Passage Pommeraye

The basics

Passage Pommeraye is one of Nantes' key attractions—few visitors leave town without spending time shopping or just marveling at the architecture of this three-story masterpiece. Most walking tours of the city spend time at the passage and are ideal for travelers wanting to learn more about the history of the arcade and the city around it.

Things to know before you go

• Passage Pommeraye is a must-visit for architecture fans and shoppers.
• The Passage Pommeraye is wheelchair-accessible if you enter via Rue Santeuil (the upstairs part). There's also an elevator that connects to the middle floor (with access to Rue du Puits d'Argent).
• There is no admission fee to visit the Passage, but the shopping is great, so be prepared to spend money.

How to get there

Passage Pommeraye is easy to get to by bus or tram (or on foot if you're staying in the city center). Nearby transit stops include St-Nicolas, Commerce, Médiathèque, and Square Davais. If you’re coming from the main railway station, take tram line 1 to Commerce, a 15-minute walk from the arcade.

When to get there

Passage Pommeraye is open daily throughout the year, except on May 1 when it's closed for International Workers' Day. Most stores are closed on other national holidays, including Christmas Day, Easter, and Bastille Day (July 14). Store hours may vary, however. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds, especially if you plan to do a lot of photography.

Why to visit Les Machines de L'Île

Walking 15 minutes from Passage Pommeraye will take you to the Machines of the Isle, one of Nantes' more unusual and whimsical attractions. This steampunk-style art park, which draws its inspiration from Leonardo DaVinci’s sketches and from Nantes famous author Jules Verne, features a massive robotic elephant, a triple-story carousel focused on marine life, and a gallery displaying all sorts of different machines.