Travel
Finest day journeys from Nantes
It is tough to tear your self away from energetic Nantes however due to its centrally positioned railway station, you’ll be able to attain riverside villages, medieval cities, prehistoric artwork, and enchanting islands in beneath two hours – and with out ever getting behind a steering wheel.
If you happen to do have a automobile, or higher nonetheless a bicycle, the vineyards that encompass quirky Nantes are visitable on a self-guided tour, too. There’s plenty of detailed information available on how to do that.
Listed below are the six greatest day journeys from Nantes.
1. Noirmoutier
Journey time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
With greater than a dozen beaches, 80km (50 miles) of cycling trails, five well-marked hiking paths, and Europe’s longest submersible street, the Passage du Gois, Noirmoutier has one thing for everybody. Buses cease close to the historic heart, Noirmoutier-en-l’île. From right here, rent a bike or take a stroll alongside Jacobsen Jetty previous the island’s working salt pans the place locals nonetheless domesticate the mineral by hand.
Noirmoutier additionally has an expansive nature reserve, Polder de Sebastopol. It attracts birders and scientists from around the globe however its flat, 3.2km-long (2 miles) path is nice for households too. Go to in late spring to attempt the island’s different declare to culinary glory: the uncommon Bonnotte potato. This walnut-sized luxurious is the world’s costliest spud and prices $600 a kilo. Stick to Noirmoutier salt as a memento as an alternative.
How one can get to Noirmoutier from Nantes: “Ligne 13″ buses go on to Noirmoutier Gare Routière from the ALEOP bus station behind Gare de Nantes Sud. Driving takes across the similar period of time and also you don’t must traverse the Passage du Gois. If driving over the Passage du Gois, don’t depend on your GPS. Test up-to-date tidal data on the Île de Noirmoutier web site earlier than crossing.
2. Pornic
Journey time: 1 hour and quarter-hour
Arrive early in Pornic to snag a heat baguette after which take an exhilarating seaside stroll alongside the rocky Jade Coast, previous historic wood fishing huts and shell-studded hideaway seashores.
Missed by the owner-occupied fairytale of Château de Pornic, this picture-postcard bay urges guests to take issues slowly. Lunch lazily beside the marina on recent moules marinière. Arrange a visit to the medieval castle. Spy historic windmills. Savor a recent fruit sorbet at La Fraiseraie on the port. Pornic can also be house to the 5500-year-old megalithic tumulus of Les Mousseaux, a stone funerary monument tucked away behind the homes on the hill behind the city heart.
How one can get to Pornic from Nantes: Trains to Pornic depart from Gare de Nantes.
3. Le Croisic
Journey time: 1 hour and half-hour
Fashionable with Parisians due to a straight-shot TGV prepare, low-key Le Croisic is a trendy vacation spot close to the tip of the Guérande peninsula. Sightsee out of your seat because the prepare whizzes previous subtly-colored salt pans and wild marshes that teem with seabirds.
This stylish Breton port city grew to become affluent within the 1700s. Even as we speak, weaving out and in of its small outlets is a delight. You’ll don’t have any bother discovering a tasty meal of fresh-caught fish for lunch, or crêpes, a regional basic. However head to Le Criée for lunch the place skillful cooks benefit from the each day fish market. Stroll off your meals with an amble alongside the large, seaweed-strewn sandy seaside or edge alongside the slim stone jetty that stretches for half a mile (858 meters) into the ocean. Its Nineteenth-century Tréhic lighthouse has knockout views of the coast.
How one can get to Le Croisic from Nantes: Direct trains to Le Croisic depart from Gare de Nantes. It’s a 10-minute stroll into city.
4. The Loire River Estuary
Journey time: 1 hour and half-hour spherical journey to a full-day tour relying on selections
Two cruises glide down the Loire Estuary from Nantes that each take within the metropolis’s maritime previous and its industrial panorama: a 90-minute Croisiere Escapade en Loire journey and the three-hour Estuaire Nantes journey to Saint-Nazaire. Floating previous a bucolic riverbank flecked with dazzling white egrets and dealing farmlands, each cruises go some everlasting artwork installations – these embody a full-size home tilting within the river and bronze animals dangling from tree branches.
In case you have time, take the longer cruise and return by prepare from Saint-Nazaire. You’ll be able to spend just a few hours visiting a real submarine, exploring the wonderful world of old ocean liners, or touring the shipyard that has constructed some world-famous liners.
How one can get to the Loire River Estuary from Nantes: Take Tram Line 1 to the Gare Maritime cease. Cruises depart from Quai Ernest Renaud on the Gare Maritime and reserving is crucial. The quick cruise returns to Quai Ernest Renaud. For the lengthy cruise, both journey again alongside the river or take the prepare from Gare Saint-Nazaire. It is a 20-minute stroll from the dock.
5. Vannes
Journey time: 1 hour and half-hour
Lined with Fifteenth-century half-timbered buildings, the walled city of Vannes on the Golf de Morbihan is an genuine medieval port. Time it proper and you’ll take pleasure in an affordable lunch beside town partitions overlooking the marina. Or head to town ramparts for majestic views and chic gardens. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, a celebrated market fills the Place des Lices promoting engaging temptations like tourtière aux pommes (a flaky apple pastry spritzed with Armagnac).
In case you have time, attempt to coordinate a go to to the Cairn de Gavrinis, a 45-minute bus trip from Vannes. Short boat tours whisk guests to this huge Neolithic monument with subtle and enigmatic carvings that return some 6000 years. Excursions last as long as two hours. Reserve upfront.
How one can get to Vannes from Nantes: Direct trains to Vannes go from Gare de Nantes. It is a 20-minute stroll to the historic heart, alternatively, buses outdoors the station head to the Port. From Vannes, take Bus 23 from the Vannes Gare Routiere SNCF throughout the street from the prepare station to Larmor-Baden Centre. It is a 10-minute stroll to Larmor-Baden port.
6. Clisson
Journey time: half-hour
It may be sufficient to take the quick prepare trip to Clisson, to neglect the trendy world for some time by standing on the Pont de la Vallée bridge and watching the Sèvre Nantaise river rush by. However this little village packs in so many extra surprises. Wander by means of the acres of artfully landscaped gardens on the huge Domaine de la Garenne Lemot, a dreamy early Nineteenth-century Tuscan-style villa. In your method, seize a sandwich in or across the 14th-century lined market, Les Halles.
Clisson’s seemingly haunted Thirteenth-century chateau has seen greater than its share of blood-soaked turmoil over the centuries, and it’s effectively value a go to. If you happen to love head-banging rock, plan forward for Hellfest, an enormous four-day summer season music pageant that brings prime heavy metallic bands and lots of of hundreds of devoted followers to this idyllic city yearly.
How one can get to Clisson from Nantes: A direct TER prepare runs from Gare de Nantes to Clisson. It’s then a brief stroll to city.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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