Once France’s largest port — and Brittany’s foremost city — Nantes has an intriguing history as a trading hub at the confluence of the mighty Loire and Erdre Rivers. First settled during the Bronze Age, this bustling metropolis is now a fascinating university town with a rich cultural life — and a wonderful destination for a French city break as a couple, or with friends and family. History buffs, art lovers and foodies will delight in the city’s museums, galleries, restaurants and bars, whilst outdoorsy travellers can go cycling, sailing or hit the beach. Whether you’re dreaming of cosy farmhouse hideaways just out of town or hip city hotels, our selection of the best places to stay in Nantes has it all.

Get your bearings with a visit to the imposing 15th-century Cathédrale St-Pierre et St-Paul and discover the city’s history at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne or the sobering Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery, close to the old port. The Jules Verne Museum and the Nantes Printing Museum will thrill literature lovers of all ages, whilst Musée d’Arts and Le Cale 2 Créateurs are must-sees for art enthusiasts. Nature-focused families will adore the Natural History Museum and the Garden des Plantes — one of France’s most exquisite botanical gardens. To immerse yourself in a quirky, whimsical world, head straight for the magical Les Machines de l’Ile de Nantes.

Stroll Nantes’ attractive streets to savour fantastic food, sip crisp Muscadet wine in trendy hole-in-the-wall bars, and party the night away in the city’s hottest hangouts. Admire the mansions of Ile Feydeau, the architecture of La Place Mellinet and the fishing cottages of Trentemoult on your wanderings. Boat trips on the river are wonderful, too, and there are opportunities to cycle, walk and horse ride — as well as to enjoy wine tastings — in the area, before returning to the best places to stay in Nantes.

The Best Places to Stay in Nantes

For City Style

• OKKO Nantes Château is a cool, contemporary pad with floor-to-ceiling windows, retro-inspired furniture and atmoshperic lighting. Sip complimentary aperitifs in the trendy lounge after kicking back in the sauna. A hip crashpad for couples or independent travellers. Very indulgent.
• La Pérouse is a sleek hotel in central Nantes. Expect chic, white-on-white interiors in light-filled rooms with imposing modern art pieces. Buffet breakfasts of seasonal organic produce are a great way to start the day. The bar and meeting spaces are a welcome addition for business travellers or friends on holiday.
• Maison du Monde Hotel & Suites boasts 47 guestrooms in the historic heart of Nantes. Glamorous interiors are well-suited to couples or sociable friends who will appreciate the convivial lounge, bar and library. Also a romantic city break choice.
• Sozo Hotel has ultra-modern rooms and suites for guests eager to stay within an impressive converted chapel, complete with vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. The minimalist, white, pink and lime green decor contrasts sharply with the historic building. Opposite the Botanic Gardens, this is a well-located choice for an unusual city break or work trip. Very stylish.

For a Rural Escape

• Les Arbres Rouges is a modern guesthouse with indoor and outdoor swimming pools in pretty gardens outside Nantes. Great for families, airy bedrooms have space for extra beds, and bikes are available for exploring. Request a table d'hôtes dinner after a day of discovering the city or countryside. Stylish rural bliss.
• Château de la Garnison sits in a superb rural spot just outside Nantes. Beautifully renovated rooms are very appealing, with exposed stone walls, free-standing baths and big cosy beds. Two of the four bedrooms have space for families, and there's cycling, horse riding and great walks in the area. A charming B&B just 20 minutes from the city.

For Great Value

• L'HOTEL sits close to the cathedral and the train station, in the heart of Nantes. The 31 minimalist, monochromatic rooms are very competitively priced. Simple, convenient and good for business or leisure.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Nantes Atlantique Airport and catch the 20-minute shuttle into the city centre. Alternatively, Nantes offers regular rail connections to cities across France.
• Brittany is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the spring or summer for the best weather, with temperatures peaking at around 24°C in July and August — though this is the busiest time of year in Nantes. For a quieter trip, consider visiting in May or September, although the weather will be cooler and the students arriving to begin their univeristy year in the autumn.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Rennes.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Brittany.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.