Parc de la Gaudinière
A sprawling, tree-filled park featuring a château, a serene pond with wildlife, and a charming alpine garden.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful before crowds
Parc de la Gaudinière
Best Time
Peaceful before crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling, tree-filled park featuring a château, a serene pond with wildlife, and a charming alpine garden.
"Wonderful place to reconnect with nature and its serenity, many ideal spots for a picnic or a nap on the grass."
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and snacks for a delightful picnic by the pond or on the vast green lawns. Food trucks are sometimes available!
🐾 Pet-Friendly Paradise
This park is ideal for walking your dog. Keep them on a leash and enjoy the open spaces together.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Serene Pond
Central area
A tranquil pond teeming with ducks and other birds, offering a peaceful spot for relaxation and nature photography.

Château de la Gaudinière
Park center
A picturesque castle nestled within the park, adding a touch of history and charm to the landscape.

Alpine Garden
Specific section of the park
Discover a unique collection of alpine plants, offering a delightful botanical experience amidst the park's natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Greenery
Eventful Escapes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and snacks for a delightful picnic by the pond or on the vast green lawns. Food trucks are sometimes available!
🐾 Pet-Friendly Paradise
This park is ideal for walking your dog. Keep them on a leash and enjoy the open spaces together.
📸 Nature Photography Haven
Capture stunning photos of the château, pond, and diverse flora. Early mornings offer the best light.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is quite large, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring its many paths and green areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and snacks for a delightful picnic by the pond or on the vast green lawns. Food trucks are sometimes available!
🐾 Pet-Friendly Paradise
This park is ideal for walking your dog. Keep them on a leash and enjoy the open spaces together.
📸 Nature Photography Haven
Capture stunning photos of the château, pond, and diverse flora. Early mornings offer the best light.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The park is quite large, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring its many paths and green areas.
🎶 Check for Events
Look out for free concerts and art events like 'Scènes Vagabondes' for a vibrant experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Parc de la Gaudinière for its beauty, tranquility, and suitability for relaxation and outdoor activities. It's a highly recommended spot for picnics, dog walks, and enjoying nature. Some minor points of improvement could include more consistent food service availability.
"Fantastic park for a Sunday morning walk with your pet or your family. There is a lake with ducks, full of green and the castle in the middle of the park. If you like taking photos of the nature, it could be the perfect location. Totally recommended!"
Katerina Daskalaki
"Parc Is beautiful, the scenery is relaxing. Chairs around to relax. A good place to relax or walk your dog. Good place to have a good run. Quite big park . Pond with ducks and other birds."
Barbara “Financial Tidbitter” Aboagye
"Wonderful place to reconnect with nature and its serenity, many ideal spots for a picnic or a nap on the grass 😃"
Manal Mounir
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parc de la Gaudinière is accessible by public transport. Bus lines 43 (stop: Parc de Bagatelle) and 244 (stop: Bagatelle-Pré Catelan) serve the area.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, arriving by public transport is recommended. Check local Nantes transport apps for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, it's a well-known park. Use a GPS or map app with the park's name to navigate directly to its entrances.
Cycling is a great way to reach the park, and there are often bike racks available. Nantes has a good cycling infrastructure.
Walking is the most popular way to explore. Consider renting a bike if you want to cover more ground, especially if you're interested in the 'Sentier de la conduite forcée'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Parc de la Gaudinière is a public park and entry is free for everyone.
As a public park, it is generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific hours might vary slightly, but it's typically accessible throughout the day.
Many events, like the 'Scènes Vagabondes' festival, are free and accessible to all.
However, always check the specific event details for any potential costs.No, picnic spots are on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early on busy days to secure a good location.
General park rules apply, such as respecting nature and keeping the park clean. Dogs are welcome but should be leashed.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, picnicking, photography, bird watching by the pond, and exploring the alpine garden.
During events, there are often concerts and art installations.Yes, the park is equipped with restrooms for visitors.
Absolutely! It features playgrounds and plenty of open space for children to run and play.
Yes, dogs are welcome in the park, but they must be kept on a leash.
Expect a beautiful mix of mature trees, a large pond with wildlife, a historic château, and a charming alpine garden.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There might be a snack bar or food truck available, especially during peak season or events.
It's always a good idea to bring your own food for a picnic.Yes, picnicking is highly encouraged! There are many ideal spots on the grass or near the pond.
The park is located in a residential area. You'll find more dining options a short distance away in Nantes city center.
Yes, there are sources of potable water available for visitors.
Sometimes a buvette (small bar) is available, especially during events.
It's best to confirm availability if this is important to you.📸 📸 Photography
The château, the pond with its wildlife, the mature trees, and the alpine garden offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
Drone usage in public parks is often restricted. It's advisable to check local regulations or contact park authorities before flying a drone.
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but professional photography or filming might require permits. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and details. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife on the pond.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers and Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Beauty
Beyond the pond, the park features a remarkable collection of trees, some of which are quite old and impressive. The alpine garden offers a unique botanical experience, showcasing a variety of mountain plants. For those who enjoy a bit of a trek, there are various walking trails that wind through different sections of the park, including paths that lead to scenic viewpoints.
Events and Artistic Flair
Past editions of 'Sortir du Bois' have also utilized the park's historic setting for outdoor art parcours, showcasing the work of emerging artists amidst the remarkable trees. Checking the local event calendar before your visit can reveal exciting opportunities to experience the park in a dynamic and engaging way.
Picnics and Relaxation
Beyond picnics, the park offers numerous chairs and benches scattered throughout, providing ample opportunities for relaxation. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read a book, enjoy the scenery, or simply take a break, you'll find a comfortable place to sit and soak in the park's serenity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit