Eco Hotels in Nantes
🏰 Château des Ducs🐘 Grand Éléphant🌿 Green Capital🎨 Creative City🚋 Electric Tram🌊 Loire & Erdre
Stay in sustainable accommodation in Nantes, named European Green Capital. Best price guarantee — 1 tonne CO₂ removed per booking. EUR5 free credit for new members, 5% cashback on every stay.
25K+
Green-Certified Partners
🌿 Best price guaranteed — same price as Booking.com. 1 tonne CO₂ removed per booking. Browse all eco-hotels in Nantes.
Book Hotels in Nantes →Why Stay in Nantes?
Nantes is the city that reinvented itself. Once a gritty port and industrial centre on the Loire River, it spent the past three decades transforming into one of France's most exciting, creative, and environmentally progressive cities. Named European Green Capital in 2013, Nantes now boasts over 100 parks and gardens, 1,000 km of cycle paths, an entirely electric tram network, and a thriving sustainable food scene. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne — the castle of the Dukes of Brittany — anchors the medieval Bouffay quarter with its half-timbered houses and winding pedestrian lanes. Across the Loire on the Île de Nantes, the former shipyards have been reimagined as a cultural playground anchored by Les Machines de l'Île, where a 12-metre mechanical elephant carries passengers through the streets.
Nantes was the historic capital of Brittany, and while it's now part of the Pays de la Loire administrative region, the city retains its proud Breton identity. The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, a Gothic masterpiece built between the 15th and 19th centuries, houses the tomb of François II, the last Duke of Brittany — a Renaissance sculpture considered one of the finest in France. The Passage Pommeraye, an exquisite 19th-century shopping arcade with marble staircases and ornate ironwork, is a monument to the city's mercantile past. Jules Verne, the father of science fiction, was born here, and his spirit of imagination and invention infuses the city's cultural life. For sustainable travellers, Nantes is a dream — walkable, bikeable, green, and filled with eco-conscious restaurants, shops, and hotels. Book through IMPT for best price guarantee, 1 tonne CO₂ removed, and 5% cashback.
At a Glance
Department
Loire-Atlantique
Nearest Airport
NTE (10 km)
Things to Do in Nantes
Château des Ducs de Bretagne
The 15th-century castle of the Dukes of Brittany dominates the eastern edge of the historic centre. The Musée d'Histoire de Nantes inside traces the city's story from its Gallo-Roman origins to the slave trade and modern reinvention. Walk the ramparts for free; museum entry EUR8. Allow 2 hours.
Les Machines de l'Île
The city's most extraordinary attraction: a mechanical bestiary created in the former shipyards. The 12-metre-tall Grand Éléphant carries 50 passengers and sprays water from its trunk. The Carrousel des Mondes Marins is a three-storey mechanical merry-go-round of sea creatures. Pure Jules Verne-inspired wonder.
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul
A Gothic masterpiece built over 457 years (1434–1891). The soaring interior features the magnificent Tomb of François II, a Renaissance marble sculpture by Michel Colombe. The cathedral's white stone facade is unlike any other in France. Free entry; note the cathedral is undergoing restoration after a 2020 fire.
Passage Pommeraye
An exquisite 19th-century covered shopping arcade built on a steep slope between two streets, with marble staircases, ornate ironwork, and neoclassical statuary. Opened in 1843, it's one of France's most beautiful shopping arcades. The boutiques and cafés within are worth visiting regardless of whether you shop.
Jardin des Plantes
A magnificent 7-hectare botanical garden established in 1807, with 10,000+ plant species, a Japanese garden, Victorian greenhouses, and whimsical topiary sculptures by artist Claude Ponti. Free entry. The garden benches made from recycled materials embody Nantes' green philosophy. A perfect picnic spot.
Erdre River Boat Trip
The Erdre, often called France's most beautiful river, winds north from Nantes through a landscape of châteaux and wooded banks. Bateaux Nantais operates 1.5-hour cruises passing 18th-century mansions and the Château de la Gascherie. The riverbanks within Nantes are lined with bars, restaurants, and cycle paths.
