Le Voyage à Nantes - Les Justes
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Le Voyage à Nantes

4.4
·942 reviews·Nantes, France

Nantes transformed into an open-air museum, guided by a green line connecting over 50 unique art installations and attractions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Le Voyage à Nantes - Les Justes

Le Voyage à Nantes

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Nantes transformed into an open-air museum, guided by a green line connecting over 50 unique art installations and attractions.

4.4
(942 reviews)

"Perfect place to go for any tourist! The staff are super friendly and made me feel so comfortable instantly."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Follow the Green Line

The iconic green line guides you through the city's art installations and attractions.

🎟️ Get the Nantes Pass

Essential for easy access and transport. Staff are very helpful!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Les Machines de l'Île

Les Machines de l'Île

Île de Nantes

Giant mechanical creatures inspired by Jules Verne, offering a truly unique and whimsical experience.

Place Royale Installation

Place Royale Installation

Place Royale

The 'Latest Version' installation by Willem de Haan replaces historic statues with hyperrealistic figures of modern Nantes residents.

Mothership Sculpture

Mothership Sculpture

Place Graslin

A massive 17-meter sculpture by Prune Nourry, referencing Nantes' shipbuilding past and organic forms.

Absurdistan

Absurdistan

Cour de l'hôtel de Châteaubriant

Gloria Friedmann's striking installation featuring figures frozen around a central, cable-made character.

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Planning Your Visit

Follow the Green Line

Le Voyage à Nantes is an artistic itinerary guided by a green line painted on the ground, connecting over 50 artworks and attractions across the city. It's your roadmap to discovering Nantes' unique cultural offerings.

Book Your Nantes Pass

Consider purchasing the Nantes Pass for access to many attractions and public transport. Travelers found the tourist office staff incredibly helpful in explaining and setting it up. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Enjoy the city buzz
Crowd
High
When
Off-season weekdays
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ON EN PENSE QUOI DU VOYAGE À NANTES ?! 🐘 Précisons 35 millions d’euros c’est l’argent donné pour l’ensemble du @levoyageanantes #nantes #johannarolland #placeroyale #nantescommerce #fcnantes #standup
@hugolevan
109.6K likes • 1.2M views

🚶 Follow the Green Line

The iconic green line guides you through the city's art installations and attractions. Instagram

🎟️ Get the Nantes Pass

Essential for easy access and transport. Staff are very helpful! Reddit

6 months of production squeezed into 2 minutes of video. This installation on the Place Royale in Nantes (FR) is part of the summer exhibition ‘Le Voyage á Nantes’ and will remain on view for a few extra months. I’m trying to actively question the role of art as heritage in our societies. This production is a new step in a line of work reflecting on local history by directly adding to it (continui...
@thankswillem
98.1K likes • 880K views
Cette année, certaines œuvres du Voyage à Nantes estival sont temporairement prolongées : The Latest Version de Willem de Haan restera en place jusqu’au premier trimestre 2026, le temps de la restauration des statues d’origine de la fontaine de la place Royale. ** Cette fontaine monumentale reflète l’essor économique et urbain du 19e siècle. Mais que raconte encore ce monument sur la ville d’aujou...
levoyageanantes
264 likes • 7K views

📱 Download the App

The official app helps navigate the green line and attractions. Reddit

🕰️ Check Installation Durations

Some artworks, like the Place Royale installation, are extended. Instagram

Tour por Nantes parte 1 🥳 Le Voyage à Nantes 🇫🇷👏🏼 Una linea verde en el piso que conecta lo mas turistico de la ciudad!!! maravilloso ! #nantes #levoyageanantes #nantes_france🇨🇵 #francia🇨🇵 #turismo #viajes #viajeras #viajando #ugccreator #ugcfrance #ugceurope #ugccontentcreator #ugctravel #ugcviajes
piabelo
0 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Follow the Green Line

The iconic green line guides you through the city's art installations and attractions. Instagram

🎟️ Get the Nantes Pass

Essential for easy access and transport. Staff are very helpful! Reddit

📱 Download the App

The official app helps navigate the green line and attractions. Reddit

🕰️ Check Installation Durations

Some artworks, like the Place Royale installation, are extended. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to follow the route! :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(942 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Le Voyage à Nantes for its unique artistic concept and the helpfulness of the tourist office staff, particularly regarding the Nantes Pass. The city's blend of contemporary art and historical charm is a major draw, though some social media commentary has touched on safety concerns in certain areas.

"Perfect place to go for any tourist! The staff are super friendly and made me feel so comfortable instantly (I was very nervous about speaking French and adapted to English instantly). Helped with the Nantes Pass, printing it off for us, emailing it to us, and informing us of how to use it, what for, and about downloading the app.

They also have the official guide to Nantes in a few languages which has made navigating the city and planning what to do a breeze. This is absolutely a must do first for any visitor!!"

