10 Things to Do in Nantes on a Small Budget

Nantes is home to a wide variety of activities and fun things to do that you don’t have to break the bank for. In fact, a lot of the best features of the city are completely free to access or at least have notably low-cost barriers to entry, so you can pack your itinerary even on a small budget.

Among the affordable activities in town, you’ll find vibrant gardens as well as discount markets. The local museums are fairly affordable, and there are even ways to maximize discounts across your entire vacation. Check out some of the best things to do in Nantes on a small budget.

1. Voyage à Nantes Green Line

Follow the green line

Good for: Budget

Voyage à Nantes Green Line (La Ligne Verte du Voyage à Nantes) is a green line on the ground in the city centre that will lead you to adventure. If something in Nantes can be appreciated and enjoyed from the sidewalk, there’s a good chance that this line will take you right by it.

Given that this line is just part of the ground, you don’t have to pay anything to embark on this adventure. Along the way, you’ll find yourself passing through all the iconic monuments in town as well as impressive architecture and historic alleys. The line stretches all throughout the city centre.

Location: 1-3 Rue Crucy, 44022 Nantes, France

Phone: +33 892 46 40 44

2. Pass Nantes

Bundle your vacation

Good for: Budget

The Pass Nantes is one of the most budget-friendly ways to explore the city, offering transportation and access to attractions at a discount. This pass comes in many different forms, but they all offer tickets for public transportation and tickets to attractions like museums and galleries.

Make sure you consider how long your vacation is because the major difference between the pass types is how long they’re good for. Of course, the more days your pass is good for, the more overall savings you can enjoy. You can get a pass conveniently online.

3. Nantes Museums

Visit local museums

Good for: History, Budget

The Nantes museums are some of the best attractions in the entire city, and access to these institutions of culture, history and art are often cheap or even free. Local museums cover all sorts of topics, with history museums showcasing local history as well as history from around the world.

When you visit local museums, you’ll find that many are simply free to access. Others will cost a few euros to get in, with children being cheaper than adults if not outright free. Keep in mind, however, that the Pass Nantes can offer additional discounts on museums you may want to take advantage of. Most museums in town are in or around the city centre. Read more

4. Procé Park (Parc de Procé)

Check out a park for the bourgeois

Good for: Families, Budget

Procé Park (Parc de Procé) was once a park designed for the upper classes but is now available to all people completely free to enjoy its impressive plant life. The trees at this park are especially impressive, with some that are more than a century old, like Atlas cedars and sequoias.

Aside from the trees, you’ll also find a merry-go-round and kiddie slides, which are perfect for families traveling on a budget. You’ll also find 4 sculptures in the park along with a playground and wading pool. It’s located a mile or so north-west of the city centre.

Location: 44 Rue des Dervallières, 44000 Nantes, France

Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 8 pm

Phone: +33 2 40 41 64 17

5. Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes

See an extravagant church

Good for: History, Budget

The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes) is a stunning church with fascinating crypts. The church was completed in 1893, but the first stones were laid as far back as 1434, so you’ll be exploring a relic of the past.

This church is known for the Tomb of Francois II, which is a Renaissance masterpiece in its own right. You’ll also be able to explore the crypts, which is an 11th-century Roman construction housing a history exhibit. Access is free. It’s located on the east side of the city centre.

Location: 7 Imp. Saint-Laurent, 44000 Nantes, France

Phone: +33 2 40 47 84 64

See nearby properties

6. Jardin Extraordinaire

Visit a garden in a quarry

Good for: Budget

Jardin Extraordinaire is a unique garden set up in an old quarry where you’ll find vibrant greenery and exotic plants on display. It’s a relatively new addition to the city, opening in 2019 with all its natural splendor. It’s set up in a semi-circle shape among steep granite cliffs.

When you visit, you’ll find plenty of plants native to France alongside some that are more exotic and from other continents. The microclimate is suitable for them since the southern part of the garden is slightly warmer than the side by the river. It’s all free to visit and is located on the northern riverbank across from Trentemoult.

Location: 1 Quai Marquis d’Aiguillon, 44100 Nantes, France

Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm

Phone: +33 2 40 41 65 09

7. Île Feydeau

Explore a historic island

Good for: History, Budget

Île Feydeau is a historic island district in town that sports a remarkably well-preserved 18th-century character surrounded by grassy banks. It’s one of the most aesthetically alluring districts of the city even if it’s technically not an island anymore due to the passage of time.

When you visit this district, you’ll be able to see maritime traders’ mansions lining the streets with their ornate balconies and facades sporting the best of 18th-century design. Seeing this opulence as well as strolling through the surrounding grassy neighborhoods is completely free. It’s located just south of the city centre.

Location: 17360 Saint-Aigulin, France

8. Nantes Water Mirror (Le Miroir d’Eau de Nantes)

Visit public fountains

Good for: Families, Budget

Nantes Water Mirror (Le Miroir d’Eau de Nantes) is an artificial body of water in front of the castle that regularly activates several fountains as well. For the most part, this impressive water feature has just 2 centimeters of water on its surface, creating a reflection of the castle.

When the fountains are activated, you can enjoy a refreshing mist. Kids especially enjoy playing in the fountain, so it’s particularly popular for travelers who have kids with them. The jets activate about 10 minutes per hour and are even illuminated in various colors after sunset. It’s free and located in eastern Feydeau on the castle’s south side.

Location: Pl. Marc Elder, 44000 Nantes, France

9. Nantes Markets

Shop for discounts

Good for: Shoppers, Food, Budget

The Nantes markets have much to offer travelers on a budget, including fresh food, custom handicrafts and other items from the local community. Most of the markets focus on local food being farmers’ markets with fruit and veg for sale alongside fresh meat and fish.

If you’re looking for something to take home, keep an eye out for handicrafts among the market stalls. Several antiques are available as well. To find the best bargains, be sure to check out flea markets more than anything else. These markets are common throughout just about every district in town and in the surrounding area.

10. Bicloo Nantes Metropole

Ride around in style

The Bicloo Nantes Metropole is a self-service bike system that’s remarkably affordable and a convenient way to get around town. In fact, the first half-hour of your bike ride is completely free, though if you plan for extended use, you can subscribe for a certain period of time like a day or 3.

Getting your hands on one of these bikes is easy, with 1,000 of them available throughout the city across 123 different stations. While most are concentrated in and around the city centre, these stations go out as far as the wider surrounding area.

Location: 12 Rue Léon Maître, 44000 Nantes, France

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Sundays)

Phone: +33 1 30 79 33 44

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.