Where to Stay — Best Areas in Nantes
Bouffay — Medieval Heart
The historic centre with half-timbered houses, the château, and Nantes' best nightlife. Pedestrianised streets, countless restaurants and bars, 15 minutes' walk to the Île de Nantes. The most atmospheric area, though it can be lively at night — ideal for those who want to be in the centre of everything.
Graslin — Elegant 18th-Century
Nantes' most elegant quarter, centred on Place Royale and Place Graslin. The Théâtre Graslin (neoclassical opera house) and Passage Pommeraye are here. Fine dining, cocktail bars, and luxury boutiques. Quieter than Bouffay at night, with a sophisticated atmosphere. Best for couples and culture.
Île de Nantes — Creative Quarter
The former shipyard island transformed into Nantes' most dynamic district. Les Machines de l'Île, the Hangar à Bananes nightlife strip, legal graffiti walls, and the Palais de Justice (Jean Nouvel's striking black cube). Modern hotels in converted industrial buildings. Best for design lovers and explorers.
Hauts-Pavés — Residential Charm
A quiet, leafy neighbourhood north of the centre with excellent value hotels and guesthouses. The Jardin des Plantes is on its southern edge. Local bakeries, small bistros, and a genuine neighbourhood atmosphere. Tram line connects directly to the centre in 5 minutes. Best for families and longer stays.
Eco Hotels in Nantes
Sustainable hotels in France's European Green Capital. Best price guarantee, 1 tonne CO₂ removed, 5% cashback on every booking.
Radisson Blu Hotel Nantes ★★★★
Bouffay — 4-star eco-certified hotel in the former Palais de Justice. Green Key certified, rooftop terrace with city views. Steps from the château. Sustainable sourcing, energy-efficient design.
From €130/night
Okko Hotels Nantes Château ★★★★
Bouffay — Design-forward 4-star near the château. Eco-certified, organic breakfast, 24/7 'club' lounge with free snacks and drinks. Rainwater harvesting. Excellent value for the location and quality.
From €95/night
Hôtel Amiral ★★★
Graslin — Eco-conscious 3-star in a quiet street near Place Royale. Organic toiletries, local breakfast sourcing. Walking distance to everything. Family-run with personal service. Great value.
From €72/night
Mercure Nantes Centre Gare ★★★★
Graslin — Green Key certified 4-star near the train station and Jardin des Plantes. Modern design, excellent soundproofing, fitness room. Perfect for train travellers exploring by tram and foot.
From €85/night
Hôtel La Pérouse ★★★★
Graslin — Designer eco-hotel built into the hillside near the château. Sustainable architecture, local materials. Each room is unique with sculptures integrated into the walls. Spa and hammam.
From €115/night
Ibis Styles Nantes Centre Gare ★★★
Graslin — Budget-friendly eco-certified hotel near the train station. All-inclusive breakfast, free WiFi, family rooms. Green Key certified. Excellent base for sustainable city exploration on foot and tram.
From €68/night
Walks & Experiences in Nantes
🌿 Île de Nantes Art Trail
Distance: 3 km · Duration: 2 hours · Difficulty: Easy. Start at Les Machines de l'Île, follow the giant green line (a painted trail that connects Nantes' cultural sights) through the Parc des Chantiers, past the Anneaux de Buren (illuminated rings on the quay), to the Hangar à Bananes. Urban art, industrial heritage, river views.
🛶 Erdre Riverbank Walk
Distance: 4 km · Duration: 1.5 hours · Difficulty: Easy. Follow the Erdre from the city centre north along the Quai de Versailles. The river widens into a lakelike expanse lined with 18th-century mansions (folies nantaises). Continue to the Île de Versailles, a Japanese-inspired island garden. Flat, pushchair-friendly paths.
