Nantes is not just a city of stone and history; it is also a place shaped by water and dotted with bodies of water that tourists often overlook but locals love. When the sun comes out, you do not stay inside the streets of downtown. You take your car, your bike, or the tramway to reach these green spaces where time seems to stand still. Here is a concrete selection of places to enjoy the fresh air, whether you want to fish, walk, or simply watch the wildlife.

Lac du Parc La Carrière

Lac du Parc La Carrière Address: Rue du Dr Boubée, 44800 Saint-Herblain Google rating: 4.8/5 (13 reviews) Category: Fishing pond Hours: Open 24 hours Maps link This small pond tucked away in the heart of the park offers a peaceful setting, ideal for anyone who enjoys quiet fishing. It is a discreet spot, perfect for a reading break by the water without the crowds of the larger sites.

Lac de Grand-Lieu - Pierres Aiguës

Lac de Grand-Lieu - Pierres Aiguës Address: 44860 Saint-Aignan-Grandlieu Google rating: 4.5/5 (407 reviews) Category: Nature reserve Website: https://lacdegrandlieu.com/ Hours: Open 24 hours Maps link It is the largest natural lowland lake in France. The Pierres Aiguës area is known for birdwatching. Bring binoculars and walk quietly to spot herons and other migratory birds in their protected habitat.

Jardin Extraordinaire

Jardin Extraordinaire Address: 1 Rue Joseph Cholet, 44100 Nantes Google rating: 4.4/5 (4475 reviews) Category: Garden Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr/lieu/le-jardin-extraordinaire Hours: Monday: 08:30 – 20:00 · Tuesday: 08:30 – 20:00 · Wednesday: 08:30 – 20:00 Maps link Located on Île de Nantes, this suspended garden surprises visitors with its architectural and plant-filled perspectives. The terraces offer sweeping views over the Loire and the cranes. It is an essential stop for an original urban walk.

Lac d'Atlantis

Lac d'Atlantis Address: 8 All. la Pérouse, 44800 Saint-Herblain Google rating: 4/5 (5 reviews) Category: Fishing pond Hours: Open 24 hours Maps link Close to château d'Atlantis, this calm body of water is appreciated by local anglers. The surroundings are green and rarely crowded, offering a rare sense of privacy just a few minutes from the nearby shopping areas.

Parc du Grand Blottereau

Parc du Grand Blottereau Address: 16 Bd Auguste Peneau, 44300 Nantes Google rating: 4.6/5 (3796 reviews) Category: Park 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 Maps link This large historic park has a central pond, exotic greenhouses, and play areas. It is a Nantes classic for Sunday picnics. The shaded paths are ideal for an early-morning run or a family walk.

Lac Patsou

Lac Patsou Address: Île de Nantes, 44200 Nantes Google rating: 4.7/5 (13 reviews) Category: Historic site Hours: Open 24 hours Maps link A former dry dock transformed into a landscaped space, Lac Patsou blends industrial memory with contemporary greenery. Located near la Machine, it offers a relaxing setting amid the buzz of Île de Nantes.

Natura Parc

Natura Parc Address: Route de la Plate Taille 99, 6440 Froidchapelle, Belgique Google rating: 4.5/5 (1328 reviews) Category: Amusement park Website: http://www.naturaparc.be/ Hours: Monday: 10:00 – 18:00 · Tuesday: 10:00 – 18:00 · Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:00 Maps link For a more distant getaway, this wildlife park in Belgique offers encounters with local species such as wolves and lynx. The immersive forest experience is unique, although the trip from Nantes takes about three hours by car.

Parc La Carrière

Parc La Carrière Address: Rue Eugénie Cotton, 44800 Saint-Herblain Google rating: 4.5/5 (185 reviews) Category: City park Website: https://www.saint-herblain.fr/Services-et-demarches/Lieux-utiles/Parcs-et-jardins/Parc-de-la-Carriere-jardin-mediterraneen Hours: Open 24 hours Maps link This Mediterranean garden is a green haven in Saint-Herblain. With its drought-resistant plants and picnic areas, it is a pleasant place to unwind without having to go far from home.

Practical information

To reach these places, favor driving for Lac de Grand-Lieu and Natura Parc, since public transport is less direct. For the Nantes and Saint-Herblain sites (Parc La Carrière, Jardin Extraordinaire, Parc du Grand Blottereau), the TAN tramway and buses work well. Opening hours vary: while some lakes are accessible 24 hours a day, municipal parks usually close between 20:00 and 22:30 depending on the season. My local tip: avoid Jardin Extraordinaire on weekends if you are looking for peace and quiet, and stick to the official opening hours for Parc du Grand Blottereau so you can enjoy the greenhouses.