Nantes: The 6th Biggest City in France – Is it Worth it?

Remember how I mentioned my next destination would be the 6th biggest city in France? The one where families cool off in fountains and where a castle still breathes history? Got any guesses? If you said Nantes, congrats – you nailed it! Welcome to this gem on the Loire River.

Nantes, also known as the capital of Brittany (although some Bretons might roll their eyes at that claim), is just a 50-minute train ride from La Roche-sur-Yon. The ticket? Around 11 euros. For us Erasmus students, that price stung a bit, but hey, sometimes you’ve got to loosen the wallet if you want to make memories. And let me tell you, this trip wasn’t about saving – we went all out on experiences and, yep, spent a little extra.

Was it worth it? Absolutely. Every penny, every moment. Over three weeks of pure adventure. And if you’ve got the chance to join an Erasmus+ program, don’t even hesitate. The worst that can happen? You’ll make new friends, see the world, and walk away with stories you’ll tell forever.

Where to Start Once You Step Off the Train?

Our adventure kicked off at Jardin des Plantes, and let me tell you, this park feels straight out of a movie. Green everywhere, cozy benches, a peaceful pond, and—wait for it—clay bear sculptures. Yes, a bear made of clay. Don’t question it; this is France. Logic takes a backseat here, and honestly, we’re here for it. In fact, some things are literally upside down—more on that later.

At the entrance, we were greeted by an elderly French gentleman, clearly curious about who we were and what brought us here. Classic French vibes: baguettes tucked under his arm, fresh from the bakery, and a look of pure excitement to devour them at home. He tried to strike up a conversation, but while we wrestled with our limited French, he gave his best shot at English. The result? A lot of confused nodding and smiling, but we waved goodbye like old friends and had a good laugh.

Walking through the park was amazing, but I have to give a special shoutout to the legendary bench. This thing was massive—like it was built for giant visitors or some secret oversized society. If you know, you know. If you don’t, well, I suggest you check out my previous post (link). Trust me, it’s worth it.

Gothic Cathedral Saint Pierre et Saint Paul

Our next stop was the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Saint Pierre et Saint Paul. This Gothic masterpiece, started in 1434 and finished almost 500 years later, is one of the tallest cathedrals in France. Up close, it’s even more impressive—majestic and commanding, with its smooth facade stretching skyward.

Unlike the curvier, more intricate style of Saint Elizabeth’s Cathedral in Košice, this one feels almost minimalist in its symmetry, like a stone giant standing proud. Unfortunately, we didn’t go inside—maybe we were just too hungry. So, instead of divine inspiration, we went in search of something equally sacred: pizza.

”Sunday Lunch”

Our foodie break landed us at Basilic & Co, a local gem serving up some of the best pizza we had on this trip. Think fresh ingredients, a perfectly soft center, and satisfyingly crispy edges. Add to that friendly staff and a chill atmosphere—it’s a solid thumbs-up from me.

Of course, I had to pair my pizza with a Coca-Cola. Sadly, no Zero. Tragic for some, tolerable for others—if you know, you know. 😉 The cherry on top? This cozy pizzeria just so happens to be right on the way to our next stop. Perfect planning, or just hungry luck?

Castle: Château des Ducs de Bretagne

On our stroll, we stumbled upon a castle—a proper medieval gem from the 13th century that’s anything but your average tourist attraction. This isn’t just a historical site; it’s a peaceful haven where history and relaxation blend seamlessly. As we approached the gates, we noticed something rare for France: no bustling crowds of tourists. Instead, a few locals were soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Surrounding the castle is a charming moat with water reflecting the stone walls, home to some very content ducks. Oh, and here’s the kicker—access to the courtyard is completely free. Yes, you read that right. In France, free entry to a historical site feels like finding gold. Naturally, we had to explore. Link to photo HERE.

The castle, once the residence of the Dukes of Brittany, towers over the city of Nantes as a steadfast guardian of its past. With its mighty walls, it was the perfect spot for a walk, and we didn’t waste any time getting started. As we wandered along the ramparts, we found ourselves at a height offering a stunning view of the city and its surroundings. From up here, we also got an interesting perspective on the locals relaxing in the pedestrian zone, where there was a fountain. But this wasn’t just any fountain. It was something special. In fact, I was so captivated by the moment that I forgot to take pictures—trust me, it was that impressive.