Oliver Dyche

"It is such a pleasant, relaxed and welcoming space.
In particular, staff member Aurélie was friendly, professional and extremely helpful. She mentioned the grève nationale on Wednesday - I recalled a notice I saw about it in a shop window a few days prior but I appreciated the reminder as it helped me to rearrange my plans for the week!
It is well worth stopping by to get reliable information and some inspiration about all of the wonderful things happening in this lovely city."

Dee Stein

"My wife and I recently visited Nantes for the first time, and we each bought a Pass Nantes. We had some questions as well as an initial problem with the app for Pass Nantes, so Stéphanie Petit and Magali Dissard helped us with these issues. They were great! I was really impressed with them -- prompt, efficient, courteous. Great representatives for the city of Nantes!"

Phil Speaker

What People Like

Unique artistic itinerary
Helpful tourist staff
Nantes Pass value

What People Dislike

Occasional safety concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The primary way to navigate Le Voyage à Nantes is by following the distinctive green line painted on the pavement, which connects most of the artworks and sites. Instagram For longer distances or when the line isn't convenient, Nantes has an efficient public transport system including trams and buses. The Nantes Pass often includes public transport access, making it a convenient option. Reddit

Yes, Le Voyage à Nantes is designed to be explored on foot, with the green line acting as your guide. However, the route spans a significant area of the city, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. TikTok

Absolutely! The Nantes Pass typically includes unlimited travel on the city's public transport network (trams, buses, and even free boats on weekends), which is incredibly useful for covering more ground. Reddit

While the Nantes Pass covers public transport, some Reddit users have mentioned free boats and trams on weekends as part of the city's offerings, which can be a great way to see Nantes. Reddit

The green line is marked throughout the city, and you can usually pick it up near major tourist areas or your accommodation. The official Nantes tourism office or app can provide maps and starting points. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Le Voyage à Nantes is largely an open-air art trail, meaning many installations are free to view from the outside. However, some specific attractions or museums within the route may require separate tickets or are included with the Nantes Pass. Reddit

The Nantes Pass is a city pass that grants access to numerous attractions, museums, and public transport. Many visitors find it highly valuable for saving money and simplifying their exploration of Nantes. Reddit

You can purchase the Nantes Pass at the official Nantes Tourist Office, where staff are very helpful in explaining its benefits and assisting with setup, including app downloads. Reddit

Many of the outdoor art installations, like those on Place Royale and Place Graslin, are free to view. The green line itself is a free guide to discovering these public artworks. Instagram

Opening hours vary significantly depending on the specific attraction. For outdoor installations, they are generally accessible at all times, but museums and indoor sites will have their own schedules. It's best to check the official Nantes tourism website or app for details. Reddit

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Key highlights include the whimsical Les Machines de l'Île with its giant mechanical animals,TikTok the thought-provoking 'Latest Version' installation on Place Royale,Instagram and Prune Nourry's 'Mothership' sculpture at Place Graslin. Instagram Don't miss 'Absurdistan' at the Hôtel de Châteaubriand. Instagram

The green line is a painted path on the ground that guides visitors through the city, connecting over 50 artworks and points of interest as part of the Le Voyage à Nantes itinerary. Instagram

Yes, Les Machines de l'Île is particularly captivating for children with its giant mechanical creatures. TikTok Many of the outdoor installations are also engaging for younger visitors, making it a family-friendly experience. Instagram

While generally a positive experience, some social media posts have raised concerns about safety in certain areas during the event. It's always advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-trafficked areas, especially at night. Instagram

The duration depends on your pace and how many attractions you visit. Some visitors spend a full weekend exploring the route, while others focus on key highlights over a day or two. The official guide and app can help you plan your time. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Nantes offers a vibrant culinary scene. You'll find numerous cafes, bistros, and restaurants scattered throughout the city, many of which are conveniently located near the green line. Exploring local markets is also a great way to sample regional specialties.

Nantes has a growing number of restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's advisable to check menus online or ask staff when dining out, as many establishments are increasingly catering to diverse dietary needs.

When in Nantes, try the local Muscadet wine, Gâteau Nantais (a rich almond cake), and various seafood dishes given its proximity to the Atlantic coast. Exploring the local markets will give you a taste of fresh regional produce.

Yes, many art installations are located in public squares or parks where you'll find nearby cafes and restaurants. For instance, around Place Royale and Place Graslin, there are plenty of dining options. Instagram+1

While not explicitly highlighted as a food event, the city's general offerings include markets and occasional food stalls, especially during peak tourist seasons. Checking local event listings during your visit is recommended.

📸 📸 Photography

The Machines de l'Île with its fantastical creatures are incredibly photogenic. TikTok The 'Latest Version' installation on Place Royale offers striking contemporary visuals against historic architecture. Instagram The 'Mothership' sculpture at Place Graslin is also a dramatic subject. Instagram Don't forget the charming Passage Pommeraye. TikTok

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for most outdoor installations. Midday can be harsh, but it's often when the city is most vibrant. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around public attractions due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by local authorities.

Generally, yes, you can photograph the outdoor art installations for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways. Some indoor exhibits might have specific photography rules.

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both wide cityscapes and details of the art. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the larger installations. A smartphone with a good camera is also perfectly adequate for most shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Le Voyage à Nantes is a fantastic destination for families, especially with the Machines de l'Île as a major draw. The Grand Elephant is a guaranteed hit with children, offering a thrilling ride and incredible photo opportunities. TikTok The Marine Worlds Carousel is also a huge hit, with its intricate mechanical sea creatures. TikTok

Beyond the Machines, many of the outdoor art installations along the green line are visually engaging for kids. Encourage them to spot the green line and discover new artworks. Consider the Nantes Pass as it often includes public transport, making it easier to navigate the city with little ones. Reddit Pack snacks and drinks, as exploring can be tiring, and look for family-friendly eateries along the route. Instagram

🎨 Art Enthusiasts

For art lovers, Le Voyage à Nantes is a dream. The green line is your curated path through a city transformed into an open-air gallery. You'll encounter a diverse range of contemporary art, from large-scale sculptures like 'Mothership' Instagram and the Place Royale installation Instagram to more subtle, site-specific works. TikTok Take your time to appreciate the context and meaning behind each piece, many of which engage with Nantes' history and identity. Instagram

Don't miss the opportunity to explore Les Machines de l'Île, a unique blend of art, engineering, and imagination. TikTok The Nantes Pass can be beneficial if you plan to visit any associated museums or galleries that are part of the broader artistic circuit. Engage with the official guide or app to gain deeper insights into the artists and their creations. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Le Voyage à Nantes offers a surprisingly budget-friendly experience, as many of its core attractions are free outdoor art installations accessible by following the green line. Instagram You can spend days exploring the city's artistic landscape without spending a fortune on entry fees. TikTok Prioritize walking and utilize the Nantes Pass if it includes public transport, as this can be more economical than individual tickets. Reddit

Look for local bakeries and markets for affordable and delicious food options. TikTok While Les Machines de l'Île has an entry fee, it's often considered a worthwhile splurge for its unique experience. TikTok Many of the city's charms, like its architecture and atmosphere, are free to enjoy.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Green Line

The green line is the heart of Le Voyage à Nantes, acting as a vibrant, painted guide that meanders through the city, connecting over 50 artistic interventions, sculptures, and unique sites. This continuous trail transforms Nantes into an open-air museum, encouraging exploration and discovery at every turn. Instagram It's not just a path; it's an invitation to engage with the city's contemporary art scene in an accessible and playful way. Following the line allows you to stumble upon unexpected artistic gems, from monumental sculptures to subtle interventions, making each step an adventure. TikTok

This innovative approach to urban tourism was conceived to revitalize the city and showcase its artistic dynamism. It encourages visitors to wander off the beaten path and experience Nantes through a different lens. The line is designed to be intuitive, ensuring that even first-time visitors can navigate the city's artistic landscape with ease. Instagram Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual traveler, the green line provides a structured yet flexible way to discover the diverse creative spirit of Nantes. Reddit

Artistic Interventions and Their Meanings

Le Voyage à Nantes is renowned for its bold and often thought-provoking artistic installations. A prime example is Willem de Haan's 'Latest Version' on Place Royale, which replaces the traditional statues with 14 hyperrealistic figures of contemporary Nantes residents. This work challenges notions of heritage and representation, prompting viewers to consider who is memorialized and why. Instagram+1 The installation is a temporary replacement while the original fountain statues undergo restoration, adding another layer to its commentary on preservation and change. Instagram

Another significant piece is Prune Nourry's 'Mothership' at Place Graslin, a colossal sculpture with boat-hull-like forms that nod to Nantes' maritime history while also evoking organic, skeletal structures. Instagram Gloria Friedmann's 'Absurdistan' in the courtyard of the Hôtel de Châteaubriand presents a powerful scene of figures frozen around a central, cable-constructed character, inviting contemplation on societal structures and human connection. Instagram These works, among many others, contribute to Nantes' reputation as a city that embraces contemporary art as an integral part of its urban fabric. TikTok

The Whimsical World of Les Machines de l'Île

Perhaps the most iconic attraction associated with Le Voyage à Nantes is Les Machines de l'Île. This extraordinary project brings to life a fantastical world inspired by the imagination of Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci, and the industrial history of Nantes. The star attraction is the Grand Elephant, a colossal mechanical pachyderm that carries up to 50 passengers on its back, offering a unique perspective of the Île de Nantes. TikTok

Beyond the elephant, visitors can explore the Carrousel des Mondes Marins (Marine Worlds Carousel), a three-tiered carousel featuring incredible sea creatures, and the Galerie des Machines, where you can see various mechanical prototypes in action and even interact with some of them. TikTok The entire site is a testament to creative engineering and artistic vision, making it a must-visit for all ages. It's a place where art, technology, and imagination collide, creating an unforgettable experience. TikTok

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