Things to do in Nantes

What to see

• Les Machines de l'île — The mechanical Grand Elephant and the Galerie des Machines on the former shipyards, inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci; book ahead at weekends and holidays.
• Château des ducs de Bretagne — The late-15th-century castle in the city centre; rampart walks and courtyards are free, and the Nantes History Museum sits inside.
• The green line (Ligne verte) — A painted line on the ground, free all year, linking 70+ stops: landmarks, courtyards and public artworks across the city.
• Passage Pommeraye — The elegant 19th-century covered shopping arcade with ornate staircases, between the centre and Place Royale.
• Jardin des Plantes — The free botanical garden near the art museum, the city's calm break between sights.
• Mémorial de l'abolition de l'esclavage — The memorial along the Quai de la Fosse, facing the history Nantes does not hide.