Île de Versailles
Nantes, Loire Valley
Far from its namesake palace, Nantes’ Île de Versailles is a picturesque island set along the Erdre River in the heart of the city. Cross the footbridge to the small man-made island and follow the tree-lined walkways through an idyllic Japanese garden, complete with wooden bridges, red-painted pavilions, and water features.
The basics
Many Nantes sightseeing tours miss out on the Île de Versailles, which is just north of the historic center and the Île de Nantes. However, if you join an area walking tour or a tour of the city’s Insta-worthy spots, you’ll likely visit the popular local hangout. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy banks, looking out over the man-made waterfall and lily ponds, or rent an electric boat or canoe to cruise along the Erdre River.
Things to know before you go
- The Île de Versailles is one of Nantes’ most beautiful parks and is very popular with locals.
- There is no admission fee to visit the island and its Japanese garden.
- A café is on-site, along with restrooms, a drinking water fountain, picnic tables, and a playground.
- The pedestrianized island is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, but you’ll need to enter via the bridge at the northwest of the island.
How to get there
The Île de Versailles is north of downtown Nantes. It’s a scenic walk for about 20 minutes from the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, along the Quai de Versailles. You can also take tram line 2 (red) to either St Mihiel or Motte Rouge. Two footbridges provide access to the island at the northwest corner (wheelchair accessible) and southeast corner (steps only).
When to get there
When the sun is shining, the small island can get crowded, so to see it when it’s less busy, consider going early or late in the day or on a weekday. The island is open to the public daily from morning to evening, but it’s best to check the hours before your visit.
Parks and gardens of Nantes
Set on two rivers, the Loire and the Erdre, Nantes is a city surrounded by water and green spaces. After strolling around the Île de Versailles, spend some time exploring the Jardin des Plantes, with its botanical gardens, 19th-century palm house, and tree-lined parklands dotted with contemporary artwork. You can also see the Jardin Extraordinaire with its many waterfalls, the wooded Parc de Procé, and the huge Parc de la Beaujoire, further north along the Erdre.
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