What to do with children in Nantes?
Nantes is a delightful city to explore with children.
With a giant elephant roaming the quays, a castle right in the city center, gardens for running around, and boats crossing the Loire, sightseeing quickly turns into an adventure.
And the good news is that several must-see attractions are within easy walking distance of our hotel in Nantes.
This is likely the outing the kids will remember most!
Located on the site of the former shipyards, Les Machines de l'Île brings to life a world inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci.
Watch the 12-meter-tall Great Elephant go by, or climb aboard for a ride along the quays.
Continue to the Galerie des Machines, filled with mechanical creatures, then visit the Carrousel des Mondes Marins a massive, three-level carousel dedicated to the underwater world.
Right in the heart of Nantes, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a hit with both parents and children. You can walk the ramparts for free and enjoy various views of the city.
Just opposite, the *Miroir d'eau* (reflecting pool) becomes a favorite playground when the weather is nice!
Located across from the train station, the Jardin des Plantes is the perfect spot for a break between sightseeing stops.
Its seven hectares offer plenty of space for strolling, play areas, and surprising plant and art installations.
For another nature walk, head to the Jardin Extraordinaire in the Chantenay district.
Set in a former quarry, it will impress your children with its lush vegetation, cliffs, and a 25-meter-high waterfall.
For children, the journey itself is part of the adventure. Hop aboard the Navibus to cross the Loire and reach Trentemoult, a former fishing village in Rezé.
Once ashore, explore its narrow pedestrian streets and houses with colorful facades. It’s an easy stroll that also offers a view of Nantes from the opposite bank.
A gray day won't spoil your plans. The Nantes Planetarium offers sessions tailored to different ages, allowing you to discover the sky, stars, and planets.
You can also visit the Natural History Museum and its zoological collections.
Located on a quiet street in the city center, the Novella Nantes Hotel offers easy access to many of Nantes' must-see attractions.
The train station is just a short walk away a real plus when traveling with children!
Our family rooms can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children.
You can drop off your bags and set out to explore Nantes on foot, then return to the peace and quiet of the hotel at the end of the day.
With a giant elephant roaming the quays, a castle right in the city center, gardens for running around, and boats crossing the Loire, sightseeing quickly turns into an adventure.
And the good news is that several must-see attractions are within easy walking distance of our hotel in Nantes.
Meet the Great Elephant at Les Machines de l'Île
This is likely the outing the kids will remember most!
Located on the site of the former shipyards, Les Machines de l'Île brings to life a world inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci.
Watch the 12-meter-tall Great Elephant go by, or climb aboard for a ride along the quays.
Continue to the Galerie des Machines, filled with mechanical creatures, then visit the Carrousel des Mondes Marins a massive, three-level carousel dedicated to the underwater world.
Play knights at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne
Right in the heart of Nantes, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a hit with both parents and children. You can walk the ramparts for free and enjoy various views of the city.
Just opposite, the *Miroir d'eau* (reflecting pool) becomes a favorite playground when the weather is nice!
Get some fresh air at the Jardin des Plantes
Located across from the train station, the Jardin des Plantes is the perfect spot for a break between sightseeing stops.
Its seven hectares offer plenty of space for strolling, play areas, and surprising plant and art installations.
For another nature walk, head to the Jardin Extraordinaire in the Chantenay district.
Set in a former quarry, it will impress your children with its lush vegetation, cliffs, and a 25-meter-high waterfall.
Cross the Loire to Trentemoult
For children, the journey itself is part of the adventure. Hop aboard the Navibus to cross the Loire and reach Trentemoult, a former fishing village in Rezé.
Once ashore, explore its narrow pedestrian streets and houses with colorful facades. It’s an easy stroll that also offers a view of Nantes from the opposite bank.
What to do in Nantes with kids when it rains?
A gray day won't spoil your plans. The Nantes Planetarium offers sessions tailored to different ages, allowing you to discover the sky, stars, and planets.
You can also visit the Natural History Museum and its zoological collections.
Stay with the family in the heart of Nantes
Located on a quiet street in the city center, the Novella Nantes Hotel offers easy access to many of Nantes' must-see attractions.
The train station is just a short walk away a real plus when traveling with children!
Our family rooms can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children.
You can drop off your bags and set out to explore Nantes on foot, then return to the peace and quiet of the hotel at the end of the day.
