An ideal autumn/winter getaway: art and lights by the Loire, brilliant brasseries, Muscadet wines and night-life ranging from old warehouses-turned clubs to charming bars in medieval alleys. Come and experience Nantes like a local.
Nantes has that creative touch that captivates at any time of the year. In autumn and winter it sparkles in other ways: pastel skies over the Loire, museums and venues with packed programmes and a compact centre for leisurely strolls. During the day you can follow the artistic “trail” through the city – from installations to galleries to architecture. Then, when twilight falls, life continues in covered markets, wine bars and historical brasseries, to end in neighbourhoods with signature bars and live music venues.
Nights out in Nantes: port heritage, creativity and good food
Here the party spreads over character-filled neighbourhoods. On the Île de Nantes, the old shipyard docks have been converted into a culture and entertainment corridor: the Hangar à Bananes – a former fruit warehouse – has become an icon with bars, restaurants, disco and the HAB Galerie across from Buren’s famous Rings. On the other side, Bouffay, a medieval core, features terraces and pubs among half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. And if mixing culture with a cocktail is your thing, Le Lieu Unique – the former LU biscuit factory – is a renowned spot offering bar, restaurant and DJ sets at the weekend.
Île de Nantes & Hangar à Bananes: from sundown to club
Start with a stroll along the Loire and among the contemporary installations; the Hangar comes alive as night falls. The area is home to acclaimed locales such as Warehouse, a club and live music venue with a packed line-up, and Le Ferrailleur, a rock landmark with riverside concerts (they even have “wild” gigs on the terrace at sunset in summer). Nearby, Stereolux showcases contemporary music and digital arts in La Fabrique, with two venues (1,200 and 400 seats) hosting events all year round. For a first drink, look to the bars in the hangar itself and the views over Buren’s Rings: several guides make this one of Nantes’ night-life “epicentres”.
Bouffay: medieval on the outside, vibrant on the inside
If you prefer an old town atmosphere, Bouffay is a safe bet. Sitting between the cathedral and the castle, its streets are filled with tables and conversations; it is the classic place to start – or end – the night with a wine or a beer. Here you’ll find old pubs and creative cocktail bars, as well as themed lounges that change with the fashions; it’s no coincidence that numerous guides cite it as the city’s night-life hub.
Graslin-Commerce: brilliant brasseries and wine bars
For a night with a belle époque ambience, try Graslin, where the La Cigale brasserie (1895) flaunts Art Nouveau decoration and a constant dynamic atmosphere across from the theatre. Perfect for a pré-dîner with oysters, a classic dinner or simply watching the world go by. A few steps away, wine bars such as La Comédie des Vins offer expertly selected tipples and cheese and charcuterie boards for sharing before you continue on your way.
Bas-Chantenay & Trentemoult: Loire, beer and colour
Following the river to the west, the Bas-Chantenay district embodies the reborn industrial Nantes: the Little Atlantique Brewery occupies an old 19th-century plant oil mill and its brewpub has a terrace overlooking the Loire; a fine selection of beers and light nibbles. Then take the Navibus across to Trentemoult, the old fishing village of colourful houses. La Guinguette is a waterside bar-restaurant where you can stretch out the evening with a neighbourhood atmosphere and Loire wines.
Mixing culture with a cocktail: Le Lieu Unique
Let’s go back to the centre for a locally popular combination: an exhibition or live music at Le Lieu Unique and then a drink at its own bar (usually with a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays). Getting there from the station is easy as it is on the bank of the Canal Saint-Félix. It also features a bookshop and restaurant. A perfect winter postcard: lights reflected in the water and a warm atmosphere inside.
What to eat (and drink) in the evening
For drinks, try the Muscadet from the nearby Loire-Atlantique vineyard – a fresh white ideal for pairing with seafood – and local cheeses such as Curé Nantais. For a sweet ending, try gâteau nantais (cake with rum and icing) or LU’s fabulous petit-beurre. If you’re more into snacking, the markets – such as the Marché de Talensac – are paradise in the morning, but get inspiration for dinner: oysters, semi-salted butter (beurre blanc), berlingots… Nantes has a sweeter tooth than you might imagine.
Suggested itineraries for an autumn/winter getaway
- Night 1: Creative hangar. Sunset at the docks on the Île de Nantes, first drink across from Buren’s Rings, gig at Stereolux then ending up at Warehouse or Le Ferrailleur.
- Night 2: Old charming Nantes. Dinner at La Cigale (book if it’s a weekend) and wines at La Comédie des Vins; finishing up among the streets of Bouffay.
- Night 3: River and beer. Afternoon at Bas-Chantenay at Little Atlantique Brewery before crossing to Trentemoult for dinner on the banks of the Loire at La Guinguette.
Insider tips
- Layers and a cosy plan B. It is cooler and may rain in autumn and winter: wear layers and make a note of “warm” places (brasseries, wine bars, lounges).
- Book at the hotspots. Tables at classic venues like La Cigale or events at Warehouse/Stereolux fill up fast; check out the schedules and book.
- Get around easily. On foot, by tram or Navibus (ideal for Trentemoult). The focal point of the Hangar is well connected at night and is a popular spot for gigs and clubs.
Shall we go with Volotea for the weekend?
Enjoy Nantes when the sun goes down: neighbourhoods that mix history and modernity, lounges with packed line ups and flavours that bear the stamp of the Loire. If you are looking for a different destination for an autumn/winter getaway, you’ll find it all here: culture, great food and character-filled nights. Want to check it out? Volotea takes you there, then the plan is easy: follow the river, listen to music, try the Muscadet… and live the night like a local.
