Nantes is the sixth largest city in France, located on the Loire River, about 50 km from the Atlantic Coast. The city is known for its art, important harbor, and as one of France’s largest producers of food. The scene for running in Nantes is terrific, with several scenic routes in close proximity.
Much of the running in Nantes centers on waterside paths. Our favorite river run in Nantes is along the Erdre River. The Loire River can also be experienced via paths on its northern side and on the Île de Nantes. For parks and greenery, enjoy our Three Park Tour, anchored by Parc Procé near downtown Nantes. One of our favorite places to run in Nantes is a loop around the pastoral paths of Île Pinette. And don’t miss our ‘runseeing’ tour of Nantes, which includes key historic and cultural sites, the Château, botanical gardens, and Loire River paths. See also our separate guide for running in the Loire Valley.
Loire is easy to get around, with an extensive public-transport network, known as “Tan”, consisting of trams, buses and river shuttles.