An essential stopover on La Vélodyssée
With its well-developed cycle paths, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, the dynamic city of Nantes promises a memorable stopover on La Vélodyssée!
Nantes, a key stop on La Vélodyssée
The city of Nantes is ideally located:
- Easy access by train to join the route and return to the starting point (TGV connections from Paris, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, Strasbourg, and Montpellier, Intercités connections from Bordeaux and Lyon, TER connections from Rennes, Redon, Les Sables-d'Olonne, La Rochelle, Pornic, Le Croisic, and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie).
- Crossroads of several cycle routes: Nantes is an important junction for other cycle routes in France.
- Proximity to the Atlantic Coast: quick access to the coast to enjoy the beaches and seascapes.
What to do in Nantes in a few hours?
If you only have a few hours, focus on the historic city center. Start at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a majestic building that houses the Nantes History Museum. Then, stroll through the Bouffay district, with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, for a quick immersion in the Nantes atmosphere.
What to do in Nantes in one day?
With a day ahead of you, you can explore in more depth. Visit Les Machines de l'île, a fantastical world where you can board the Grand Éléphant or explore the Carrousel des Mondes Marins. For a lunch break, head to Talensac Market, the city's largest market, where you can sample local specialties.
In the afternoon, stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, a magnificent green space perfect for relaxing, before ending the day with a visit to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.
What to do in Nantes over several days?
To fully enjoy the city and its surroundings, choose a stay of several days in Nantes! Take a cruise on the Erdre, a river that will reveal stunning landscapes. Cycle along the Nantes-Saint Nazaire Estuary, an open-air artistic trail along the Loire. For families, a visit to the Nantes Planetarium is a must!
And of course, cycle on La Vélodyssée! From Nantes, you can reach:
- Le Pellerin and Saint-Brévin-les-Pins to the west, along the Loire
- The Nantes-Brest Canal at Blain, passing first through the Erdre and Nort-sur-Erdre
💡 Route ideas on La Vélodyssée around Nantes
- 4-day artistic tour along the Loire from Nantes to Pornic: see the route
- Zen getaway along the Nantes-Brest Canal between Nantes and Redon: see the route
Looking for a turnkey stay (accommodation booking + luggage transfers + bike rental + assistance)? Several travel agencies specializing in cycling tours offer trips departing from, arriving in, or passing through Nantes.
Discover all-inclusive cycling trips that pass through Nantes.
Tailor-made itineraries
Tailor-made itineraries
11 Nort-sur-Erdre / Nantes
12 Nantes / Le Pellerin
13 Le Pellerin / St-Brevin-les-Pins
