Nantes
Nantes
Nantes
Nantes
Nantes
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Nantes
Nantes
Nantes
Nantes
Nantes
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
IN A NUTSHELL
Visit Nantes with Children
Nantes, the former capital of Brittany, is a family destination with activities for all ages within walking distance. Follow the green line painted on the ground to discover the historical heritage and artistic highlights of the city. Visiting Nantes with children is a recipe for a fantastic holiday. From a castle to a mechanical Grand Eléphant and several playgrounds to over 100 parks and gardens, young and old will love visiting the city.
How to Get to Nantes with Children
The airport of Nantes has transport links with a total of destinations close to a hundred.
Malta: direct flight from Malta International Airport.
Portugal: 4 direct flights (including Porto and Lisbon)
Ireland: direct flight from Dublin
Italy: 12 direct flights (including Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan and Palermo)
UK: 7 direct flights (including London, Manchester and Edinburgh)
Spain: 13 direct flights including Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville and Malaga)
Find out all about the destinations at Nantes airport.
Nantes is also very accessible by train: 2 hours from Paris / 5 hours from Brussels.
The Best Time to Visit Nantes with Children
Nantes is a city to visit all year long.
The Permanent Voyage is an urban trail of around twenty kilometres taking the visitors from a work of art by one of today’s great artists to a remarkable heritage piece. Like all the other attraction in Nantes, this trail is accessible all year round.
Must Dos When in Nantes with Children
- Visit the Machines de l’île
- Visit the city following the Green Line
- Visit the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany
LOCATION
Hotels in Nantes
Our Top Family-Friendly Hotels in Nantes
Hotels found within the city centre:
Hotel Amiral ***
Grand Hotel Mercure ****
Accommodation close to the city-centre:
Nantes Camping *****
© Jean-Dominique Billaud-LVAN
PLAY
Activities for children ages 0-5
Tiring our babies and toddlers whilst they absorb all that is around them.
The Jardin des Plantes – The botanical garden with playground “Dépodépo”.
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany – Courtyard and fortifications.
Playgrounds – Square Élisa Mercœur, Jardin des Voyages, On a marché sur la Lune.
Trentemoult – Former home to fishermen and Cape Horners.
Estuaire Nantes <> Saint-Nazaire – A cruise along the river Loire.
Passage Pommeraye – Many shops in a famous 1843 passage with a stunning architecture.
The Museum d’histoire Naturelle – For animal lovers.
PLAY
Activities for older children
Keeping the older kids happy, entertained, and reducing the amount of times they ask for a screen or complain about being bored.
The Musée d’arts de Nantes – Various collection of artworks dating from the 13th century to the present day.
The île de Versailles (isle of Versailles) – A Japanese garden. It’s possible to rent a kayak or an electric boat to discover the river Erdre and its castles.
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany – The courtyard, the fortifications, and the Musée d’histoire de Nantes.
Trentemoult – Former home to fishermen and Cape Horners.
Estuaire Nantes <> Saint-Nazaire – A cruise along the river Loire to discover surprising artworks.
Passage Pommeraye – Many shops in a famous passage with a stunning architecture.
Children under 18 years, get free access or reduced price to most of the museums in Nantes.
© David Gallard-LVAN
© Franck Tomps -LVAN
PLAY
Parks & Playgrounds
Parks and Gardens in Nantes
- The Jardin extraordinaire
- Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden)
- The île de Versailles (isle of Versailles)
Discover more about the parks and gardens in Nantes.
Playgrounds in Nantes
- Dépodépo
- La Colline
- Ping-Pong Park
- L’Arbre à basket
- On a marché sur la Lune
Discover more about the playgrounds in Nantes.
FOOD
Family-friendly cafés & restaurants in Nantes
Our Favourite Cafes and Restaurants in Nantes
To discover the local cuisine and wines, the Tables de Nantes guidebook offers a selection of restaurants that are also child-friendly.
TRANSPORTATION
How to Get Around Nantes with Children
Nantes is also very accessible by train – 2 hours from Paris / 5 hours from Brussels.
In Nantes, it is easy for families to use public transport. The entire network (tramway, buses, navibus) is free for children under six.
To visit the surroundings of Nantes,the best way to travel is by train.
With the City Pass Nantes and regardless of its duration, public transport are included as well as the train to Clisson that leads to the Muscadet vineyards. With the city Pass Nantes 7-days, the train to Saint-Nazaire is also included, enabling visitors to discover the artistic trail Estuaire Nantes <> Saint-Nazaire art collection.
TOYS
Toy Shops & Clothing Stores in Nantes
Moulin Roty – Local brand offering mainly wooden toys.
Jacadi – French clothing brand for children.
Catimini – French clothing brand for children.
Le Montreur d’ours – 2 Local shop specialised in cuddly toys.
Insider Tips
The Pass Nantes
The Pass Nantes unites 50 of the sites, sights and services in Nantes, Saint-Nazaire and the vineyards. With a bespoke offer for each of the 4 seasons, the Pass is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours or for 7 days.
Check for Special Events & Festivals
Before your trip, check the city’s event calendar to see if there are any family-friendly activities happening during your visit. It could be a puppet show, a street performance, or a cultural festival that adds an extra dose of excitement to your trip.
Snacks & Drinks
Having a few provisions on hand can also come in handy during longer excursions or while waiting in queues.