Nantes is a river city with salt air in its lungs and stories in its stones. Once the historic capital of Brittany and later a thriving port, it reinvented itself into a creative powerhouse—equal parts medieval castle, Art Deco arcades, and whimsical mechanical creatures parading along the Loire. You’ll taste butter-rich pastries, cider-kissed crêpes, Muscadet wines, and the city’s almond-and-rum gâteau nantais.

Spring is ideal for a city break. March brings mild weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices—perfect for markets, galleries, and riverside walks. Nantes is compact and walkable, with excellent trams and a little “Navibus” ferry connecting neighborhoods. Build in a day trip to the Tuscan-looking town of Clisson to round out the week.

This 7-day itinerary balances headline sights with local life: mornings in markets, afternoons in museums and parks, and evenings at brasseries and music bars. You’ll also find several low-cost ways to arrive from London, from overnight coaches to smart train connections and budget flights. Pack an umbrella, comfy shoes, and an appetite.

Nantes

On the banks of the Loire, Nantes blends heritage with imagination: 15th‑century ramparts at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, botanical wonders at the Jardin des Plantes, and the fantastical Les Machines de l’Île with its famous Great Elephant. Browse the 1843 Passage Pommeraye arcade, then cross to the creative Île de Nantes for public art and sunset river views.

• Top sights: Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Les Machines de l’Île, Carrousel des Mondes Marins, Jardin des Plantes, Passage Pommeraye, Musée d’arts de Nantes, Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery, Île Versailles (Japanese Garden), Butte Sainte‑Anne, Musée Jules Verne.
• Good-to-know: The TAN transit network offers a 24‑hour pass for about €6 (trams, buses, Navibus). The Pass Nantes (24–72h) can bundle key sights—useful if you plan multiple paid entries in a short window.
• What to eat: Buckwheat galettes and sweet crêpes with local cider, Muscadet (crisp white wine from nearby vineyards), beurre blanc with river fish, petit-beurre biscuits, berlingot candies, and the city’s signature gâteau nantais.

Where to stay (budget to mid-range): For walk-everywhere convenience, look at Bouffay (medieval lanes), Graslin/Passage Pommeraye (elegant 19th‑century streets), or Île de Nantes (creative district). Browse options on VRBO Nantes or Hotels.com Nantes. You’ll find good-value picks near the Château and Place Graslin, plus apartment stays with kitchenettes to save on meals.

Getting there cheaply from London (March 16–25, 2026 window):

• Budget flights (fastest): 1h25 nonstop from London airports to Nantes Atlantique on low-cost carriers; advance one-ways often £25–£70. Compare across dates on Omio (flights). Add 20–30 minutes for the airport shuttle/bus into town.
• Train (comfortable, scenic): London St Pancras → Paris Gare du Nord (Eurostar ~2h20), metro to Montparnasse (~30 min), TGV to Nantes (~2h). Total 5–5.5 hours. Advance fares from ~£70–£120 each way. Check Omio (trains).
• Overnight coach (cheapest): 12–15 hours via Paris; fares from ~£30–£60 each way. Search Omio (buses). An overnight bus can save a night’s accommodation.

Day 1 — Arrival, Bouffay quarter, and a taste of Nantes

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Get your bearings with a gentle loop around the medieval Bouffay district—half-timbered facades, cobbled lanes, and café terraces. Pop into the 19th‑century Passage Pommeraye to admire marble stairways and wrought‑iron balconies.

Evening: Dine at La Cigale, the city’s Art Nouveau showpiece brasserie (since 1895). Go classic with mussels and fries or a Loire fish in beurre blanc, and cap it with gâteau nantais (almond–rum cake). For a budget nightcap, try a pint at Les BerThoM (craft beer pub) or a glass of Muscadet at a wine bar near Place Graslin.

Day 2 — Historic core, castle museum, gardens

Morning: Coffee and flaky viennoiseries at Maison Arlot Cheng (beloved for seasonal bakes). Then explore the center with this low‑cost app tour: Nantes City Self-Guided Walking Tour with an APP.

It strings together the Botanical Garden, the castle, and key squares at your own pace—great value and flexible.

Afternoon: Enter the Château des Ducs de Bretagne (museum ~€9) to trace the city’s maritime fortunes and upheavals. Cross to the nearby Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul (check current opening hours during restorations), then decompress in the Jardin des Plantes with whimsical installations and exotic greenhouses.

Evening: Eat on a budget at Crêperie Heb‑Ken (buckwheat galettes with ham, egg, and cheese; cider by the bowl). Stroll to Place Royale for nighttime fountains and grab a scoop of salted‑caramel ice cream on the way.

