Tunnel Saint-Félix
A 740m covered waterway, the Tunnel Saint-Félix is an engineering marvel connecting Nantes' rivers and canals, steeped in history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Tunnel Saint-Félix
Best Time
See it in action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 740m covered waterway, the Tunnel Saint-Félix is an engineering marvel connecting Nantes' rivers and canals, steeped in history.
"A must-see when crossing the Erdre River from Nantes, impressive for its length and technical feat."
Boat Access is Key
This tunnel is primarily for boats. Experiencing it often means being on a boat tour or having special access.
Historical Significance
Understand its 1929 construction as part of Nantes' urban planning and river development.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 8 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Engineering Marvel
Under the Erdre River
A 740-meter covered section, the sole covered part of the Nantes-Brest Canal. An impressive feat of 1930s engineering.
Canal Connection
Connecting Erdre to Saint-Félix Canal
Witness the vital link that facilitates boat traffic, a testament to Nantes' waterway infrastructure.
Historical Context
Nantes Municipal Archives
Learn about its 1929 construction and its role in urban development, with a poignant historical footnote.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Tunnel Saint-Félix
Understanding its History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Access is Key
This tunnel is primarily for boats. Experiencing it often means being on a boat tour or having special access.
Historical Significance
Understand its 1929 construction as part of Nantes' urban planning and river development.
Check Local Events
Occasional events or guided tours might offer unique access or perspectives on the tunnel.
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Access is Key
This tunnel is primarily for boats. Experiencing it often means being on a boat tour or having special access.
Historical Significance
Understand its 1929 construction as part of Nantes' urban planning and river development.
Check Local Events
Occasional events or guided tours might offer unique access or perspectives on the tunnel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Tunnel Saint-Félix impressive for its length and the technical achievement of its construction beneath the city. It's noted as a must-see for those crossing the Erdre River in Nantes, offering a glimpse into the city's waterway infrastructure and historical development. While primarily functional for boats, its engineering and historical context are appreciated.
"A tunnel that is very impressive, both for its length and for the technical feat of digging such a large tunnel under the city.
A must-see when crossing the Erdre River from Nantes."
Baptiste Alonzo
"The St. Felix tunnel connects the Erdre to the St. Felix canal. According to the Nantes municipal archives, the tunneling work began in 1929. This work was part of a vast plan to fill in the branches of the Loire and Erdre rivers. Ironically, the head of the works was Karl Hotz, the future colonel who would be shot on August 8, 1941, by the French resistance, which led to the shooting of 50 hostages (actually 48), giving his name to the avenue that fills in the branch of the Erdre."
Captain Arawak
"River tunnel for boats"
Viktor Vítek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tunnel Saint-Félix is primarily a waterway for boats. Direct pedestrian access is very limited. The best way to experience it is by taking a boat tour that passes through it or by arranging special access. 
No, the Tunnel Saint-Félix is designed for boat traffic and is not accessible for walking. It's a functional part of the Nantes-Brest Canal system.
It's located in Nantes, France, connecting the Erdre river to the Saint-Félix canal. It's a significant part of the city's waterway infrastructure.
The most common and recommended way to see the tunnel is via a boat tour that navigates its length. This allows you to appreciate its scale and purpose.
The tunnel is part of the Nantes canal system, and its proximity to the Erdre river means you're in an area with significant waterfront activity and urban development.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need a ticket to see the tunnel from the outside, but to experience it directly, you'll need to book a boat tour that includes passage through it.
Operating hours for boat tours vary by season and operator. It's best to check with local Nantes tourism providers or specific boat tour companies for their schedules.
The tunnel itself does not have an admission fee as it's a functional waterway. Any costs would be associated with boat tours or access arrangements.
Private tours might be possible through specialized boat charter companies in Nantes, but this would require advance planning and likely a higher cost.
Yes, the tunnel is primarily for motorboats and is a functional part of the canal system. Specific regulations may apply to private vessels.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Tunnel Saint-Félix is approximately 740 meters long, making it the only covered section of the famous Nantes-Brest Canal.
Inside, you'll experience a covered waterway designed for boats. It's a unique perspective on Nantes' infrastructure and engineering.
Photography inside the tunnel is challenging due to low light conditions. However, the exterior and the experience of passing through can make for interesting shots.
Construction began in 1929 as part of a plan to fill in river branches. The head of works was Karl Hotz, later a figure in a significant historical event in Nantes.
The area around the tunnel, particularly near the Erdre river and the Saint-Félix canal, offers views of Nantes' urban landscape and waterway activity.
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