Le Voyage à Nantes
Annual city-wide art trail in summer (July to August), following a green line past contemporary installations and the Machines of the Isle.
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Nantes-Nord
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ℹ️Practical info — Nantes-Nord
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Use tram line 2, which perfectly connects Nantes-Nord to the city center.
- Since this is a university district, you'll find plenty of affordable cafes and bistros, especially on weekdays.
- Rent a bike (Bicloo); the area around the university and the Erdre river is very bike-friendly.
- Visit the Erdre valley in the late afternoon when the light on the water is at its most beautiful.
- Using the P+R (Park & Ride) lots in this neighborhood is a great option before heading into the center.
🍽 Food
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Galettes and Crêpes
Look for crêperies in the neighborhood offering affordable and authentic Breton buckwheat galettes.
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Student bistros
Near the campus, you can often find cheap menus of the day (Plat du jour) with good French home cooking.
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Fish on the Erdre
Keep an eye out for small riverside restaurants serving fresh river fish dishes.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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University bookstores
Browse the bookstores around the campus for interesting literature and stationery.
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Neighborhood markets
Small, local markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables, convenient for a riverside picnic.
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Banks of the Erdre
A walk along the Erdre is considered one of the most beautiful river promenades in France.
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Campus green spaces
The open and green areas of the university campus are particularly quiet on weekends.
Water temperature…
Nantes-Nord is characterized by the presence of the University of Nantes and the scenic banks of the Erdre River, once described by King Francis I as the most beautiful river in France. The district underwent massive expansion in the 1960s to accommodate the growing educational sector and new residential housing. Today, the area is home to numerous research institutes and the Parc de la Beaujoire, which features a major exhibition center and the home stadium of FC Nantes. The Erdre's waterfront is a popular hub for sailing and rowing, lined with historic manors and lush parks. A horticultural highlight is the Parc floral de la Roseraie, which houses one of Europe's most significant collections of roses with thousands of varieties. Nantes-Nord is directly connected to the city center via tramway line 2, making it a highly desirable area for students and young families. Sustainable urban planning focuses on preserving green spaces and expanding cycling paths, continuously improving the quality of life in this formerly rural sector. The blend of academic excellence and natural beauty defines the unique identity of this flourishing district in the north of the city.
- Location: Pays de la Loire, France
- Top sights: Parc Michel Baudry · aire de jeu de belle isle · Parc aux champignons
- Nearby: Sainte-Luce-sur-Loire (5 km)
- Population: ~325.070
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 59 | 63 | 49 | 63 | 53 | 50 | 51 | 44 | 78 | 79 | 83 |
Live webcam – Nantes-Nord
See what it looks like near Nantes-Nord right now.
La Chapelle-sur-Erdre: Contournement Nord de Nantes · 2.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- The University of Nantes was refounded in 1961.
- Stade de la Beaujoire opened its doors in 1984.
- The rose garden features over 15,000 rose bushes.
- Tram line 2 has served the north since 1992.
- The Erdre river flows into the Loire in the city center.
- The university hosts more than 38,000 students.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:044.4 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
This walk takes you through the green heart of Nantes-Nord. Starting at the picturesque Petit Port, we follow the banks of the Erdre past elegant villas. The afternoon is spent in the magnificent Beaujoire, where sport and botany meet, crowned by a visit to the award-winning rose garden.
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🚶 8'0.25 km
🚶 21'0.9 km
📍
11:13 · 47'
Erdre Riverbanks
Stroll along the river that Francis I called the most beautiful in France.
🚶 50'2.36 km
🚶 14'0.56 km
🚶 9'0.31 km
09:00→14:297.1 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 16€ · Transport 12€
By bike, we explore the vast green spaces of Nantes-Nord. From the sports facilities at Petit Port, we cycle upstream to Beaujoire and then take a leap to the botanically rich Grand-Blottereau Park, which offers a world tour of plants.
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🚲 5'0.4 km
🚲 14'1.9 km
🚲 12'1.54 km
🚲 23'3.3 km
09:00→14:158.5 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 15–21 €Entries 16€ · Transport 2€
This car tour efficiently connects the most important clusters of Nantes-Nord. We first explore the campus and harbor area at Petit Port on foot, then drive to Beaujoire for the stadium and park, and end the day in the magnificent Grand-Blottereau Park in the east.
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🚗 4'0.4 km
🚗 15'3.59 km
🚗 6'0.87 km
🚗 15'3.61 km
Sights in the town Nantes-Nord (3)
Frequently asked questions
What are the 'Machines de l'Île'?
An art project on the former shipyards, inspired by Jules Verne. A highlight is the giant mechanical elephant that you can actually ride.
Is there a castle in Nantes?
Yes, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. It is located right in the city center and houses the Nantes History Museum.
How do you get from Paris to Nantes?
The TGV high-speed train connects Paris (Gare Montparnasse) directly to the center of Nantes in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
What is 'Voyage à Nantes'?
A cultural trail marked by a green line on the ground that leads you to all the major artworks and sights in the city.
Can you take boat trips in Nantes?
Yes, river cruises on the Erdre are considered some of the most beautiful in France, passing by numerous stately castles.
Nantes-Nord: where is it located?
Nantes-Nord is located in Pays de la Loire, France.
Nantes-Nord: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parc Michel Baudry, aire de jeu de belle isle, Parc aux champignons.
Nantes-Nord: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Nantes-Nord: why is it worth visiting?
Nantes-Nord is characterized by the presence of the University of Nantes and the scenic banks of the Erdre River, once described by King Francis I as the most beautiful river in France.
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