Things to do in Nantes in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Nantes. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 37—48°F (3—9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Nantes during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a day trip to the nearby town of Clisson, visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, explore the Machines of the Isle of Nantes, and more!

Nantes has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Nantes. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Nantes in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Nantes in January

Top experiences in January
Take a day trip to the nearby town of Clisson
In January, you can escape the city and explore the charming town of Clisson, with its picturesque medieval architecture and scenic countryside. The town is known for its Italian-inspired architecture, complete with red-tiled roofs and charming cobblestone streets. You can wander through the town's historic center, visit the ruins of the Clisson Castle, and take in the peaceful beauty of the surrounding countryside. It's a lovely and relaxing day trip that offers a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Nantes.
Visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne
This historic castle is a must-see in Nantes, and in January, you can explore its fascinating history and impressive architecture without the crowds that often come during the peak tourist season. The castle houses a museum that showcases the history of Nantes and the Loire-Atlantique region, with exhibits on everything from medieval warfare to maritime trade. It's a captivating and educational experience that offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of Nantes.
Explore the Machines of the Isle of Nantes
This unique attraction features a collection of mechanical animals and creatures, including a giant mechanical elephant that takes visitors on a ride around the site. In January, you can experience the magic of these mechanical marvels without the crowds that typically come during the peak tourist season. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you in awe of the creativity and engineering behind these incredible machines.
Visit the Nantes Cathedral
In January, you can admire the stunning Gothic architecture of this historic cathedral without the crowds that often come during the peak tourist season. The cathedral is a beautiful and peaceful place to explore, with its intricate stained glass windows, ornate sculptures, and rich history. You can take your time to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this sacred space, making for a memorable experience in Nantes.
Sample the local Galette des Rois pastry
This traditional French pastry is a must-try in January, as it is typically enjoyed during the Epiphany celebrations. The Galette des Rois is a delicious flaky pastry filled with almond cream, and it often contains a hidden trinket or figurine. It's a fun and tasty tradition to partake in, and you can find this delectable treat at bakeries and pastry shops throughout Nantes.
Take a stroll along the Loire River
In January, the Loire River takes on a serene and peaceful atmosphere, with fewer tourists and a more relaxed vibe. You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverbanks, taking in the beautiful scenery and charming riverside architecture. It's a great way to soak up the natural beauty of Nantes and escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
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Holidays in Nantes in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Nantes in January

Temperatures on an average day in Nantes in January

The average temperature in Nantes in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 48°F (9°C) to a low of 37°F (3°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Nantes, July, has days with highs of 77°F (25°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 50°F (10°C) and lows of 36°F (2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Nantes in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
48°F
highs
37°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
38%
Chance of rain
0.120 in
Amount
17.0 mph
Wind speed
92%
Humidity
8.9 hrs
Daylight length
8:46 AM
Sunrise
5:43 PM
Sunset
31%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 48°F (9°C) and a low of 37°F (3°C), it generally feels cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Nantes in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Nantes has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Nantes that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Nantes for January.
Les Machines de l'Île
1. Les Machines de l'Île
4.6
(36624)
Museums
Specialty Museums
Artistic park attraction with a giant elephant & heron, inspired by Jules Verne & Leonardo da Vinci.
Botanical Garden
2. Botanical Garden
4.7
(16115)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Palm-house tours, plus trails amid camellias & magnolias in a 19th-century park & botanical gardens.
Château des ducs de Bretagne
3. Château des ducs de Bretagne
4.5
(21156)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Castle & museum detailing the history of the port, including various scale models of the city.
Passage Pommeraye
4. Passage Pommeraye
4.6
(14091)
Shopping mall
Shopping
1840s shopping mall featuring Renaissance-inspired architecture & 2 levels of upscale boutiques.
Music Sacrée À La Cathedral De Nantes
5. Music Sacrée À La Cathedral De Nantes
3.0
(2)
School
Sights & Landmarks
île de Versailles
6. île de Versailles
4.5
(295)
Island
Nature & Parks
1.7 hectare island & park, created in 1831 & featuring a Japanese-style Zen garden with exhibitions.
Tour Bretagne
7. Tour Bretagne
Building
Sights & Landmarks
1970s skyscraper & the tallest building in Nantes, with a quirky, bird-themed bar & rooftop terrace.
Trentemoult
8. Trentemoult
Neighborhoods
Trentemoult is a former fishing village on the Loire River, known for colorful 3-story houses with red-tiled roofs, and gardens filled with palm trees. Lining the busy Quai Marcel Boissard are traditional bistros, crêperies, and cafes, and seagulls circling above fishing boats. On the river, Roman Signer’s red 7-meter-high Pendulum is an art installation that steadily ticks each second with its huge swinging hand.
Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery
9. Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery
4.3
(1813)
Memorial
Museums
This monument is dedicated to abolitionists & the victims of the Atlantic slave trade.
Le Lieu Unique
10. Le Lieu Unique
4.2
(6073)
Cultural center
Sights & Landmarks
Cultural center with a bookshop & a bar in a converted biscuit factory, hosting art & performances.
Le Voyage à Nantes - siège social
11. Le Voyage à Nantes - siège social
4.5
(49)
Corporate office
Visitor Centers
Place Royale
12. Place Royale
4.6
(1863)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Grand pedestrian square set around an ornamental fountain representing local & regional mythology.
Miroir d'eau
13. Miroir d'eau
4.4
(936)
Sights & Landmarks
Fountains
Natural History Museum
14. Natural History Museum
4.4
(3091)
Natural history museum
Museums
Elegant neoclassical building with Napoleonic-era collections of animal bones, taxidermy & minerals.
Parc de Procé
15. Parc de Procé
4.6
(4648)
Park
Nature & Parks
Park with rhododendrons, camellias & magnolias, plus an art gallery & cafe in an 18th-century manor.
Jules Verne Museum
16. Jules Verne Museum
3.7
(1422)
Heritage museum
Museums
Museum dedicated to the novelist Jules Verne, housing memorabilia, manuscripts & a reading room.

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