Top 5 Nantes Outdoor Activities: A Helpful Guide

Thinking about a visit to Nantes and eager to experience the city’s outdoors? So, you’ve come to the spot to learn about Nantes’ appealing outdoor scenes. This city, set in the Loire-Atlantique department of France, presents a really appealing mixture of history and culture and boasts many ways to get some fresh air. From its serene gardens to lively riverbanks, Nantes truly offers many opportunities to connect with nature without actually leaving the city. Whether you like cycling through the countryside, taking leisurely strolls, or maybe getting involved in some watersports, there’s certainly something here for everyone. Here, we’re taking a look at the five top outdoor activities that really show what Nantes has to offer for those wanting an adventure.

1. Stroll Through the Jardin des Plantes

One unmissable experience when you’re in Nantes has to be the Jardin des Plantes. That place, right near the train station, isn’t just any spot of greenery; yet, it is a place with more than seven hectares of botanical delights. Open to the public, this space features, in a way, over 10,000 living species, some of which are seriously exotic. Is that right? Wandering through, you’ll stumble across really peaceful water features, and even some attention-grabbing sculptures, and even maybe a few greenhouses, all inviting exploration. Actually, it’s not surprising that it welcomes over 1.2 million visitors each year, making it one of Nantes’ must-see spots. A relaxed amble is perfect, whether that’s to admire seasonal displays or maybe botanical collections.

For example, the “Vegetal Train” exhibit can be surprisingly captivating, where plants have been coaxed into quirky forms. In a way, it displays what you can achieve with a green thumb and time. It’s also perfect, in a way, for families, given there is a dedicated play area that is great for kids. So, whether you are deeply into horticulture or simply want to savor some serene moments away from urban intensity, the Jardin des Plantes could be what you’re looking for. That park really encapsulates a great balance; so it’s accessible and rather gorgeous. Yet, its very thoughtful landscaping invites you to take a little bit of time and maybe reflect while that surrounds you.

2. Cycle the Loire à Vélo Route

If you appreciate a bit more active exploration, the Loire à Vélo route close to Nantes could easily be your perfect fit. You can’t talk about Nantes and not mention its awesome cycling opportunities, that being said, with lots of cycling trails perfect for all fitness levels. Just a little to the east of Nantes, the renowned Loire à Vélo trail presents cyclists, you know, kilometers of specifically designed paths, offering views of, like, châteaux and wineries. Seriously, imagine experiencing views of the majestic Loire River. Actually, the route offers safe and quite stunning paths, especially for those of us who like cycling at a leisurely pace, or even for cycling families wanting some time away from their very demanding daily routines. But then, if that sounds ideal, maybe it is.

You can choose segments to really suit your tastes and, in a way, how much energy you have, from brief, fairly relaxing rides to day-long adventures. You’ll pass historic landmarks, such as the imposing Château de Goulaine. Seemingly, what used to be the original inspiration for the story of Puss in Boots, just making the journey a step into an interesting fairytale. Too, the trails let you see some spectacular local wildlife, making every moment a little more of an observation of the outdoors. It might be, then, cycling this allows you to go at your own speed, maybe, allowing for stops at those charming little towns; maybe grabbing some local food, in fact seeing all those bits missed when you’re moving quickly. Like, isn’t this what traveling is about?

3. Explore the Île de Nantes

The Île de Nantes, that place on the Loire River, had been radically transformed, I think, making it a quite fascinating blend of urban innovation and outdoor activities. Once a rather busy shipbuilding area, this island now houses parks, walking trails and quite inventive art installations. So, if that feels a little bit unique, it is, actually.

The Machines de l’Île is possibly, I feel, the main draw, offering experiences such as, very, a ride on the Grand Éléphant. That’s this giant, mechanical creature, I suppose, offering views of the island, so pretty surreal to those taking part. If not that, that there’s Les Anneaux, these illuminated rings on the banks of the Loire River. So, there’s a bit of everything on this man-made, awesome spectacle. Then you find the Parc des Chantiers, presenting lots of open green spaces to explore or that socialize with friends. Walking round you will discover so many open areas, some of which have street food vendors around that area.

4. Cruise the Erdre River

Known to be a quieter contrast to, maybe, the more active outdoor choices, experiencing the Erdre River is definitely an idyllic escape right through Nantes. Designated once by French royalty as the “most gorgeous river in France,” Erdre, too, does offer a bunch of leisurely activities that should really recharge your senses. What do you think of kayaking or canoeing through, in a way, still waters, passing by mansions, too. In contrast to something like whitewater rafting, these sort of leisurely activities really highlight the areas relaxing charm.

Multiple companies that are there, close to the river, often offer boat rentals. Then you can go on your own tour to some of the prettiest spots. A great many paths run all along the banks of the river. With that, they give space to walkers and cyclists wanting those pleasant views over the river itself. As I was saying, boat tours really change how you experience things from the Nantes’ bustle. So, it seems that this trip will offer different things to the activities on dry land.

5. Visit the Parc de la Beaujoire

The Parc de la Beaujoire is another gem, situated close to the Japanese garden, providing wide expanses, as well as botanical diversity. Maybe most of you know, that that garden really stands out through Nantes thanks to the international flower show, the ‘Floralies Internationales’, yet still has a lovely outdoor area year round. Very great, for anyone that loves horticulture, the park hosts a selection of different plants, such as some unique kinds within its botanical collections. Just being there could prove useful in appreciating nature.

It’s almost as if its green open spaces offer perfect settings to be active outdoors, whether taking a walk, maybe going for a relaxing picnic, or even doing jogging in a safe setting. As well, that setting lends itself ideally to relaxing with your family, it turns out. What happens, therefore, you have children and just a couple hours to relax; this, too, is something they would also appreciate. Still, don’t discount it for getting close to nature just right outside the busy area.