Nantes is not just stone and river. As a local, I know the city is full of green havens that are often underestimated by visitors in a hurry. These spaces offer an immediate contrast with the bustle of the city, letting you reconnect with nature without leaving the metropolitan area. This guide lists accessible, free, and perfectly maintained places, ideal for a post-meal walk, a jogging session, or simply reading in peace. Forget the lines; here, people come for the space.

Parc du Grand Blottereau

Parc du Grand Blottereau Address: 16 Bd Auguste Peneau, 44300 Nantes Google rating: 4.6/5 (3796 reviews) See on Maps Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr/infonantes/equipement/E1020-parc-du-grand-blottereau#schedule Hours: Monday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Tuesday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Wednesday: 08:30 – 22:30… This park is a Nantes institution. Set in a peaceful residential neighborhood, it offers a surprising variety of landscapes for its size. You will find rare tree species, a pond lined with weeping willows, and wide lawns ideal for picnicking. The atmosphere is family-friendly while still remaining calm. It is the perfect place to observe local wildlife, especially ducks and sometimes herons, far from the noise of the tramways.

Parc de La Gaudinière

Parc de La Gaudinière Address: Bd Robert Schuman, 44300 Nantes Google rating: 4.6/5 (2820 reviews) See on Maps Website: https://jardins.nantes.fr/N/Jardin/Parcs-Jardins/Plus/1324/Parc-de-la-Gaudiniere.asp Hours: Monday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Tuesday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Wednesday: 08:30 – 22:30… Located near the CHU, this park is surprising in its scale. It has a large artificial lake surrounded by century-old trees that create a dense green canopy. The paths are wide and suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. It is a popular stop for students and healthcare workers looking for a green lunch break. The children’s play areas also make it a popular family meeting spot on weekends.

Parc naturel de Beaulieu

Parc naturel de Beaulieu Address: Rue du Pré Salé, 44200 Nantes Google rating: 4.2/5 (1723 reviews) See on Maps Hours: Monday: Open 24 hours · Tuesday: Open 24 hours · Wednesday: Open 24 hours… Unlike more formal parks, this one keeps a preserved wild feel. It stretches along the Erdre and offers dirt trails that runners particularly enjoy. Its 24-hour access allows for walks at sunrise or in the late evening, although light can be limited. It is a haven for biodiversity where vegetation has reclaimed its place, creating a real sense of distance despite the immediate proximity of nearby homes.

Parc de Procé

Parc de Procé Address: 44 Rue des Dervallières, 44000 Nantes Google rating: 4.6/5 (5001 reviews) See on Maps Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr/infonantes/equipement/E1019 Hours: Monday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Tuesday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Wednesday: 08:30 – 22:30… It is probably the most famous park in Nantes after the Machines. Its free zoo is a major attraction, home to a variety of species in spacious enclosures. Beyond the animals, the park itself is magnificent, with large trees, historic greenhouses, and bodies of water. The upkeep is impeccable. It is an ideal place for a full-day outing, combining animal discovery with relaxing on the grass. It gets busy, but the space is so vast that you can always find a quiet corner.

Parc des Oblates

Parc des Oblates Address: Rue Philippe de Broca, 44100 Nantes Google rating: 4.4/5 (1157 reviews) See on Maps Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr/lieu/parc-des-oblates Hours: Monday: 08:30 – 22:00 · Tuesday: 08:30 – 22:00 · Wednesday: 08:30 – 22:00… This small gem in Malakoff is an oasis of tranquility. Less well known than Procé, it attracts people looking for silence. The park is arranged around a large central lawn surrounded by mature trees. It is the perfect place to read a book or meditate. The acoustic isolation is surprising given the surrounding urban density. Benches are placed strategically so visitors can enjoy the shade in summer or the sun in winter.

Parc de la Chantrerie

Parc de la Chantrerie Address: Rte de Gachet, 44300 Nantes Google rating: 4.5/5 (1606 reviews) See on Maps Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr/ Hours: Monday: Open 24 hours · Tuesday: Open 24 hours · Wednesday: Open 24 hours… Located north of the city, this park offers a more rural experience. It has large grassy areas and wooded sections. It is popular with dog walkers and families. Its 24-hour opening makes it easy to come early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The terrain is gently rolling, which adds charm to walks. There are also well-designed picnic areas.

Parc Floral la Roseraie

Parc Floral la Roseraie Address: Rte de Saint-Joseph, 44300 Nantes Google rating: 4.6/5 (2078 reviews) See on Maps Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr/infonantes/equipement/E2372-parc-floral-de-la-beaujoire---roseraie#schedule Hours: Monday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Tuesday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Wednesday: 08:30 – 22:30… As its name suggests, this park is dedicated to roses. It is part of the Beaujoire complex. The collection is impressive, especially during spring and summer blooming. The paths are straight and symmetrical, offering remarkable photo perspectives. It is a very quiet place, often less crowded than the neighboring Parc Floral, ideal for a romantic or solo stroll.

Parc Floral de la Beaujoire

Parc Floral de la Beaujoire Address: 344 Rte de Saint-Joseph, 44300 Nantes Google rating: 4.6/5 (2459 reviews) See on Maps Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr/lieu/parc-floral-de-la-beaujoire-roseraie#schedule Hours: Monday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Tuesday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Wednesday: 08:30 – 22:30… Adjacent to the Roseraie, this floral park features themed gardens and greenhouses. It is designed like a modern botanical garden. Exotic plants sit alongside local species. The greenhouse architecture is worth the detour. It is an excellent addition to a visit to the Roseraie. Botany lovers can easily spend an hour observing the different collections. The whole site is clean, well signposted, and pleasant to explore.

Practical information

All these parks are accessible via the Tan network (Transports de l'Agglomération Nantaise). For Parc de Procé, get off at the "Procé" stop (Tramway 2). Parc Floral de la Beaujoire is served by Tramway 1 ("Beaujoire" stop). Parc du Grand Blottereau is close to the "Blottereau" stop (Bus C3). The hours listed are general; always check exceptional closures on the official websites mentioned. My local tip: avoid sunny summer weekends for Procé and Beaujoire, which get too crowded. Choose smaller parks like Oblates or Beaulieu for more privacy.