Les Anneaux (Buren Rings)
Giant, colorful rings framing Nantes' landscape by day, transforming into a dazzling LED light show by night.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Spectacular LED light show
Les Anneaux (Buren Rings)
Best Time
Spectacular LED light show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Giant, colorful rings framing Nantes' landscape by day, transforming into a dazzling LED light show by night.
"Don't miss it at night; the LED lights add another world of effect to the rings. "
✨ Visit After Dark
The real magic happens at night when the LED lights illuminate the rings. Don't miss this spectacle!
🧥 Brace for Wind
It's very windy here, so bring a warm coat, especially for evening visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Illuminated Rings
Witness the rings glow with vibrant LED lights after sunset, creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.
Framed Landscapes
Each colossal ring perfectly frames different views of the Nantes landscape, offering unique photo opportunities.
Vibrant Nightlife Hub
The surrounding area buzzes with bars and pubs, making it a popular spot for friends to hang out and enjoy the evening.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Nighttime is Key
Dress for the Wind
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Visit After Dark
The real magic happens at night when the LED lights illuminate the rings. Don't miss this spectacle!
🧥 Brace for Wind
It's very windy here, so bring a warm coat, especially for evening visits.
📸 Low Angle Shots
Experiment with low-angle photography for stunning social media masterpieces.
🚶♀️ Walk from Tram
It's about a 20-minute walk from the nearest tram station.
Nantes weekend trip
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Visit After Dark
The real magic happens at night when the LED lights illuminate the rings. Don't miss this spectacle!
🧥 Brace for Wind
It's very windy here, so bring a warm coat, especially for evening visits.
📸 Low Angle Shots
Experiment with low-angle photography for stunning social media masterpieces.
🚶♀️ Walk from Tram
It's about a 20-minute walk from the nearest tram station.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors overwhelmingly recommend experiencing Les Anneaux at night, praising the spectacular LED light show that transforms the rings into a vibrant spectacle. While daytime views are appreciated for framing the landscape, the illuminated version is considered a must-see. The surrounding area's lively bars and pubs add to its appeal as a social gathering spot, though the windy conditions are a common point of note.
"During the day it is mediocre, but if you search up sunset today on Google and go at that time... It is spectacular, the led lights add another world of effect to the rings. This is a must go during the night. Not during the day though..."
Paol Potti
"Great place for hangout with friends. It took me 20 minutes to walk from the Tram station
The area has many bars, pubs inside. Remember to bring a warm coat, it’s very windy here. I had to wait til night, at 10.30pm for the neon light 💡 , it’s quite late in summer.
For low angle photos, you’ll have many masterpieces for your social media though 😝"
My Quang Tuyet
"Only seen in daylight but this is a great sculpture. Each circle frames a different part of the landscape."
Adam Clarke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Les Anneaux is located near the former Hangar à Bananes. You can reach it by tram, with a walk of about 20 minutes from the nearest station. It's also a short distance from the famous 'Les Machines de l'Île'.
Yes, public transport is a good option. Check local Nantes transport schedules for the best tram routes that get you closest to the area.
While driving is possible, parking availability can vary. It's often recommended to use public transport or walk to avoid parking hassles, especially during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Les Anneaux is an outdoor public art installation and is free to visit at any time.
As an outdoor sculpture, Les Anneaux is accessible 24/7. However, the illuminated experience is best enjoyed after dark.
There is no admission fee. This is a public art installation for everyone to enjoy.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
For the most dramatic photos, visit at night when the LED lights create a colorful spectacle. Sunset is also a great time to capture the transition. Low-angle shots are particularly effective.
The area around Les Anneaux, particularly the former Hangar à Bananes, is known for its lively bars and pubs, making it a great spot for an evening out with friends.
While it's an interesting art installation, the primary draw for families might be the surrounding area's activities. The illuminated rings at night can be captivating for older children.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Given the waterfront location, it can be quite windy, so bringing a warm jacket or coat is advisable, especially for evening visits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Les Anneaux, especially the former Hangar à Bananes, is home to numerous bars and pubs, offering a lively atmosphere for drinks and snacks.
You'll find a variety of options in the nearby bars and pubs, often including casual fare, tapas, and drinks. For more extensive dining, you might need to explore further into Nantes city center.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
During the day, the rings act as frames for the landscape. Play with composition to highlight different views of Nantes. The scale of the rings also lends itself to dramatic wide-angle shots. Remember to bring a tripod if you plan on capturing long exposures at night.
🌃 Nightlife Seekers
Combine your visit to the glowing rings with a pub crawl or a relaxed evening at one of the many establishments. It's a great spot to experience the local social scene and enjoy the waterfront views as the city lights up.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Buren Rings
However, the true spectacle of Les Anneaux unfolds after dark. As night falls, the rings are illuminated by vibrant LED lights, creating a dynamic and colorful display. This transformation is what many visitors rave about, turning a daytime visit into a truly magical experience. The interplay of light and color against the night sky makes it a popular spot for evening strolls and photography.
This dual nature – a daytime sculptural element and a nighttime light installation – makes Les Anneaux a versatile attraction. It's a place that invites contemplation during the day and offers a lively, visually engaging experience in the evening, especially with the adjacent bars and pubs contributing to the atmosphere.
Experiencing Les Anneaux at Night
To fully enjoy the nighttime experience, it's advisable to check the sunset times, especially during summer when it can be quite late. Visitors also note the area's potential for wind, so dressing warmly is a practical tip for those planning an evening visit. The proximity to bars and pubs means you can easily combine viewing the lights with a relaxed evening out, making it a popular social gathering spot.
For photographers, the illuminated rings offer fantastic opportunities. Experimenting with low-angle shots can yield particularly impressive results for social media. The combination of the art installation, the waterfront setting, and the lively atmosphere makes Les Anneaux a memorable nighttime destination in Nantes.
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