Le Voyage à Nantes
Nantes transformed into an open-air museum, guided by a green line connecting over 50 unique art installations and attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Le Voyage à Nantes
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nantes transformed into an open-air museum, guided by a green line connecting over 50 unique art installations and attractions.
"Perfect place to go for any tourist! The staff are super friendly and made me feel so comfortable instantly."
🚶 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
The 'Latest Version' installation by Willem de Haan replaces historic statues with hyperrealistic figures of modern Nantes residents.

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

Absurdistan
Cour de l'hôtel de Châteaubriant
Gloria Friedmann's striking installation featuring figures frozen around a central, cable-made character.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Follow the Green Line
Book Your Nantes Pass
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 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!
📱 Download the App
The official app helps navigate the green line and attractions.
🕰️ Check Installation Durations
Some artworks, like the Place Royale installation, are extended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 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!
📱 Download the App
The official app helps navigate the green line and attractions.
🕰️ Check Installation Durations
Some artworks, like the Place Royale installation, are extended.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to follow the route! :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Key highlights include the whimsical Les Machines de l'Île with its giant mechanical animals,
the thought-provoking 'Latest Version' installation on Place Royale, and Prune Nourry's 'Mothership' sculpture at Place Graslin. Don't miss 'Absurdistan' at the Hôtel de Châteaubriand.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.
Yes, Les Machines de l'Île is particularly captivating for children with its giant mechanical creatures.
Many of the outdoor installations are also engaging for younger visitors, making it a family-friendly experience.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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
The 'Latest Version' installation on Place Royale offers striking contemporary visuals against historic architecture. The 'Mothership' sculpture at Place Graslin is also a dramatic subject. Don't forget the charming Passage Pommeraye.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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. Pack snacks and drinks, as exploring can be tiring, and look for family-friendly eateries along the route.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to explore Les Machines de l'Île, a unique blend of art, engineering, and imagination. 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.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Look for local bakeries and markets for affordable and delicious food options. While Les Machines de l'Île has an entry fee, it's often considered a worthwhile splurge for its unique experience. 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
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. 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.
Artistic Interventions and Their Meanings
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. 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. These works, among many others, contribute to Nantes' reputation as a city that embraces contemporary art as an integral part of its urban fabric.
The Whimsical World of Les Machines de l'Île
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. 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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit