Nantes

The 4 most relaxing parks in Nantes

Lychee

Aug 3, 2022 • 5 min read

Asian-inspired garden in the middle of the city in Ile de Versailles

If there is one thing that is underrated in Nantes it's the parks, they're by far some of the most beautiful and relaxing parks that I've explored and they are the perfect place to chill for a while on a hot afternoon.

Here is a list of some of the best parks in Nantes in my opinion.

1. Parc floral de la Roseraie (or de la Beaujoire)

📍 Google maps - 344 Rte de Saint-Joseph, 44300 Nantes

Situated on the outskirts of the city, you can access this place by taking the tramway all the way to the final stop for a good 20 minutes ride. But the travel and wait are definitely worth it.

It might not appear as big at first but as you wander through the gardens you will start to find super cute areas filled with flowers of all colors. It's a nice place for couples to date in or just to take a walk and chill. When I went there I even saw a freshly married couple taking their wedding pictures there.

A collection of pictures taken from the park showing vast amout of flowers

In some areas of the park you can also walk alongside the Loire river under trees which grant a refreshing atmosphere during a hot day of summer.

2. Ile de Versailles

📍 Google maps - Ile de Versailles

A picture taken from the park in Ile de Versailles

What if I told you that on a tiny island in the middle of Nantes you can find a asian inspired garden which is probably one of the chillest place in the city. And the best is that you can access it easily by walk.

Thanks to very tall trees planted around the place you can walk there, protected of the sun and the heat, in a really peaceful and relaxing environment. If you've been to Japan or China the building style and plants should definitely remind you of those countries.

The park has been built with a japanese garden in mind and has a building resembling an asian temple inside of it.

Pictures showing out different kind of asia-resembling places in the middle of Nantes

If you'd like to remain in the asian mood for lunch or dinner after your visit I recommend you to check out the article I wrote about Ramen Ya.

On the island you can also find a playground for kids as well as a boat rental service where you can get an electrical-motor boat without the need for a boat driving license.

3. Parc de la gaudinière

📍 Google maps - Parc de la gaudinière, Nantes
📍 Parking Google maps - Parc de la gaudinière parking, 23 Rue Diane, 44300 Nantes

Picture taken near the tiny lake at the bottom of the park

Built around a hill, this park is probably the most classical one. But it doesn't hurt to go for classic things from time to time.

With some covered spots and some very exposed and bright ones this park will surely match what you're looking for. It's the perfect place to take a walk in if that's what you want. You can also sit and chill around the little lake and watch the ducks as they swim around. Or if you prefer to lay down in the grass on a towel to sleep and take advantage of a sunny day you can also do that at the top of the hill.

Some of the animals present in the park (ducks, chickens, gooses, ...)

The trees and flowers make for a beautiful landscape which makes this park an ideal place to picnic in. At the top of the hill you can find a huge mansion ruling over the whole place with a lot of flat space where you can lay down.

Huge mansion sitting at the top of the hill

This place is really easy to access especially by car with a free parking space if you need it.

4. Jardin des plantes

📍 Google maps - Rue Stanislas Baudry, 44000 Nantes

Right in front of the train station and next to the castle this park is filled with bizarre and odd-looking but funny structures. You can find a huge statue of a guy laying down in a paddle and throwing water out of his mouth, a sleeping bear made from grass or even a giant bench.

At the back of the park you can find a garden with all kinds of vegetables and other plants being cultivated and a restaurant in an old but fancy looking house.