10 Things to Do in Nantes on a Small Budget

Voyage à Nantes Green Line (La Ligne Verte du Voyage à Nantes) is a green line on the ground in the city centre that will lead you to adventure. If something in Nantes can be appreciated and enjoyed from the pavement, there's a good chance that this line will take you right by it.

Given that this line is just part of the ground, you don't have to pay anything to embark on this adventure. Along the way, you'll find yourself passing through all the iconic monuments in town as well as impressive architecture and historic alleys. The line stretches all throughout the city centre.

The Pass Nantes is one of the most budget-friendly ways to explore the city, offering transportation and access to attractions at a discount. This pass comes in many different forms, but they all offer tickets for public transportation and tickets to attractions like museums and galleries.

Make sure you consider how long your holiday is because the major difference between the pass types is how long they're good for. Of course, the more days your pass is good for, the more overall savings you can enjoy. You can get a pass conveniently online.

The Nantes museums are some of the best attractions in the entire city, and access to these institutions of culture, history and art are often cheap or even free. Local museums cover all sorts of topics, with history museums showcasing local history as well as history from around the world.

When you visit local museums, you'll find that many are simply free to access. Others will cost a few euros to get in, with children being cheaper than adults if not outright free. Keep in mind, however, that the Pass Nantes can offer additional discounts on museums you may want to take advantage of. Most museums in town are in or around the city centre.

Procé Park (Parc de Procé) was once a park designed for the upper classes but is now available to all people completely free to enjoy its impressive plant life. The trees at this park are especially impressive, with some that are more than a century old, like Atlas cedars and sequoias.

Aside from the trees, you'll also find a merry-go-round and kiddie slides, which are perfect for families travelling on a budget. You'll also find 4 sculptures in the park along with a playground and paddling pool. It's located a mile or so north-west of the city centre.

The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes) is a stunning church with fascinating crypts. The church was completed in 1893, but the first stones were laid as far back as 1434, so you'll be exploring a relic of the past.

This church is known for the Tomb of Francois II, which is a Renaissance masterpiece in its own right. You'll also be able to explore the crypts, which is an 11th-century Roman construction housing a history exhibit. Access is free. It's located on the east side of the city centre.

Jardin Extraordinaire is a unique garden set up in an old quarry where you'll find vibrant greenery and exotic plants on display. It's a relatively new addition to the city, opening in 2019 with all its natural splendour. It's set up in a semi-circle shape among steep granite cliffs.

When you visit, you'll find plenty of plants native to France alongside some that are more exotic and from other continents. The microclimate is suitable for them since the southern part of the garden is slightly warmer than the side by the river. It's all free to visit and is located on the northern riverbank across from Trentemoult.

Île Feydeau is a historic island district in town that sports a remarkably well-preserved 18th-century character surrounded by grassy banks. It's one of the most aesthetically alluring districts of the city even if it's technically not an island anymore due to the passage of time.

When you visit this district, you'll be able to see maritime traders' mansions lining the streets with their ornate balconies and facades sporting the best of 18th-century design. Seeing this opulence as well as strolling through the surrounding grassy areas is completely free. It's located just south of the city centre.

Nantes Water Mirror (Le Miroir d'Eau de Nantes) is an artificial body of water in front of the castle that regularly activates several fountains as well. For the most part, this impressive water feature has just 2 centimetres of water on its surface, creating a reflection of the castle.

When the fountains are activated, you can enjoy a refreshing mist. Kids especially enjoy playing in the fountain, so it's particularly popular for travellers who have kids with them. The jets activate about 10 minutes per hour and are even illuminated in various colours after sunset. It's free and located in eastern Feydeau on the castle's south side.

The Nantes markets have much to offer travellers on a budget, including fresh food, custom handicrafts and other items from the local community. Most of the markets focus on local food being farmers' markets with fruit and veg for sale alongside fresh meat and fish.

If you're looking for something to take home, keep an eye out for handicrafts among the market stalls. Several antiques are available as well. To find the best bargains, be sure to check out flea markets more than anything else. These markets are common throughout just about every district in town and in the surrounding area.