Nantes Train Station

About Nantes Train Station

France was one of the first countries in the world to industrialize and adopt rail travel, and so the country has plenty of stations with an impressive pedigree. Nantes isn’t one of them. The train station here was only opened in 1968, replacing the old Gare d’Orleans which served the city. In 1989, the station expanded to add a southern entrance hall when Nantes became part of the high-speed TGV train network. Don’t be confused by what the locals say about the station. Its North and South entrance halls are sometimes referred to as Gare Nord and Gare Sud, as if they were separate stations. But in fact, they are both part of the same facility.

As is often the case with European cities, the train station is only steps away from the heart of town. So from the minute you arrive, you’ll be able to explore much of what makes Nantes so special.

Things to do near Nantes Train Station

Your exploration of Nantes begins almost the moment you step out of the doors of the train station. Better to use the north entrance to leave, as this lies closer to some of the city’s top attractions. Then again, if you want to get onto the water, the South entrance is closer to the river.

• Dive into the history of Nantes at the Chateau des ducs de Bretagne. This impressive castle is only steps away from the train station and uses exhibits and scale models to give you a better understanding of this port city’s complicated history. Plus, there’s even a slide that will keep the kids occupied at this historic attraction.
• Get some tranquility at Nantes Cathedral. Dating back to the fifteenth century, this impressive church has been the spiritual heart of the city for centuries and remains the ideal place to admire beautiful artwork and get some peace and quiet.
• Enjoy the beauty of nature at Nantes Botanical Garden. This 19th-century park is home to thousands of different plant species and contains an antique palm house which is well worth a visit.
• Check out a more modern side to the city’s cultural life at Le Lieu Unique. This former biscuit factory has been converted into a cultural center that hosts a broad range of artistic performances.
• Explore the history of science at the Natural History Museum. This grand Napoleonic Museum is home to fascinating creatures from around the world, and is a great place to bring the family.

Transit options at Nantes Train Station

• Thanks to its TGV capabilities, Nantes Train Station is easy to reach from just about anywhere in France. High-speed TGV trains can make the journey from Paris to Nantes in as little as two hours.
• Line 1 of the Nantes tram system serves the train station, stopping close to the north entrance.
• The south entrance of the station is served by many of the city’s bus lines, including the airport shuttle bus.

Luggage storage near Nantes Train Station

You can see many of Nantes’ top attractions within a short walk from the train station. If you want to venture beyond the city, you’ll find more of what makes this region of Atlantic France so fascinating to explore. You won’t want to do that if you’re carrying more than you need to.

That’s where Bounce can help. Bounce makes it easy to find a place to store your things no matter where you are. Track down a Bounce luggage storage service near Nantes Train Station so you can leave everything you don’t need behind and concentrate on exploring.

Attractions and activities near Nantes Train Station

• See something truly unique at Les Machines de l’Ile. Half art project, half themepark, this attraction occupies the former shipyards of the port. It contains gigantic mechanical animals such as a 39-foot tall elephant that you can ride on a 45-minute walk. There’s also an elaborate carousel, a gigantic bird that you can pilot, an impressive mechanical spider, and all kinds of other bizarre robotic creatures. It’s worth visiting for the photo opportunities alone, and a fantastic place to bring kids of any age.
• See an up-and-coming area of the city at Trentemoult. This former fishing village on the banks of the river has become one of the most vibrant districts in the area. Many of the old eighteenth and nineteenth century houses have been redecorated in vibrant neon colors and are home to vintage clothing stores, cool bars, and inventive restaurants. It’s a great place to go for dinner and soak up the energetic vibe of the revitalized area.
• Treat yourself to a beach day at Saint-Nazaire. This Atlantic port is only a short journey from Nantes, is a fascinating place to explore in its own right. Home to a reconstructed ocean liner, an ancient burial mound, and plenty of beaches on the Atlantic coast, the city deserves at least a day of exploration while you’re in the area.