Landmark

Château des Ducs de Bretagne

Château des Ducs de BretagneJibi44, avec l'aimable autorisation de LP de Nantes · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a majestic fortress in the heart of Nantes, surrounded by a moat and featuring a striking white stone façade. As you cross the drawbridge, you step into a vast courtyard where the castle's medieval towers and ramparts meet Renaissance elegance. The interior houses the Nantes History Museum, which traces the city's past from its Breton roots to its role in the Atlantic slave trade and modern era. Visitors can walk along the ramparts for panoramic views of the city, explore the grand ducal apartments, and see the well-preserved kitchens and dungeons. The castle also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events, making it a vibrant hub of history and contemporary life.

Don't miss

  • Walk the ramparts for sweeping views over Nantes
  • Explore the Nantes History Museum's immersive exhibits
  • See the grand ducal apartments and their period furnishings
  • Visit the castle's towers, including the Tour du Fer à Cheval
  • Check the courtyard for temporary art installations

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Château des Ducs de Bretagne

You can see Château des Ducs de Bretagne on your own. A tour is worth it for the story behind it, for transport, or for combining nearby sights into one day.

More attractions in Nantes

Planning your trip to Nantes? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Nantes itinerary.