3 magnificent villages to visit near Nantes

undefined 12 mai 2021 undefined 19h20

The Editor

Trentemoult

On the left bank of the estuary, facing the port of Nantes, stands a charming fishing village. Colorful facades, vintage signs, good fish restaurants... With feet in the water, facing Nantes, we get lost in the streets of Trentemoult. The village, although so close to the city (only the Loire river separates it from Nantes), has managed to preserve its authenticity with its multicolored houses, narrow and winding streets where a festive atmosphere reigns. This is where Jean-Loup Hubert filmed "La Reine Blanche" in 1991. We love to stroll here as a couple, with family. To have a drink with friends. We love to get lost in the streets and have a drink on the terrace, with our feet in the water, while looking at the city across the Loire.

trentemoult-couleurs©Instagram/julietteragout

How to get there: The nearest train station is Nantes. From there, you can reach Trentemoult by waterway... thanks to the Navibus Loire, which provides a connection between Gare Maritime and Trentemoult.

What to do there?

Take a stroll, snap photos of the colorful houses, take your time. Admire the lasting work of Estuaire signed by Roman Signer: "Le Pendule". From there, you can admire Nantes and spot the Tour Bretagne, towering above everything. On Saturday mornings, visit the market of this picturesque village where you'd like to never leave.

The top spot

Not just one, but two great spots for foodies! The first one is tucked away in the alleys and offers a lunch menu, to-go, of home-cooked meals made with fresh ingredients. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance...In advance and we pick up, at the window - perched - her basket! The second is a must-see: La Civelle. On the banks of the Loire, this fishermen's restaurant has earned its stripes. It's good and the view is breathtaking! Le Panier Perché
5, rue Clouart, Trentemoult - Rezé
Tel.: 06 75 03 75 80

La Civelle
21, quai Marcel Boissard, Trentemoult - Rezé
Tel.: 02 40 75 46 60

.trentemoult-la-terrasse-lu©Instagram/Lau__prl

Clisson

In the heart of the Nantes Vineyard, this medieval town is also known as "Little Tuscany". Rebuilt based on the memories of two brothers' trips to the Chianti valley, Clisson is a clever blend of tiles, bricks, slates, and granite. Its castle overlooks the Sèvre and Maine rivers, and its cobbled streets transport you far south. Yet, you're only 30 minutes away from Nantes. We love the sense of suspended time in Clisson, its history... you could almost hear the Italian accent around every corner, yet the town is firmly rooted in its terroir, with numerous cellars where you can taste some very good wine.Young adventurer,

clisson-eau-pont-medieval©Instagram/Miissb_

How to get there: By train, from Nantes train station. It takes between 20 to 30 minutes journey, for about 6 euros.

What to do there?

Visit the castle with family, walk through its courtyard, on its ruins and admire the view. Go to the market, every Friday morning and stroll under the halls while snacking on your findings. Also, come for Hellfest, the biggest extreme music festival in France, every year in June!

The best address

To stay: Treat yourself with a night at the Best Western Villa Saint Antoine hotel. Facing the castle, with the river murmuring below, pamper yourself with a relaxing treatment and a romantic night in this timeless city.

Hotel Villa Saint Antoine
8, rue Saint Antoine - Clisson
Phone : 02 40 85 46 46
Rooms starting at 81€

For dining : Enjoy a meal at Au Pied de l'Escalier, where you can taste dishes from here and there, with spices from the appetizers to dessert! It's a real taste adventure!

Au Pied de l'Escalier
3, rue de la Collégiale - Clisson
Phone : 02 40 31 87 86

Enjoy your stay!clisson-chateau©Instagram/baptiste_rm


Oudon

Travel back in time guaranteed when you stroll in Oudon. This charming town on the banks of the Loire River is full of nooks and crannies, with cobblestone streets adorned with flags that invite you to celebrate. Overlooking the river and the valley, the Oudon Tower is a castle over 600 years old, at the top of which you can climb to admire the view. We love the atmosphere here, between a small village and an artistic town. The Tower is incredible and you feel close to nature.

.oudon-tour-chateau

©Instagram/Mike170875

Getting there: Oudon has a train station on the Nantes-Angers TER line. Make sure to check if the train stops there, but it takes about twenty minutes.

What to do there?

In summer, you can swim in the Chêne lake or explore the valley by canoe. History enthusiasts can visit the castle with a guide, while adventurers can go hiking. La Loire à Vélo goes through there, and in August there is a Symposium of monumental sculptures, a curious and unique event! A boat ride on La Luce: if you cross the Oudon bridge, you will arrive in Champtoceaux on the other side.

Welcome to Oudon, a charming town in the Loire Valley. Here, you can embark on a 1h15 cruise on the Loire. Oudon is also a popular spot for hot air balloon rides! If you're in Oudon, you must stop to eat at the wonderful Villa Saint-Germain, whether it's with your loved one or with your family. This restaurant offers a local and seasonal cuisine that is just the right amount of fancy. Don't miss out on visiting: Villa Saint-Germain
170, rue Alphonse Fouschard - Oudon
Phone: 02 51 14 10 04oudon-nature©Instagram/Chloeegtr

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