Pays De La Loire France Travel Guide
Nantes cuisine mirrors its unique its position on the map and history. As a key port on the Loire River and near the Atlantic coast, seafood and river fish appear often. Its historical ties to Brittany mean you find elements like butter, crêpes, and galettes. The Loire Valley influence brings fresh produce and wines. The city's past as a trading hub also introduced exotic spices.
Nantes is a city proud of its gastronomic heritage while embracing modern culinary trends.
Butter and Crème Fraîche contribute richness to many dishes.
Expect fresh mussels, oysters, cod, pike, and perch. Tender mâche (lamb's lettuce) and carrots are well-known local produce.
The pungent Curé Nantais cheese with the sweet Gâteau Nantais cake are regional delights.
A soft, square, pungent cow's milk cheese, often washed with Muscadet wine. Enjoy with local Muscadet.
You can find it at Marché de Talensac or from local cheesemongers (fromageries).
Nantes' signature cake. Rich, buttery almond cake with rum and lemon zest, topped with a white rum glaze. Moist and flavorful.
Found in almost any traditional bakery (boulangerie) throughout the city.
Small, hard, translucent candies with a pyramid shape. Traditionally fruit-flavored.
Look for them in confectioneries or particular food shops.
Classic French pastries, perfect for your first meal of the day or a snack. Enjoy fresh from a local boulangerie.
Delicate almond meringue cookies with a creamy filling.
Nantes has a diverse range of dining experiences for any budget or occasion.
Michelin-starred or Bib Gourmand restaurants provide sophisticated French cuisine with innovative twists.
The city contains a lot of excellent brasseries, bistros, and traditional restaurants serving regional and classic French dishes.
Boulangeries offer affordable sandwiches and baked goods. Crêperies serve inexpensive and fulfilling savory galettes and sweet crêpes.
Nantes' main a market with a roof (open Tuesday-Sunday mornings). A food lover''s utopia for fresh produce, local cheeses, seafood, charcuterie, and prepared foods.
Perfect for assembling a picnic or a casual lunch.
A beautifully renovated historic market hall transformed into a modern food court. A range of food vendors offer different cuisines with communal seating.
Great for casual meals with friends, allowing everyone to choose their preference.
Many available alternatives.
Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese restaurants.
Specialized restaurants found in the city.
North African and other international choices.
Many traditional French dishes use wheat flour. Cross-contamination can be a concern in kitchens not specifically catering to gluten-free diets.
Carry a small translation guide with phrases about your allergies.
Halal options are you can get it in some areas, mainly at ethnic restaurants (e.g., North African, Middle Eastern).
Kosher options are more limited, typically at specialized groceries or community centers.
If you have severe restrictions, consider booking accommodation with kitchen facilities and sourcing food from supermarkets or markets.
When at Marché de Talensac, sample bites from vendors.
Some private chefs or culinary schools in Nantes conduct cooking workshops centered on Speaking french or area specialties.
Guided walking food tours are popular. These tours visit various eateries, bakeries, and markets.
Embark on an excursion to the Muscadet wine region just outside Nantes. Many wineries have cellar tours and tastings.
Keep your hands visible on the table, not in your lap, while dining. This is a French custom.
Dining is a public event; expect a relaxed pace.
Breakfast (Petit Déjeuner): 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM, typically light. Lunch (Déjeuner): 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, often main meal.
Dinner (Dîner): 7:AFTER MIDNIGHT, can be multi-course.
The surrounding Pays Nantais region is rich in agriculture. While direct farm trips for tourists could be less common, you can visit area wineries.
Purchase from the producers themselves at Marché de Talensac or visit vineyards for tastings.
Local markets feature produce in season. During winter, look for warming dishes like stews.
Be sure to communicate any dietary restrictions clearly to restaurant staff.
