Parc Expos La Chapelle, north of the city
• The B&B HOTEL Nantes Atlantis Le Zénith, in Saint-Herblain, near the Zénith de Nantes
• The B&B HOTEL Nantes Aéroport, 10 min walk from Nantes Atlantique airport
• Further away from the city, the B&B HOTEL Nantes Savenay

Nantes is also a city filled with gourmet treasures. Relax in a good restaurant in Nantes to taste the Nantes specialties.

To allow you to visit Nantes serenely and fully enjoy your stay, we have created some guides. Find in particular on our site the best addresses in Nantes and a guide to know which district to choose to stay in Nantes and which B&B HOTELS in Nantes is right for you.

Booking a room in one of our B&B HOTELS in the Pays de la Loire is very fast. Just go to your favorite hotel's page and enter your dates.

Our teams are also available to give you personalized advice for booking your room by phone. They will tell you in particular which hotels have seminar rooms if you are coming as part of a professional event.