Off the Beaten Track Nantes and the Atlantic Coast by Train – Art, Industry and Wild Seaside Escapes

Harbour of Trentemoult, near Nantes

Nantes is one of France’s most inventive and underrated cities — creative, youthful and constantly evolving. Paired with the nearby Atlantic coast, it offers a refreshing alternative to Provence or Paris: industrial heritage, contemporary art, river walks, seafood ports and wide, windswept beaches. Best of all, Nantes and its surrounding coast are easy to explore by train, tram and local buses, making this an ideal car-free weekend escape. This guide covers what to see, how to get around, cultural context, hidden highlights, where to eat, where to stay, and how to enjoy a relaxed, alternative 48 hours in Nantes and along the Atlantic coast.

Why Go?

Nantes feels experimental and alive. It blends maritime history with bold public art, converted docklands and a strong creative identity. Add in easy access to the Atlantic — oyster beds, fishing ports and long coastal walks — and you get a weekend that feels spacious, salty and different from anywhere else in France.

A Bit of History

Once a major port on the Loire, Nantes grew wealthy through shipbuilding and global trade. In the 20th century, industrial decline left large dockland areas abandoned. Rather than erase this past, the city reinvented itself — transforming warehouses, shipyards and factories into cultural spaces, galleries and creative districts. This blend of industry and imagination defines modern Nantes.

What to Expect

Expect a relaxed but creative city, easy to walk and cycle, with trams gliding through open plazas and riverside paths. Nantes feels youthful, with strong local pride, independent shops and an emphasis on culture rather than monuments. Along the coast, expect open skies, fresh seafood, small ports and dramatic tides.

Five Things to See and Do

Les Machines de l’Île: A former shipyard turned mechanical art park, home to the famous giant elephant.

Île de Nantes Riverside Walks: Creative architecture, public art and views over the Loire.

Trentemoult: A colourful former fishing village across the river, reached by ferry.

Clisson: A Tuscan-style town south of Nantes with stone bridges and vineyards.

Atlantic Coast Day Trip: Wide beaches, fishing ports and fresh sea air within an hour of the city.

Food Culture

Nantes cuisine reflects river, ocean and farmland. Expect seafood from the Atlantic, oysters from nearby estuaries, beurre blanc sauces, fresh vegetables and excellent regional wines. Eating here is relaxed and unfussy, with strong emphasis on freshness and seasonality.

Local Food Explained

Beurre Blanc: Classic Loire butter sauce served with fish.

Oysters & Mussels: From the Atlantic coast and nearby estuaries.

Curé Nantais: A soft, washed-rind local cheese.

Galettes: Buckwheat crêpes often filled with seafood or cheese.

Muscadet: Crisp white wine from vineyards just south of Nantes.

Where to Eat

La Cigale: Historic brasserie with Belle Époque interiors.

Pickles: Seasonal, creative cooking with local ingredients.

Le Nid: Cocktail bar inside a giant bird sculpture overlooking the city.

Les Chants d’Avril: Thoughtful, vegetable-forward modern cuisine.

Marché de Talensac: Best spot for casual lunches and local produce.

Where to Stay

SOZO Hotel: Former chapel turned boutique hotel near the Jardin des Plantes.

Okko Hotels Nantes Château: Modern comfort close to the historic centre.

Hotel Billie: Stylish, creative and centrally located.

Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites: Comfortable option near transport links.

Off the Beaten Track

Trentemoult: A former sailors’ village with brightly painted houses, cafés and river views — reached by Navibus ferry from central Nantes.

Atlantic Coast Day Trips from Nantes (By Train)

Saint-Nazaire

Why go: Shipbuilding heritage, submarine base and wide beaches.

By train: ~45 minutes from Nantes.

Le Croisic

Why go: Traditional fishing port, coastal walks and seafood restaurants.

By train: ~1h15 direct.

Pornic

Why go: Cliff-top paths, small coves and relaxed seaside atmosphere.

By train: ~50 minutes.

Clisson

Why go: Italian-inspired architecture, vineyards and river walks.

By train: ~25 minutes.

How to Get There by Train

From Paris: TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Nantes in around 2 hours.

Getting Around: Trams and buses across Nantes, Navibus ferry to Trentemoult,TER trains for coastal day trips

Everything mentioned is reachable without a car!

Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Nantes by train. Explore Île de Nantes and Les Machines. Lunch at the market. Afternoon tram to Trentemoult. Evening drinks at Le Nid and dinner in the historic centre.

Day 2

Morning train to Le Croisic or Pornic for coastal walks and seafood lunch. Return to Nantes mid-afternoon. Final stroll or museum visit before heading home by train.

Real Travel Guides – Real Travel. By Rail.

I