Weather in Nantes

About Nantes

Nantes reinvents itself annually—mechanical elephants walk through squares carrying tourists, street art explodes across warehouses, and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne anchors everything in medieval history. This Loire city pulses with creative ambition.

Country

France

Best months to visit

June, July, August, September

Currency

EUR

Language

French

Things to do in Nantes

Ride the mechanical elephant (Les Machines de l'Île) Explore the Château des Ducs de Bretagne Visit the Musée Beaux-Arts (comprehensive art collection) Stroll the Loire riverside and quays Browse the transformed industrial Île de Nantes Attend street performances and festivals year-round

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with some rainy days.

February

11C

Cool, with some rainy days.

March

13C

Cool, with some rainy days.

April

16C

Cool, with occasional showers.

May

19C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

June

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

July

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

August

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

September

23C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

October

18C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

November

13C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

10C

Cool, with some rainy days.

Nantes has reinvented its industrial waterfront with some of France's most playful public art — a giant mechanical elephant roams the former shipyards of Ile de Nantes, part of Les Machines de l'Ile, while the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne anchors a city that was once the capital of Brittany. Add a thriving food and bar scene and easy access to the Loire-Atlantique coast, and Nantes has quietly become one of France's most liveable cities.

Best areas to stay in Nantes

Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne

The moated castle and museum at the heart of the old city, with free access to its courtyards.

Ile de Nantes

The former shipyards, now home to Les Machines de l'Ile and its giant mechanical elephant.

Bouffay Quarter

The medieval old town, packed with bars, restaurants and half-timbered buildings.

Passage Pommeraye

An ornate 19th-century covered shopping arcade in the city centre.

Getting to Nantes

✈

Flights

Nantes Atlantique Airport has direct flights from the UK and across Europe, about 20 minutes from the centre.

⏱

From London

~1.5 hours by air from London; ~2 hours by TGV from Paris.

🚕

Getting around

An extensive tram network covers the city, including Ile de Nantes; the centre is also very walkable.

Frequently asked questions

What are Les Machines de l'Ile?

An ongoing art project on the former shipyards featuring giant mechanical animals, most famously a 12-metre elephant that carries passengers on a slow walk around the site.

Is the Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne worth visiting?

Yes — the moated castle in the city centre houses a museum on Nantes' history and offers free access to its courtyards and ramparts walk.

Can I visit the coast from Nantes?

Yes — La Baule's sandy beaches and the resort town of Pornic are both within about an hour by train or car, popular for day trips in summer.

What is Nantes' food scene like?

Strong and varied, with a notable craft beer and natural wine scene, plus the historic Passage Pommeraye shopping arcade and several covered markets.

How walkable is Nantes?

Very — the city centre, castle and Ile de Nantes are connected by an extensive tram network and walkable riverside paths.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Riding the giant elephant at Les Machines de l'Ile was a genuinely unique experience — felt like nowhere else we'd been in France. The castle and old town were lovely too.

Gaspard L. · August 2024

★★★★☆

Spent a long weekend and took the train out to La Baule for a beach day — easy and a nice contrast to the city's industrial-chic art scene.

Becky N. · May 2023

★★★★★

Nantes' bar and food scene was a real surprise — Bouffay quarter in the evening was buzzing. The Passage Pommeraye is stunning, worth a look even if you're not shopping.

Theo M. · October 2024