nantes Photography Guide

**Nantes offers an exceptional diversity of photographic locations**, from historical monuments like the **Château des Ducs de Bretagne** to natural spaces such as the **Jardin des Plantes**, and iconic urban spots like the **Passage Pommeraye**. In January, prioritize sunrises for soft light and re

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10 Photography Spots

5 Hidden Gems

Best Photography Spots

Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

A majestic symbol of Nantes with its ramparts, Renaissance towers and granite walls, perfect for historical and contrasting atmospheres. View of the Loire and the city center.

The Machines of the Isle

An industrial universe reinvented with a mechanical bestiary like the Great Elephant, metal structures and glass roofs for graphic renderings.

Pommeraye Passage

Listed 19th century covered passage, with stairs, balustrades and glass roofs for timeless elegance.

Botanical Garden

Classified botanical garden with tropical greenhouses, green walkways and plant sculptures, a natural setting in the city centre.

Place Royale

Charming historic square in the heart of the center, ideal for urban portraits with cafes and monuments.

Place Graslin

A lively central square with theatres and cafes, perfect for dynamic street photography.

Versailles Island

Japanese garden and green spaces on the Erdre river, a zen setting with reflections.

The Unique Place

Former factory converted into a cultural space, contemporary industrial aesthetic.

Procé Park

12ha municipal park with historic manor house, ornamental gardens and walking trails.

Water mirror

Reflecting pool at the foot of the castle, captivating reflections of the buildings and sky.

Hidden Gems

Reflection basin

A body of water reflecting buildings and sky, unique architectural angles.

Butte Saint Anne

Promontory overlooking Nantes/symbols, mixed urban/nature setting.

Sèvre Meadows

Wild green spaces near the river, green even in winter.

Touffou Forest

Huge field bordering the forest, space to run, facing sunset.

Morinière Park

Little-known park in Rezé with a pond, mimosa trees in March, and varied atmospheres.

Photography Tips for nantes

1.*In January in Nantes (January 8-12, 2026)**, expect short days (sunset around 5 pm) and soft but rainy light: use tripods and ND filters for long exposures on reflections of the Loire and Erdre rivers[3][5][6]. Favor **wide-angle** lenses for architectural shots (Château, Passage) and **50mm** lenses for street portraits (Place Royale/Place Graslin). Techniques: water mirror reflections, morning mist in gardens, industrial contrasts (Machines de l'Île).

Trip Planning

**Transportation:** Central SNCF train station (TGV to Paris 2 hours), Nantes-Atlantique airport (10km, TAN shuttle). Excellent TAN network: trams 1-3 (city center/Château/Machines), buses C1-C6 (Jardins), Tanlib free bike service[1][2]. **Safety:** Safe city, beware of pickpockets in the city center at night. **Logistics Jan 2026:** No public holidays, cold 5-10°C/rain; TAN app for schedules. **Permits:** None for public amateur photography, for professionals contact the town hall. Free parking on the outskirts (Procé). Accommodation in the city center near Graslin.

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