Welcome to Nantes

Places to visit

Transport

Food and restaurants

Accommodation and stay

Emergency services: Medical and others

City administration

Nantes is the capital (Préfecture) of the Loire-Atlantique department (44) and the Pays de la Loire region in western France. It is an important historical, cultural, and economic hub and consistently ranks among France’s most livable cities.

Nantes is the center of the Nantes Métropole, an intercommunal structure that manages services across 24 communes, including transport, waste management, and urban development.

A commune is the smallest administrative division in France, similar to a municipality. Each commune, including Nantes, has a high degree of autonomy in managing local affairs.

1. Mairie (Town Hall / City Hall)

• Nantes has a central mairie and several mairies annexes (branch town halls) across its neighborhoods.

• Functions include:

  • Civil registration (births, deaths, marriages)

  • Local permits (e.g., construction, events)

  • Public services (waste, water, transport)

  • Schools, childcare, and cultural programming

  • Social services and citizen assistance
    🔗 You can find your local mairie through the official Nantes city website.

2. Police Municipale (Municipal Police)

• Maintains local law and order, handles parking, noise regulations, and traffic control.

• Works alongside the Police Nationale, which handles serious crime, border control, and identity checks.

3. Other Local Services

• Public libraries (e.g., Médiathèque Jacques Demy), community sports centers, and cultural houses.

• Local planning and environmental sustainability programs.

• Social assistance for families, seniors, and vulnerable populations.

Administrative Structure of Nantes & Loire-Atlantique

Préfecture & Subprefectures

• The Préfecture is located in central Nantes, managing law enforcement, civil administration, and coordination of state services.

• Subprefectures in the department are found in:

  • Saint-Nazaire

  • Châteaubriant-Ancenis

Judicial & Tax Offices

• Tribunal judiciaire de Nantes: Handles criminal and civil cases.

• Tribunal administratif: For administrative and public service disputes.

• Commercial Court: Located in Nantes for business-related disputes.

• Tax Offices (SIP, SIE, CDIF): Found in Nantes and other local towns like Saint-Herblain, Rezé, and Saint-Nazaire.

Nantes Métropole

• 24 member communes, including Nantes, Saint-Herblain, Rezé, Orvault, Vertou, and Carquefou.

• Core responsibilities:

  • Transport (TAN network: trams, buses, Navibus river shuttles)

  • Urban planning and zoning

  • Water supply and waste management

  • Economic and cultural development

  • Housing and energy transition initiatives

Nantes City Districts

Nantes is divided into 7 main municipal districts (quartiers), each with a district council and annex mairie:

• Centre-ville

• Malakoff–Saint-Donatien

• Dervallières–Zola

• Hauts-Pavés–Saint-Félix

• Ile de Nantes

• Nantes Nord

• Nantes Sud

These quartiers ensure localized services and facilitate communication between residents and the city government.

🚋🚍🚲 Public Transport in Nantes & Loire-Atlantique – TAN & Regional Connections

Nantes boasts a well-integrated and eco-friendly transport network, operated by TAN (Transports de l’Agglomération Nantaise), making it easy to navigate the city and surrounding areas.

🌐 TAN Network

TAN serves Nantes Métropole, connecting the city center to suburbs, universities, business districts, and key attractions.

🚉 Services Operated by TAN:

🚋 Trams – 3 main lines (1, 2, 3) covering the entire city, plus several short branch lines.
🚌 Buses – Urban and suburban routes, including Chronobus (high-frequency lines), night buses, and airport connections.
⛴ Navibus – Passenger boat services on the Loire River, linking city districts.
🚲 Bicloo – Public self-service bike rentals available across Nantes and suburbs.
🚕 Proxitan – Paratransit service for people with reduced mobility (reservation required).

💳 Ticketing & Pass Options

🎫 Single & Multi-trip Tickets – Valid for 1 hour across all TAN trams, buses, and Navibus services.
🎓 Student & Youth Passes – Discounted monthly and annual subscriptions for students, apprentices, and under-26 residents.
👩‍💼 Monthly & Annual Passes – Unlimited travel with possible 50% reimbursement by employers.
👶 Free travel for children under 4, reduced fares for ages 4–10.

Tickets are available from vending machines at tram stops, TAN sales agencies, partner shops, and through the TAN App or TAN Website for digital tickets, route planning, and real-time updates.

🗺️ Regional Transport Outside Nantes

🚆 TER Pays de la Loire Trains – Connect Nantes to nearby cities like Saint-Nazaire, Angers, Cholet, and La Roche-sur-Yon, plus longer routes to Rennes and La Rochelle.
🚌 Aléop Coaches – Low-cost regional buses linking smaller towns and rural areas without train service.