🏛️ Historic Centre Circuit
Distance: 2 km · Duration: 1.5 hours · Difficulty: Easy. Château des Ducs → Bouffay quarter → Place Royale → Passage Pommeraye → Place Graslin → Cours Cambronne. Covers all major landmarks and Nantes' most beautiful architecture. Plenty of café stops along the way.
Nearby Cities & Day Trips from Nantes
Frequently Asked Questions — Nantes Eco Hotels
Why is Nantes considered one of Europe's greenest cities?
Nantes was named European Green Capital in 2013 and has continued to lead on urban sustainability. The city was the first in France to reintroduce electric trams (1985), and its public transport network is now 100% electric. It has over 100 parks, 1,000 km of cycle paths, and a strong urban agriculture programme. The city's food policy prioritises local, organic procurement for schools and public institutions. The Loire and Erdre riverbanks have been restored as public green spaces. Nantes also pioneered participatory democracy in urban planning, with citizens directly involved in major projects. For eco-conscious travellers, it's hard to find a more aligned city — and booking through IMPT amplifies your impact with 1 tonne of CO₂ removed per hotel stay.
How walkable is Nantes and what's the best way to get around?
Nantes is exceptionally walkable. The historic centre (Bouffay, Graslin) is compact — you can cross it in 20 minutes on foot. The Île de Nantes is a 15-minute walk from the centre. For longer distances, Nantes has one of France's best public transport networks: three tram lines (all electric), a Busway (dedicated-lane electric buses), and regular bus services. Single tickets cost EUR1.70, or get a 24-hour pass (EUR5.80). The Bicloo bike-share scheme offers 1,200 bikes at 100 stations. Cycling is the native mode of transport here — the city has over 1,000 km of bike lanes and paths. The green line painted on the ground connects major attractions on a 10 km walking route.
What's the best day trip from Nantes?
The Muscadet wine region, 20 km southeast of Nantes, is the classic day trip. The village of Clisson, with its Italianate architecture and ruined castle overlooking the Sèvre Nantaise river, is beautiful in its own right and surrounded by vineyards producing Muscadet — a crisp, mineral white wine perfect with oysters and seafood. Many domaines offer tastings (Domaine de la Bretonnière and Château du Coing are good starting points). For coastal scenery, the fishing port of Pornic (45 min by train) offers a medieval castle, a sandy beach, and excellent seafood restaurants. The town of Guérande (1h by car) is famous for its salt marshes and perfectly preserved medieval walls.
What food specialities should I try in Nantes?
Nantes' culinary identity blends Loire Valley traditions with coastal Breton influences. The essential specialities include: Muscadet wine (the local white), beurre blanc sauce (a Nantes invention — white butter sauce with shallots and vinegar, classically served with pike or other river fish), gâteau nantais (a rum-soaked almond cake), berlingots de Nantes (colourful boiled sweets), and curé nantais (a local washed-rind cheese). The city's coastal proximity means excellent seafood — especially oysters, mussels, and sardines. The Talensac Market (Tuesday–Sunday) is the city's best food market. Crêperies throughout Bouffay serve authentic Breton galettes (savoury buckwheat crêpes) and sweet crêpes — Nantes may be in Pays de la Loire administratively, but its food is decidedly Breton.
Do I need a car to visit Nantes?
No — Nantes is one of the best cities in France to visit without a car. The city centre is compact and walkable, the tram and bus network is excellent, and the extensive cycle paths make biking a joy. The train station (Gare de Nantes) is centrally located with direct TGV connections from Paris (2h), Bordeaux (2.5h), and Rennes (1h). Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) is 10 km southwest with a direct airport shuttle bus to the city centre (20 min, EUR9). For day trips to Muscadet vineyards or the coast, trains connect to Pornic (45 min) and buses serve the surrounding region. If you choose to rent a car, most eco-hotels in central Nantes offer limited parking — check when booking through IMPT.
🌿 Explore France's European Green Capital — Book sustainable hotels. Best price guaranteed, 1 tonne CO₂ removed, 5% cashback.
Book Eco Hotels in Nantes →
