Activities & Sightseeing in Nantes
Whether you are looking for scenic nature getaways by the water, peaceful strolls through the historic streets of Nantes, encounters with extraordinary mechanical creatures, or an immersive safari wildlife experience, the surroundings of L'Abbaye de Villeneuve offer a playground as rich as it is unexpected.
Let us guide you as you explore the region at your own pace.
Les Sorinières : A green escape
Our small town and the Abbaye de Villeneuve hotel invite walking and hiking enthusiasts to enjoy an easy stroll along the river in the Parc de la Filée, located just 250 meters from our doorstep, or along the Petite Meilleraie-la-Forêt trail. Simple, green, and thoroughly refreshing.
Bike Rentals : For those who love to cycle, our hotel offers bike rentals available upon reservation (additional fees apply).
In the heart of nature
Lake Grand-Lieu & its Visitor Center
Escape into the great outdoors with this 6,000-hectare nature reserve of water and lush vegetation, home to 270 bird species, an equally diverse plant life, and 30 species of fish.
Discovering Nantes (Loire-Atlantique)
Nantes: Dynamic, cultural, historic, and festive!
Nestled along the banks of the Loire River, this vibrant city of 320,000 residents boasts energy and non-stop entertainment.
It beautifully cultivates the art of living shaped by the river, the surrounding countryside, and the nearby ocean (just 50 km away). Your itinerary includes the Bouffay district, a testament to the city's medieval roots (featuring the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the cathedral, and narrow streets lined with lively bistros); the Île de Nantes for a stroll along the quays, through the gardens, and to discover the extraordinary Les Machines de l'île; and finally, the Graslin district, where you can climb to the top of the Tour Bretagne, visit the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery, catch a play at the theater, and enjoy dinner in a chic brasserie.
And don't forget to cheer on the "Canaris" (FC Nantes) when they play at the Beaujoire stadium!
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany
Marking the historic heart and "ground zero" of Nantes, this landmark reflects the city's influence over the region. Built in the 15th century by Francis II, father of Anne of Brittany, the ducal residence was transformed into the Nantes History Museum in 1990.
Across 32 rooms and 1,150 works of art, it chronicles 1,000 years of history—from the castle’s construction to modern-day urban projects, covering the French Revolution, the transatlantic slave trade, and both World Wars.
Les Machines de l'île
This spectacular artistic installation occupies the former shipyards of the Île de Nantes.
Inspired by the imaginary worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci, and designed as a tribute to Nantes' industrial past, it was inaugurated in 2007. A giant mechanical elephant (12 meters high) takes passengers for a ride, while the Marine Worlds Carrousel offers a massive, undersea-themed carousel experience. Locals and visitors alike are eagerly awaiting the completion of the Arbre aux Hérons (Heron Tree)—a structure measuring 50 meters in diameter and 50 meters in height, inviting visitors to wander through hanging gardens and fly alongside giant mechanical birds...
The Jules Verne Museum
The pioneer of science fiction, born in Nantes in 1828, is celebrated in a large, elegant mansion perched on the Sainte-Anne hillside. Original manuscripts, illustrations, portraits, and personal belongings bring the visit to life.
Around Nantes
Clisson : A taste of Tuscany
This charming town of 7,000 residents loves paradoxes.
On one hand, you have absolute charm: a medieval castle, covered market halls, a Romanesque church surrounded by peaceful narrow streets, a landscape design that evokes Tuscany, and wine cellars celebrating the surrounding vineyards.
On the other hand, it hosts Hellfest, the largest heavy metal music festival in France. The event gathers 200,000 fans of bands like Metallica, Guns N' Roses, Alice Cooper, and Judas Priest. When these rockers open the gates of hell, nights in Clisson get very short!
Wildlife park, adventure, and a change of scenery
The Predators' Territory, the Bush Trail, the Jungle Temple, the Safari Track, and the Marine City...
These exhibits set the tone: located in Port-Saint-Père (Loire-Atlantique) across 5 hectares, the Planète Sauvage wildlife park features over 1,000 animals from 120 different species.
From lions and hippos to zebras, giraffes, and elephants, it is a fully immersive African safari experience!
