Resources & References: Nantes

Digital Resources

Official & Transportation

Nantes Tourisme:
Nantes-tourisme.com/en/. The main, most reliable source for information, events, and bookings.
TAN (Public Transport):
Tan.fr/. Official website for route maps, real-time schedules, and fares.
SNCF Connect:
Sncf-connect.com/. For booking TGV and TER train tickets within France.
Ride-Sharing:
Uber and Free Now apps operate in Nantes for ride services.
Mapping & Navigation:
Google Maps / Apple Maps provide directions. Download offline maps.

Accommodation & Connectivity

Accommodation:
Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartment rentals.
ESIM Providers:
Consider Airalo for convenient data connectivity upon arrival.
Translation Tools:
Google Translate App (offline French pack) and WordReference for quick lookups.
VPN Service:
NordVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.
Packing Organizers:
Visit Eagle Creek for travel organization products.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

Lonely Planet, Rick Steves, Rough Guides, Fodor's France guidebooks often include Nantes sections or specific Western France guides.

City Maps

Obtain a free city map upon arrival at the Nantes Tourisme office. These highlight attractions and transport routes.

Books about the Destination

Reading about Nantes' history, especially its role as a port city or its connection to Brittany, deepens your visit.

Local Publications

City Guides

Free local city guides, often at hotels.
List current events and exhibitions.
Feature restaurant recommendations.
Good for on-the-go discoveries.

Newspapers & Magazines

For French speakers, local newspapers.
Cultural magazines provide local scene insights.
Keep you current on Nantes happenings.
Available at newsstands and some cafes.

Jules Verne Literature

Explore works by Jules Verne, born in Nantes.
Understand the city's literary heritage.
Available in bookstores, both English and French.
Connect with Nantes' spirit of adventure.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers & Contacts

General & Police

General European Emergency:
Dial 112 for connection to police, ambulance, or fire services.
Police (Police Nationale):
Dial 17 for police assistance.
Fire Brigade (Sapeurs-Pompiers):
Dial 18 for fire emergencies.

Medical & Lost Documents

Medical Emergency (SAMU - Ambulance):
Dial 15 for urgent medical assistance.
Hospital Locations:
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nantes and Hôtel Dieu for emergency services.
Lost Document Procedures:
Report lost/stolen passport to local police (dial 17) then contact your embassy in Paris.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

CHU de Nantes

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, a major public hospital with comprehensive emergency services. The main medical facility in the region.

Hôtel Dieu

Part of the CHU network, conveniently situated in the city center. This facility handles a range of medical needs, including emergencies.

Clinique Jules Verne

A private clinic offering various medical services. For minor issues, local "pharmacie" (pharmacy, green cross sign) provide initial advice and remedies.

Embassy and Consulate Information

Non-EU Citizens

For most non-EU citizens, your national embassy or consulate is in Paris.
Have their contact details (phone number, address) readily available.
They provide assistance with lost passports or medical emergencies.
Contact them for other serious issues abroad.

Lost Document Procedures

If your passport or ID is lost or stolen, report it immediately to local police (dial 17).
Obtain a police report for your records.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Paris for emergency travel documents.
Natural Disaster Protocols: Follow local authority instructions.

Quick Tip

Save the contact information for your accommodation and the main Nantes Tourisme office in your phone for easy access.

Resources & References