💡 Tip: Combine TAN + TER
If you live in Nantes but commute to nearby cities like Saint-Nazaire or Angers, combined subscriptions can save both time and money while giving unlimited access to city and regional travel.

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📍 Places to Visit in Nantes

🏛 Historic & Iconic

1. Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany)

• About: Medieval castle turned history museum, surrounded by moats and gardens.

• From Centre: ~0.5 km east of Place Royale.

• How to Reach: Walk or Tram Line 1 (Duchesse Anne–Château).

2. Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul

• About: Gothic cathedral with ornate façade and large crypt.

• From Centre: ~0.6 km northeast.

• How to Reach: Walk or Tram Line 1 (Duchesse Anne–Château).

3. Passage Pommeraye

• About: Elegant 19th-century shopping arcade with intricate staircases.

• From Centre: ~0.3 km west.

• How to Reach: Walk.

4. Île de Nantes & Les Machines de l’île

• About: Artistic redevelopment area with giant mechanical animals, including the famous Great Elephant.

• From Centre: ~1.5 km southwest.

• How to Reach: Tram Line 1 (Chantiers Navals) or walk.

🎨 Museums & Culture

5. Musée d’Arts de Nantes

• About: Rich collection of European paintings from the 13th to 21st century.

• From Centre: ~1 km northeast.

• How to Reach: Tram Line 2 or 3 (50 Otages) or walk.

6. Le Lieu Unique

• About: Former biscuit factory turned cultural center with exhibitions, performances, and a café.

• From Centre: ~1 km east.

• How to Reach: Tram Line 1 (Duchesse Anne–Château).

7. Jardin des Plantes

• About: Botanical garden with exotic plants, sculptures, and greenhouse.

• From Centre: ~1.3 km northeast.

• How to Reach: Walk or Tram Line 1 (Gare SNCF Nord).

🌳 Outdoor & Scenic

8. Parc de Procé

• About: Lush park with walking paths and playgrounds.

• From Centre: ~2.5 km northwest.

• How to Reach: Bus C3 or C6.

9. Erdre River Walks

• About: Scenic riverside paths ideal for cycling and boat rides.

• From Centre: Starts ~1 km north.

• How to Reach: Walk, cycle, or take Navibus river boats.

🚆 Day Trips & Nearby Places from Nantes

🏙 Historic Towns & Villages

1. Clisson

• About: Italian-inspired town with medieval castle and riverside charm.

• Distance: ~30 km southeast.

• How to Reach: Train from Nantes (~25 min).

2. Trentemoult

• About: Colorful former fishing village across the Loire.

• Distance: ~3 km southwest.

• How to Reach: Navibus ferry from Gare Maritime (~10 min).

3. Guérande

• About: Walled medieval town famous for its salt marshes.

• Distance: ~80 km west.

• How to Reach: Train to La Baule (~1h) + bus (~20 min).

🌊 Coastal & Nature

4. La Baule-Escoublac

• About: Long sandy beach and elegant seaside resort.

• Distance: ~80 km west.

• How to Reach: Train (~1h).

5. Pornic

• About: Coastal town with harbor, beaches, and creperies.

• Distance: ~50 km southwest.

• How to Reach: Train (~50 min).

6. Noirmoutier Island

• About: Beaches, salt marshes, and charming villages, connected by a tidal causeway.

• Distance: ~90 km southwest.

• How to Reach: Bus from Nantes (~1h 45m).

🍇 Countryside & Rivers

7. Muscadet Wine Region

• About: White wine-producing area along the Loire.

• Distance: Starts ~20 km southeast.

• How to Reach: Train to Clisson or guided wine tour.

8. Puy du Fou

• About: Historical theme park with spectacular live shows.

• Distance: ~100 km southeast.

• How to Reach: Car (~1h 15m) or bus excursion.

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Accommodation in Nantes combines modern comfort with the city’s artistic, maritime, and historic charm.

Luxury hotels are often located in the city centre near Place Royale, Île de Nantes, or along the Loire River, offering elegant rooms, fine dining, and easy access to landmarks such as the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. Many blend contemporary design with heritage architecture.

Boutique hotels in historic districts like Bouffay and around Place Graslin provide unique stays in restored buildings, with stylish interiors and a focus on personalized service. These areas are ideal for exploring Nantes’ vibrant cafe culture, galleries, and theatres on foot.

Mid-range hotels are plentiful near the Gare de Nantes (train station) and the Cité des Congrès, offering convenience for both business and leisure travelers. They often include family-friendly amenities and are well-connected by tram and bus.

Budget options such as hostels, simple hotels, and guesthouses are available near university areas and public transport hubs, making them ideal for short, affordable stays.

