Explore unmissable places around Nantes
There are many possibilities for adventures around Nantes. With its varied landscapes, between forests, ocean and marshes, the region lends itself perfectly to beautiful getaways. For a day or a long weekend, leave the city and explore the surroundings!
Breathe the sea air in Pornic
Want to see the ocean around Nantes? Head to the seaside resort of Pornic less than an hour's drive away! Stroll along the harbor to be able to admire the boats pleasure craft, trawlers or even old rigs before venturing into the old town. Surrounded by 19th century villas and enticing boutiques, Pornic will know how to charm you. The castle which dominates the city, nicknamed the “castle of Bluebeard”, cannot be visited but you can console yourself with an ice cream or a pancake at La Fraiseraie, an institution!
Take a walk on the Customs Trail
Located around Pornic, the footpath follows the coast for 14 km. Besides the magnificent wild landscapes, its particularity is to be dotted with fisheries. These are huts attached to the rocks or connected to the shore by wooden footbridges allowing their access at high tide. A great outing to take a breath of fresh air and stretch your legs around Nantes!
Fishing along the Customs Trail
Get away from it all in the Wild Planet
Just 15 minutes around Nantes, the Planète Sauvage welcomes you for an unforgettable day! Through 5 worlds that you can discover on foot or by car, meet animals from all over the world... On site you can ride on the Safari Trail and see the large African mammals: elephants, wildebeest, giraffes, lions etc. Total change of atmosphere at the Marine City where the dolphins await you. Return to Africa on the way to Brousse and its village of Kirikou. Then the Inca Trail will take you to South America, before heading to Asia to the Jungle Temple. A real world tour in a magnificent wild setting!
Discover Guérande
An ideal outing around Nantes for a day? Go explore Guérande! Start the visit with the Medieval city : Guérande is one of the only towns in France to have an entirely fortified district. You can therefore go around the ramparts and stroll along the alleys of the old town. Then find out the famous salt marshes which produce Guérande salt. You can easily stop in the many stalls to buy products from one of the salt workers in the area.
Guérande
Walk in the Grâve Forest
If you fancy a nature outing around Nantes, the Forêt du Grâve will meet all your expectations. The largest national forest in Loire-Atlantique is home to many trails to go for a walk or, in the fall, to go mushroom picking. It has an astonishing megalithic alignment which would be the longest in Europe. These 120 stones are spread over more than 1 km and its meaning is still a mystery to archaeologists today.
Explore the Brière
An astonishing environment to discover around Nantes: the Brière marshes. To better understand them, do not hesitate to use the services of a guide like Jean-Sébastien Crusson, an enthusiast who offers several options. By boat or carriage, you will leave observe the many birds and listen to informative stories from your guide. On site you can visit the small adjoining museum and enjoy the picnic area, surrounded by farmyard animals. And if you want to extend the experience, you have the option of renting rosalies, bicycles or boats.
Briere
Enjoy water sports in Le Pouliguen
The beautiful days are coming and you want do some sport on the water around Nantes? The Cercle Nautique la Baule le Pouliguen Pornichet (CNBPP) offers a wide range of guided activities to practice alone, with family or friends. Catamaran, kayak, paddle board, windsurfing, Optimist… For the day or in the form of courses, there is plenty to have fun! The accompanying persons are all trained, pedagogical and have excellent advice to have a great time.
Cycling along the Loire
Get out your bicycles and go pedaling on the Loire à Vélo route around Nantes. These roads designed for bicycle tourism, 900 km long, connect Saint-Brévin-les-Pins to Cuffy (near Nevers) via Nantes. Several loops are possible to adapt to all levels. Even for a short walk, the landscapes crossed will offer you a glimpse of the environment of the banks of the Loire. The more athletic can go several tens of kilometers by bike and return by train.
Marvel at the Jean-Lurçat Museum, in Angers
Located just 1 hour from Nantes, Angers is a city to discover absolutely, so close and yet so different. You can stroll along the cobbled streets or indulge yourself in the many designer shops. But the major attraction of the city is undoubtedly the Jean-Lurçat Museum. Located in the heart of Saint-Jean Hospital, a beautiful 12th century building, it will introduce you to the poetic universe of the artist. His works, symbols of contemporary tapestry, are gigantic and breathtaking. The Chant du Monde, for example, stretches over nearly 80 meters.
Ready to discover all these wonders around Nantes?
For a getaway to meet animals, for a breath of fresh air or for a more sporting trip, there is plenty to choose from in the region! And if you want to prolong the pleasure, why not take a tour of the Loire Valley Castles? And remember to check the weather forecast before leaving! And you, what are your favorites around Nantes?
