Nantes, a city located in western France, has been attracting more and more visitors due to its rich history, charming cultural atmosphere, and beautiful natural landscapes. When traveling in Nantes, one cannot miss the local dining options and attractions. As a city that blends modernity with tradition, Nantes’ restaurants and attractions are full of unique charm. Whether you’re indulging in authentic French cuisine or exploring historical landmarks, every moment here is unforgettable.
Must-Try Restaurants in Nantes
Nantes not only attracts tourists with its enchanting landmarks but also with its rich culinary culture. From traditional French restaurants to innovative modern dining, each restaurant offers a different experience.
- La Cigale
La Cigale is one of Nantes’ most iconic restaurants, established in 1895, famous for its classic French cuisine and elegant ambiance. The restaurant’s decor exudes Parisian style, with classical tiles, luxurious chandeliers, and comfortable seating, creating a cozy yet sophisticated dining environment.
Signature dishes here include traditional French seafood platters and exquisite foie gras. The restaurant not only serves authentic French cuisine but also offers a selection of fine desserts. Most importantly, La Cigale provides top-notch wine pairings for every dish, allowing diners to enjoy an optimal culinary experience alongside their meal.
Restaurant Booking Platforms: You can book a table at La Cigale via platforms like OpenTable to ensure a premium dining experience. - L’Atelier du Goût
If you prefer a more modern dining experience, L’Atelier du Goût is a must-visit. The chef here uses fresh local ingredients combined with modern cooking techniques to create uniquely inventive French dishes. The restaurant features a minimalist yet stylish design, and the open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
Try their “Taste Journey” menu, which consists of multiple courses carefully curated by the chef. Each dish is filled with surprise and creativity, and the restaurant pays close attention to visual and color pairings, making every bite stunning.
Restaurant Booking Platforms: Book a table via OpenTable to avoid missing out on this popular spot. - Le Bistrot de la Marine
Located near the Nantes port, Le Bistrot de la Marine is a traditional French seafood restaurant. The restaurant’s interior is simple and comfortable, with blue and white tones evoking a coastal vibe. The menu offers fresh seafood platters and classic French dishes, especially their grilled cod and seafood soup, which are truly memorable.
The atmosphere here is relaxed and friendly, making it ideal for dining with friends or family. The chefs change the seafood offerings according to the seasons, ensuring every guest gets a taste of the freshest seafood.
Restaurant Booking Platforms: Easily reserve a table via LaFourchette. - La Table de la Plage
La Table de la Plage is located on a small beach near Nantes, making it an ideal spot for enjoying both the sea view and delicious cuisine. The restaurant combines seafood with local specialties, creating flavorful dishes. Signature dishes include seafood pasta and French grilled fish, where the freshness of the seafood blends perfectly with the rich, oceanic flavors.
The outdoor seating area allows guests to savor their meals while taking in the stunning beach scenery—perfect for relaxing and enjoying each moment.
Restaurant Booking Platforms: Reservations can also be made through LaFourchette to avoid long waits.
Must-Visit Attractions in Nantes
As a city with a rich history, Nantes boasts numerous landmarks worth visiting. Whether it’s historical sites, museums, or creative modern art locations, Nantes offers plenty of opportunities to marvel at the city’s deep cultural roots and contemporary vibes.
- Nantes Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes)
Nantes Cathedral is a quintessential example of Gothic architecture, attracting many visitors with its grand exterior and intricate sculptures. Inside, the colorful stained-glass windows cast sunlight, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. This cathedral is not only the religious heart of Nantes but also one of the city’s most important symbols.
Visitors can explore the cathedral and learn about its history. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the tower for a panoramic view of Nantes. - Le Lieu Unique
Le Lieu Unique was once an old tobacco factory, now transformed into a cultural center that integrates various art forms, including visual art, drama, and music. It has galleries, a theater, and a concert hall—ideal for enjoying modern art and culture. Especially during summer, Le Lieu Unique hosts exhibitions and performances, making it a must-see. - Les Machines de l’île (The Machines of the Isle)
The Machines of the Isle is a truly unique artistic project inspired by Jules Verne’s novels. It features a giant mechanical elephant that visitors can ride. Additionally, the island showcases a variety of lifelike mechanical creations, perfectly merging art and engineering.