Inside the castle, you’ll find a treasure trove of history with a museum dedicated to the history of Nantes, full of fascinating artifacts and stories. But while the museum is undoubtedly worth visiting, we were more in the mood for the outdoor experience. The entrance fee is 9€, but we opted out. The tranquil courtyard, with its ancient stone walls and gentle breeze, created the perfect atmosphere for a moment of relaxation. We paused for a while, letting the place transport us back in time, taking in the view from the ramparts and pondering our next steps. Link to photos HERE and HERE.

Miroir d’Eau

As we strolled along the castle walls and looked down at the pedestrian zone, a view unfolded before us. The Miroir d’Eau fountain, so sleek and long, almost looked like a giant mirror or runway. Tiny geysers pop up from the ground, creating a perfect playground for families with small kids. Seriously, who needs a pool when you’ve got this? Towels and blankets are laid out around the fountain, and babies in diapers are splashing away like they’re at a water park. Of course, there were bigger kids too, but let’s hope they weren’t in their birthday suits. The photo is from the castle walls of Château des Ducs de Bretagne.

Art Museum: When Literally Everything Is Art

What came next, you might ask? Hold on, I’ll tell you in a sec. It’s the Musée d’Arts de Nantes, the art museum. It cost us 9 euros to get in, but trust me, it was totally worth it. The building itself, dating back to the 19th century, will blow you away – a perfect mix of classicism and modern design.

And inside? Everything turned into art! Majestic paintings that honestly leave me wondering how people managed to paint stuff like that hundreds of years ago. Nowadays, we’ve got printers, and it’s almost impossible to tell the difference. There were also some weird, bizarre installations, like a pile of towels or “people lying on the ground making strange noises.” This art cracked us up so much that we decided to become art ourselves. We laid on the floor until some other visitors embarrassed us.

There were also newborn babies, people literally standing on their heads, and a group of people positioned in such a weird way, as if they were creating some kind of artwork. Personally, I couldn’t figure out what it was supposed to represent. But if you want to have a laugh and experience some interesting art, definitely stop by the Musée d’Arts in Nantes.

Ending the Day with a Beer.

We ended the day at Place du Bouffay, a lively square surrounded by bars perfect for an evening hangout. We headed to Le 13 et 3 for one (or maybe two) refreshing beers. Right in the square, we noticed the sculpture Éloge du Pas de Côté by artist Philippe Ramette. This unique piece shows a man in a suit balancing on one leg, as if he’s ready to step out of his comfort zone. The sculpture is a metaphor for the courage to make decisions that go beyond the norm, reminding us that sometimes it’s good to take a step aside to see things from a different angle. Here’s a photo for reference, because I didn’t capture the sculpture. Link HERE.

The symbolism of the artwork resonated with us—perhaps that’s exactly what we’d been doing all day: exploring Nantes from a different perspective. And I’ll admit, on that hot day, after two stronger French beers, our balance felt a bit… “creative.” But it’s moments like these, when history, art, and relaxation come together, that make traveling such a unique experience. Place du Bouffay showed us that even the simplest moments have their own magic.

Right there on the square, we stumbled upon a Rockstar Energy promo event—who would’ve thought you’d get a free energy drink in Nantes? If energy drinks aren’t your thing, you can always brighten someone else’s day (good deed accomplished!).

And one more thing—everywhere you look here, people are playing pétanque. At the Cours Saint-Pierre park, we counted at least 10 courts, and everyone—from grandmas to kids—was throwing boules as if their lives depended on it. If you’re looking for chill vibes, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

Just behind Saint Pierre et Saint Paul Cathedral, you’ll also find the Colonne Louis XVI, a monument from 1790 honoring Louis XVI and symbolizing France’s monarchy and revolutionary period. I thought I had a photo, but I didn’t—so here’s a link for reference. Link HERE.

This is just a glimpse of what Nantes has to offer. The city has an incredible charm, and I’ll definitely be back. So, keep an eye on my blog and get ready for more adventures—next up, it’s all about wartime history and Napoleon. Can’t wait to share it with you!

And do you know what our most frequent train route was? You’ll find out in the next post!

Flying Easterner

Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden