Nantes sits on the Loire, about 50 km from the Atlantic, and belongs historically and culturally to Brittany. The city is known as la Cité des Ducs for its castle and former role as a ducal residence, and its old quays and river channels once earned it the nickname "Venice of the West".
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the railway station and the city centre are the two anchors, with the station area offering the densest concentration of places to stay and the centre putting you within walking distance of the main sights. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how to match an area to your budget and travel style.
Best areas to stay in Nantes
1. Around the railway station (Gare de Nantes)
This is the most practical base for most visitors, especially first-timers arriving by train. The area has lots and lots of chain hotels, from simple budget options to comfortable mid-price places, and several sit within a few hundred metres of the station itself. It suits travellers who want easy connections and a straightforward place to sleep rather than atmosphere on the doorstep.
The station area is central and well connected, so you can reach the rest of the city quickly. If you are sensitive to noise or prefer a quieter setting, note that this is a busy transport hub, and some rooms in the area are described as poky.
2. City centre (around Place Royale and Passage Pommeraye)
The centre is the choice if you want to be within walking distance of the sights, shopping and restaurants. Accommodation here includes small central hotels, some now part of larger chains, and smart business hotels. It suits visitors who prioritise location and are happy to pay a little more for it.
One practical point: some central properties are small, so room sizes vary. Being in the centre means you can walk to much of what you want to see rather than relying on transport.
3. North of the centre (around Rue Jean Jaurès)
Just north of the centre you find slick, clean budget hotels, some with their own parking. This area suits budget-conscious travellers and those travelling by car who still want to be close to the centre.
It is roughly 500 metres north of the centre, so the main sights remain reachable on foot while you get a slightly quieter base.
4. Petit Port area (north of the city)
About 5 km north of the centre, this area is home to a clean, well-run campsite open year-round, on the tram route into the centre. It suits campers, motorists and travellers who want a low-cost base with a direct public transport link.
The tram connection is the key practical point: you can stay outside the centre and still reach it easily without a car.
5. La Chapelle-sur-Erdre (edge of the city)
About 12 km north of the city centre, this edge-of-city area has modern accommodation with a pool, and it is good for motorists. It suits travellers with a car who prefer a quieter, out-of-town setting.
Note that it is well outside the centre, so you will depend on driving to reach the sights, and rooms in this kind of property may lack safes.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: campsites on the tram route into the centre, simple chain hotels, and student accommodation bureaux that may be able to place you in university residences during vacation periods.
- Mid-range: the widest choice, concentrated around the railway station and in the centre — comfortable chain hotels, small central hotels, and smart business hotels, some with spacious family rooms.
- Splurge: modern edge-of-city properties with facilities such as a pool, aimed at motorists and travellers wanting more space and amenities.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around the railway station. It has the largest concentration of accommodation at every level, it is central, and it connects you easily to the rest of the city whether you arrive by train or not. If you would rather wake up among the sights, the city centre around Place Royale and Passage Pommeraye is the alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I am arriving by train?
The area around the railway station is the obvious choice, with many chain hotels within a few hundred metres of the station on both its north and south sides.
Where can I stay cheaply in Nantes?
Look at the campsite north of the centre on the tram route, simple budget chain hotels, and the student accommodation bureau, which may be able to place you in university residences during vacation periods.
Which area is best if I have a car?
The edge-of-city area at La Chapelle-sur-Erdre is good for motorists, and some hotels north of the centre have their own parking.
Is the city centre a good base for sightseeing?
Yes. Staying in the centre, around Place Royale and Passage Pommeraye, puts you within walking distance of the main sights, though some central rooms are small.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.