What's happening in terms of events programming in Nantes?

While major events set the pace in the city, small and medium-sized occasional events take place every week. They sometimes require some attention to discover them. These unique highlights, often short-lived, happen every year to surprise locals and visiting travelers.

Generally speaking, sporting events, particularly nautical ones, top the list of Nantes festivities.

You'll then find plenty of concerts and music festivals. Art also holds a central place in the programming. Followed by events around vegetation and finally, gastronomy. These will allow you to taste (once again) savory and especially sweet specialties while being surprised by culinary innovations.

It's up to you to adapt your choice according to your current desires!

Our selection of recurring events

Is your stay in Nantes taking shape? The cultural programming can be completely turned upside down from one year to the next. Once there, dare to push doors open or ask for current recommendations at your hotel reception.

1. Le Voyage à Nantes

Date or period: For two months, in summer

Access: Free

Description: Every summer since 2011, Le Voyage à Nantes takes over several city locations with ephemeral and unusual artistic and architectural proposals. A route is therefore created through the city, punctuated by increasingly amazing works! A unique and extravagant cultural event that will make you discover the Nantes metropolis from an offbeat perspective!

2. Les Rendez-vous de l'Erdre

Date or period: Between August and September

Access: Free

Description: This is a jazz music and boating festival along the Erdre, in Nantes. As well as in several municipalities that line this river flowing into the Loire. On this occasion, numerous concerts and nautical scenes are offered to all, for dreamlike musical evenings. Here's the opportunity to discover Nantes in a magical and unusual setting!

3. The Nantes Carnival

Date or period: Every year, between late March and early April

Access: Free

Description: Join the people of Nantes at France's 2nd largest carnival! A cult spring event, bringing together more than 200,000 spectators for centuries. On the program: the daytime parade (obviously), entertainment, a children's ball and a nighttime parade. Everything takes place in the city center to concentrate the general enthusiasm, brilliant isn't it?

Good to know: Shortly before the event begins, you'll have the opportunity to visit the workshops where the fantastic machines planned for the parade are made. Meet the magic creators and encounter the Carnival Queens!