Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany)

Serving as a royal residence, military barracks, prison, and arsenal, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne has always dominated the city of Nantes. Located just off the Loire River, the château, today makes its ramparts, moat gardens, and courtyard available to picnickers. Inside, the Museum of the History of Nantes exhibits thousands of historic artifacts, multimedia, and interactive features across its 32 gallery spaces. The Château des Ducs is included on numerous Nantes sightseeing tours, including scavenger hunts and private excursions.

• The castle’s courtyard, moat gardens, and ramparts are free to visit and unticketed.

• Tickets to the Museum of the History of Nantes can be purchased online or in person. Teachers and students enjoy discounted admission, while disabled visitors and kids under 18 receive free entry.

• Guided tours of the castle and museum are hosted for an additional fee, and audio guides in six languages can also be rented on-site.

• The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is broadly accessible to disabled visitors, and wheelchair users can access 28 of the museum’s 32 galleries.

• The château operates a casual eatery, La Fraiseraie, in its courtyard, which specializes in sweet and savory crêpes as well as dessert items.

• A gift shop and bookstore are on-site for those who wish to pick up souvenirs or learn more about the château’s history.

The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is at 4 Place Marc Elder, 44 000 Nantes, in the heart of the city. If using public transport, take the Tramway line 4, or the Busway line 4, to the Duchesse Anne stop. If traveling from Paris, direct TGV trains connect to Nantes in roughly 2 hours, and the Gare de Nantes is only 10 minutes from the château on foot.

The Château des Ducs de Bretagne’s interior and museum are open daily except Monday, from morning until early evening (note that, during July and August, the château has extended hours and is open daily). The château’s ramparts, courtyard, and moat gardens are open daily from early morning until late evening, with extended July and August hours. The site is closed annually on January 1, May 1, November 1, and December 25.

The only historic landmark in Nantes that rivals the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is the Nantes Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral St. Pierre and St. Paul. A marvel of Gothic architecture, the 15th-century church has also been a listed Historic Monument since 1862. Home to the tomb of François II, the cathedral can also be admired on various Nantes tours.