Day 3 — Les Machines de l’Île and creative quays

Morning: Brunchy pancakes and filter coffee at Sugar Blue Café before heading to Les Machines de l’Île. Visit the Galerie des Machines (approx. €9–€10) to see engineers animate giant creatures; if the Great Elephant is scheduled, watch it amble and spray mist. Even when the Elephant isn’t running, the gallery’s demos are a delight.

Afternoon: Turn the city into a puzzle with the Nantes Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Sights.

It’s inexpensive, fun, and leads you to hidden corners you might miss. Pause for lunch at Le Café de la Branche by the Machines (good daily specials).

Evening: Walk the Hangar à Bananes quay to see the glowing Anneaux de Buren light rings at dusk. Dinner at Maison Baron Lefèvre for market‑driven plates (reserve) or go thrifty with a crêpe‑and‑cidre combo near the island. Catch live music at Le Ferrailleur, a local institution.

Day 4 — Day trip to Clisson (Italian vibes, ruined castle)

Morning: Take a TER train to Clisson (25–30 min, ~€6–€8 each way; hourly; book via Omio trains). Explore the Château de Clisson ruins and the town’s ochre roofs, loggias, and bridges that look plucked from Tuscany—thanks to 19th‑century Romantic taste.

Afternoon: Picnic by the Sèvre river with bakery finds, or sit down at a riverside trattoria for wood‑fired pizza and a glass of Muscadet. Meander the Garenne Lemot park among faux‑classical follies before returning to Nantes.

Evening: Back in town, keep it casual at Les Fils à Maman (comfort-food classics with a playful twist) or a budget‑friendly Crêperie Sainte‑Anne. If you’ve energy, a quick night walk over the Anne de Bretagne bridge gives great skyline views.

Day 5 — Jules Verne, riverbanks, and Trentemoult

Morning: Play your way through Nantes’ literary side with the Outdoor escape game | Jules Verne - The extraordinary challenge.

Then visit the Musée Jules Verne on Butte Sainte‑Anne (small fee) and the belvedere for sweeping river views.

Afternoon: Hop the Navibus ferry to Trentemoult (included in day passes; singles about €1.80–€2). Wander its narrow lanes of brightly painted former fishermen’s houses. Lunch at La Civelle for river fish or mussels, or pick a terrace for a crêpe and cider.

Evening: Return to the city for a Loire‑side stroll past the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery—a powerful, free outdoor installation. For drinks, try Sur Mesure (self‑pour craft beers) or a cozy wine bar near Bouffay.

Day 6 — Market morning, e‑bike panoramas, Japanese garden

Morning: Graze your way through Marché de Talensac (open mornings): sample oysters, cheese, rillettes, and strawberries when in season. Budget tip: assemble a picnic for lunch—vendors will happily wrap to-go.

Afternoon: See more with less effort on the PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike.

Guides thread together the Erdre riverbanks, island art, and neighborhood gems in a few breezy hours—great value if you want the “big picture.” After, unwind at the serene Île Versailles Japanese garden.

Evening: Treat yourself to bistronomy without breaking the bank: Pickles (seasonal set menus) or Lamaccotte (market‑fresh plates). For an artsy nightcap, the bar at Le Lieu Unique (in the former LU biscuit factory) is atmospheric and affordable.

Day 7 — Waterfront walk and last tastes before departure

Morning: Grab a final croissant and coffee at a local bakery, then follow the Loire quays for a contemplative walk. Dip into the Musée d’arts de Nantes if you missed it—fine collections from Renaissance to contemporary.

Afternoon: Pick up edible souvenirs: petit‑beurre biscuits, salted caramel, or a bottle of Muscadet. Head to the station or airport. For transport, compare late‑day options on Omio (trains), Omio (buses), or Omio (flights)—prices often dip midday or on Tuesdays/Wednesdays.

Optional/Swap-in budget activities

• Gamify a wander with the Nantes Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game (cheap, fun alternative to a traditional tour).

  

• Wine lovers: take a short TER to Muscadet country (Sèvre et Maine) for tastings; plan with Omio trains and local bus connections.

Budget tips summary:

• Compare all modes door‑to‑door with Omio (flights), Omio (trains), and Omio (buses). Overnight coaches are usually the cheapest.
• Base near Bouffay or Graslin to walk almost everywhere. See options on VRBO Nantes and Hotels.com Nantes.
• Leverage a 24‑hour TAN pass (~€6) on a packed sightseeing day with trams + Navibus.
• Lunch at markets (Talensac) and creperies; do a nicer fixed‑price dinner once or twice.
• Many top sights (Memorial, Passage Pommeraye, gardens) are free.

In a week, you’ll see how Nantes marries history and imagination—ramparts beside giant mechanical beasts, market chatter by quiet river paths, and a dining scene that punches above its weight without draining your wallet. From London, it’s an easy, affordable escape where each day unfolds at a human pace—and leaves you hungry for one more galette.