If you’re interested in mechanical art or looking for a unique “mechanical journey,” the Machines of the Isle is an absolute must. - Musée d’Arts de Nantes (Nantes Museum of Arts)
The Nantes Museum of Arts is one of the most important art museums in France, housing a vast collection of European artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. The museum not only displays classic European art but also pays special attention to modern art. Each year, different temporary exhibitions are held, making it a paradise for art lovers. - Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany)
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most important royal palaces in French history. The castle houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of Nantes. From the castle’s tower, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
Essential Travel Apps for Nantes
When traveling in Nantes, using practical apps can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. From navigation and restaurant reservations to public transport and attraction information, these apps are incredibly helpful, ensuring that you can fully experience everything this city has to offer.
Nantes Métropole Mobilité
This is the official public transport app for Nantes, providing real-time information about the city’s buses, trams, and metro services. With this app, you can easily check routes, schedules, fares, and the most convenient ways to travel around the city. It’s a great time-saver for tourists, helping you avoid getting lost or missing public transport.
App Features:
• Real-time updates on transport information.
• Route planning for buses, metro, and light rail.
• Support for purchasing single tickets or day passes.
Download: iOS & Android
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is one of the most popular travel apps globally, and Nantes, as a tourist destination, has plenty of attractions and restaurant reviews. The app helps you discover must-visit attractions, dining spots, and activities based on other travelers’ experiences. Whether you’re looking for a local favorite restaurant or need to know the opening hours and ticket prices for a museum, TripAdvisor offers detailed information.
App Features:
• Reviews and ratings for restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
• Travel photos to give you a better understanding of places.
• Easy map navigation to help you find the best routes.
Download: iOS & Android
LaFourchette (TheFork)
Food is an essential part of your trip to Nantes, and LaFourchette (also known as TheFork) helps you easily book a table at local restaurants. The app aggregates some of the most popular spots in Nantes, providing real-time reservation options—perfect for those eager to try the local cuisine. You can view restaurant menus, prices, and user ratings to make the best choice.
App Features:
• Real-time restaurant reservations to avoid long waits.
• View restaurant menus and customer reviews.
• Offers and discounts to enhance your dining experience.
Download: iOS & Android
Nantes Tourisme
This is the official tourism app for Nantes, designed specifically for tourists, offering comprehensive information about the city’s attractions, activities, restaurants, and accommodations. With this app, you can easily find recommended attractions, cultural events, and local tours. The app also comes with detailed maps to help you plan your journey and ensure you don’t miss out on any must-see spots.
App Features:
• Detailed guides on major attractions and events.
• Real-time updates on local activities and festivals.
• Up-to-date travel information to keep you in the know.
Download: iOS & Android
Citymapper
Citymapper is an incredibly useful city transport app, especially for first-time visitors to Nantes. Whether you plan to walk, take public transport, or use a taxi, Citymapper will suggest the most convenient and fastest routes. Just enter your start and end points, and the app will compare different travel options to help you choose the best route.
App Features:
• Multiple route planning options for various transport modes.
• Real-time traffic updates to avoid congestion.
• Supports local taxi and bike-sharing services.
Download: iOS & Android
Google Maps
Although Google Maps is a globally popular map app, it is just as effective for navigation in Nantes. You can use it to locate attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, providing directions for walking, driving, or using public transport. Additionally, Google Maps helps you find nearby popular attractions or restaurants and provides user ratings and reviews to guide your choices.
App Features:
• Real-time navigation to help you reach your destination.
• Ratings and reviews for attractions, restaurants, and shops.
• Detailed street view for accurate location.
Download: iOS & Android
Whether it’s public transport, navigating attractions, or making restaurant reservations, the above apps will help you better plan and organize your trip to Nantes. With these convenient tools, you can save time while deeply immersing yourself in the unique charm of Nantes, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable journey. Nantes is a city full of charm, offering everything from traditional French cuisine to rich cultural landmarks. Whether you’re here to taste the food or explore its historical culture, Nantes will provide a one-of-a-kind experience. If you have the chance to visit this city, be sure not to miss these delicious restaurants and amazing attractions, which will make your trip even more perfect.
