13 walks around Nantes

Are you in Nantes and want to explore the region for a day? Follow the guide to discover the 13 walks around Nantes!

The head of the department of Loire-Atlantique is a city of province very appreciated by locals as holidaymakers. Indeed, it lies in a just environment to satisfy everyone! In other words, neither too large nor too small; neither too quiet nor too lively. If the city of Nantes and its close suburbs, including Trentemoult, is a catching and captivating visit, it should be borne in mind that the region of Nantes is full of accessible riches. Moreover, these riches often within an hour’s drive. To help you choose between these different escapades, Wanderlix lists the best rides around Nantes.

1. Wild Planet

It is one of the walks around Nantes destined for the little ones like a big one. Sauvage Planet is one of the largest animal parks in France and is known for its safari trail. Visitors drive in the middle of a wild fauna, including many African species like lions!

The visit to the zoo is easy to take a day, especially when you are with your family. If time allows, on the way back, one can stop by the lake of Grand-Lieu with a short rest break in the quiet of the urban nuisances.

2. Clisson

When we evoke Clisson as a visit to Nantes, we think of Hellfest, the metal music festival, which takes place every year in June. For fans, it is even a must-see place. It is then far from imagined that the village that hosts this festival is at the forefront. Indeed, Clisson is a very quiet medieval village, with beautiful alleys paved with aromas of Tuscany.

Bonaparte's personal sculptor, Lemot , is the one who undertook to rebuild the flight by taking inspiration from the Tuscan style during his Italian stay. The contrast is striking today between Clisson and the rest of the department, for our greatest happiness. We stroll, we visit the castle and enjoy the good Muscadet with moderation. In short, we spend a great day in Clisson!

3. Oudon and Champtoceaux

Like Clisson, Oudon is a village nestled in the past. With its castle built at the turn of the 15th century, the city presents a medieval heritage of the foreground that will delight those who love the architecture of this era. Walking in its small streets is soothing and the atmosphere makes you feel good.

For those who have time, crossing the bridge, we arrive at another village, Champtoceaux. From there, besides the visit of the ruins of the Moulin pendu, it is possible to make a cruise over an hour on the Loire. It is therefore one of these walks around Nantes perfect the lovers of water and medieval heritage!

4. Saint-Nazaire

It is impossible to talk about Saint-Nazaire without evokeing the Atlantic Singers, symbol of the city. It is here that huge civilian or military ships are built. As a result, Saint-Nazaire is a visit around Nantes very access to the marine and places of interest prove it! If you can walk around the city centre, it is at the port that you spend most of the day.

In the first place, we visit Escal’Atlantic to return a century back and embark virtually in the luxury paquebots of the time that stopped in Saint-Nazaire. It is possible to penetrate within the Espadon submarine, an incredible experience to see how dozens of sailors can live in such a small space. Finally, the submarine base of the Second World War is also a must-see.

5. Brière Regional Natural Park and Ranrouët Castle

For those who love nature, this walk around Nantes is made for you. The park of Brière is the place to discover this beautiful region. As an originality, it is possible to make boat cruises, the local name of the boats, on the marsh. A real time of escape.

The hiking trails are numerous and the trails are marked. Also Ornithology enthusiasts, it is possible to observe multiple species of birds. Finally, those who have time will go to the ruins of the castle of Ranrouët.

6. Legendia Park

Located in Frossay, Legendia Park is a theme park/animal inspired by the theme of stories and legends, the only genre in France. It is difficult to classify it as a zoo or amusement park as it differs from others!

Legendia Park's live shows are of great quality and enjoy the little ones and the big ones. A visit around Nantes perfect for families with children, you really don't see the time to spend!

7. Saint-Jean-de-Monts

The seaside resort of the Atlantic, Saint-Jean-de-Monts is part of the walks around Nantes very friendly. Perfect for a less crowded beach day, the city offers a moment of respite away from the urban tumult.

After a walk in the city centre, a lunch and a small coffee, you can go to the casino and go back to the City of Dukes.

8. Château de Tiffauges

Classified as a historic monument since 1957, the castle of Tiffauges is a beautiful castle in the Nantes region. Restored in the 1990s, it is today a popular tour for the Nantais as the holidaymakers. The history of the place is well explained and the view around it is superb.

9. La Baule-Escoublac

La Baule is a must-see for walks around Nantes. Indeed, the seaside resort is one of the most famous of the Atlantic coastline. It is also one of the most chic! The many beaches welcome you in the beautiful days to stay on the edge of the bay of Pouliguen.

For their part, walks along the coast are also a relaxing moment and the perfect place for a good cocktail in the summer. For players, the Barrière Casino is one of the most famous in France

10. Le Croisic and Guérande

Cities nearby, Le Croisic and Guérande are no less very different. The Croisic is a peninsula and a seaside resort where you can sit at the beach, go to the great aquarium called Océarium or admire typical places like a lighthouse or manor.

In Guérande, you change your style completely! A fortified city, the ramparts of Guérande are emblematic of the commune and the restored part is admirable. Also Guérande is renowned for its salt and it is possible to observe the salt marshes. It is therefore a very diversified visit to Nantes that we particularly appreciate!

11. Zoo de la Boissière du Doré

This visit around Nantes is usually made by family. Indeed, we know that children love zoos! This is a family animal park, of a modest size and welcoming less than 200,000 visitors each year. The zoo participates in the European breeding program for the conservation of endangered wildlife. Good thing.

12. Pornic

Within an hour’s drive, this walk around Nantes is a real time of escape. The number of activities is very diverse for such a small area. It is possible to spend the day at the beach but it would pass next to what makes the charm of Pornic. First of all, of course, the promenade around the port, at restaurants and shops, is very nice but you should not hesitate to discover the charming streets of the high city.

Then we sit in the botanical garden of the Ria to please our smell. Finally, for the most difficult ones, one borrows the Trail of the Douaniers, a hike along the side where one discovers beautiful villas, coves and seas with a loss of sight. In short, boredom is an unknown word of the Pornicians!

13. Blackoutiers

We finish our selection by the island of Noirmoutiers where is one of the most beautiful beaches of the region, the beach of Dames. A nice place to land and, in good weather, you would almost believe in the West Indies, the temperature of the water in less! Noirmoutiers is an island from which many hikes can be made, by the sea or inland.

In the town of Noirmoutiers, the castle and its abbey are the two recommended visits after a walk in the streets of the city. It is a very pleasant city center to take a coffee or lunch. Finally, Miniville Park, representing typical houses of France on the 1/8th scale, will especially please children!

And you, what are your favourite rides around Nantes? Enjoy your stay in Loire-Atlantique!