Aparthotels and furnished rentals are popular for longer visits, especially around Île de Nantes and the riverside, giving guests the flexibility to cook and enjoy local markets.

With Nantes’ efficient tram network, pedestrian-friendly streets, and proximity to the Atlantic coast, visitors can easily explore both the city’s cultural treasures and the surrounding Pays de la Loire region—choosing accommodation that ranges from chic urban comfort to practical budget stays.

🍽 A Taste of Nantes: Food & Restaurants

Nantes offers a dynamic culinary scene that blends traditional Loire-Atlantic flavors with creative modern dining and a growing variety of international cuisines. From buttery pastries to spicy street food, the city caters to every taste—including plenty of vegan options.

🌍 International Flavors
Alongside its local specialties, Nantes boasts Indian restaurants serving aromatic curries, dosas, and biryanis; Asian kitchens offering Japanese sushi, Vietnamese pho, and Korean bibimbap; Turkish eateries with juicy kebabs, lahmacun, and mezze; and Afghani restaurants featuring qabuli pulao, mantu, and charcoal-grilled meats. Arabic cuisine adds falafel, shawarma, and couscous, while African kitchens bring flavorful dishes such as mafe, yassa, and Moroccan tagines.

⭐ Fine Dining
Michelin-starred spots like L’U.Ni, L’Atlantide 1874 – Maison Guého, and Iodé showcase refined Loire cuisine with fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and excellent wine pairings from nearby vineyards.

🍷 Bistronomy & Creative Cuisine
Trendy bistros like L’Aménité, Le Coin des Crépes, and Sources mix French classics with creative twists, often highlighting organic and locally sourced produce.

💰 Budget-Friendly Gems
Affordable options abound—try crêperies serving buckwheat galettes, student-friendly Asian noodle bars, or street food trucks offering fusion dishes.

🥩 Local Classics
Nantes’ gastronomy shines with dishes like beurre blanc sauce over fresh fish, gateau nantais (almond cake with rum), rigolettes nantaises (fruit-filled candies), and seafood platters from the Atlantic coast. The city’s markets overflow with oysters, mussels, and seasonal vegetables.

🥬 Vegan & Vegetarian
The plant-based scene is growing, with favorites including:

• Totum – Organic vegan café with creative lunch plates.

• Le Nid Végétal – Cozy vegan spot serving burgers and homemade desserts.

• Lula – Healthy vegetarian brunches and smoothies.

• Manger Bio et Local – Local, seasonal vegan-friendly meals.

🛍 Eat & Explore
Visit Marché de Talensac for the freshest local produce, cheeses, seafood, and artisan goods, or enjoy street food festivals that celebrate the city’s multicultural spirit. In Nantes, every meal feels like a journey—rooted in local tradition yet open to global flavors.

🚨 Health & Emergency Contacts – Nantes Region

🏥 Medical Emergencies

• SAMU (Ambulance & Medical Assistance) – ☎️ 15

• European Emergency Number – ☎️ 112

• Fire Brigade (Pompiers) – ☎️ 18

• Police Emergency – ☎️ 17

• Police SMS (Hearing/Speech Impaired) – 📱 114

• SOS Médecins Nantes (Doctors 24/7) – ☎️ 36 24 (national) or 02 40 50 30 30 (local)

• Pharmacy on Duty Info – ☎️ 32 37

• Poison Control Center – Angers (covers Nantes) – ☎️ 02 41 48 21 21

Major Hospital Emergency Departments in Nantes:

• CHU de Nantes – Hôtel-Dieu (Adults & Children) – ☎️ 02 40 08 33 33

• Hôpital Nord Laennec – ☎️ 02 40 16 50 00

• Clinique Jules Verne – ☎️ 02 51 17 17 17

🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Support

• Suicide Prevention Hotline (24/7) – ☎️ 31 14

• SOS Amitié Nantes – ☎️ 02 40 14 22 22

• Psychological Support Line – ☎️ 0 800 71 08 90 (free)

👶🧓 Child, Senior & Vulnerable Group Support

• Child Protection (All France) – ☎️ 119

• SOS Missing Children – ☎️ 116 000

• Elderly & Disabled Abuse Helpline – ☎️ 39 77

• Senior Support Platform (CLIC/MAIA) – ☎️ 0 800 62 58 85

🛡️ Legal & Violence Support

• Domestic Violence Hotline – ☎️ 39 19

• CIDFF Loire-Atlantique (Women’s Rights & Family Support) – ☎️ 02 40 20 00 13

• Free Legal Advice – Nantes Bar Association – ☎️ 02 40 44 97 97

• Cyber-harassment Helpline (Net Ecoute) – ☎️ 30 18

• Victim Support France – Nantes – ☎️ 02 40 47 04 00

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