Nantes

Nantes, in the Loire-Atlantique department, is best explored on foot or by bike around its historic centre and the Île de Nantes. The Château des ducs de Bretagne, surrounded by its moat, traces the city's history and hosts temporary exhibitions; a pass granting access to partner museums is available for around €10 per person. On the Île de Nantes, the Machines de l'île, including the famous Grand Éléphant, draw visitors both by day and in the evening, when the Quai des Antilles comes alive. The Passage Pommeraye, a 19th-century covered shopping arcade, is well worth a visit in the city centre, along with the Miroir d'eau and the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral. The Jardin des Plantes provides a pleasant green space for a break, while the Île de Versailles, with its Japanese garden, is ideal for a stroll along the Erdre river. For a bite to eat on the Île de Nantes, la cantine sur l'île de Nantes is a recommended spot. The city is also known for its distinctive road layout, featuring several roundabouts in succession through the centre. The Commerce district is lively in the evenings.