Living in Nantes with a baby or young child changes how you experience the city. You are no longer just looking to visit places, you are looking for room to breathe. The sometimes narrow sidewalks of the city center give way to green spaces where a stroller rolls along easily. I have selected eight specific places for you, all tested on the ground, where you can settle down, let your child nap outside, or simply watch children play safely. These are the places I choose when I want to give my family a little fresh air, away from the noise of the tramways.
Parc du Grand Blottereau
Parc du Grand Blottereau, 16 Bd Auguste Peneau, 44300 Nantes. Google rating: 4.6/5 (3796 reviews). View on Maps. This park is a landmark in the Malakoff neighborhood. Access via avenue Peneau offers wide, perfectly flat paths, ideal for pushing a stroller with no effort. You will find a wide variety of tree species and well-designed play areas for little ones. It is a quiet place, very popular with local families for its shaded benches and peaceful atmosphere.
Parc naturel de Beaulieu
Parc naturel de Beaulieu, Rue du Pré Salé, 44200 Nantes. Google rating: 4.2/5 (1723 reviews). View on Maps. Located near the medical school, this park offers a wilder experience. The paths are dirt or gravel, so you will need a sturdy stroller, but the immersion in nature is complete. There are fewer people here than in the central parks, making it an ideal refuge for parents looking for quiet. Children can run freely across the large grassy areas without worry.
Parc de La Gaudinière
Parc de La Gaudinière, Bd Robert Schuman, 44300 Nantes. Google rating: 4.6/5 (2820 reviews). View on Maps. This park is a botanical gem, with its central pond and greenhouses. The paved paths make it easy to move around with strollers. It is the perfect place for an educational walk, as there are many explanatory signs about the plants. The play area is spacious and secure, allowing parents to chat calmly while the children have fun.
Parc des Oblates
Parc des Oblates, Rue Philippe de Broca, 44100 Nantes. Google rating: 4.4/5 (1157 reviews). View on Maps. Tucked away in the Dervallières-Zola neighborhood, this little gem is little known to tourists but loved by residents. It has a charming tropical greenhouse and themed gardens. The paths are flat and well maintained. It is a haven of peace where you immediately feel disconnected from the bustle of the city, perfect for a reading break or a quick picnic.
Jardin Extraordinaire
Jardin Extraordinaire, 1 Rue Joseph Cholet, 44100 Nantes. Google rating: 4.4/5 (4475 reviews). View on Maps. Located at the entrance to the château des Ducs de Bretagne, this hanging garden offers a breathtaking view of the Loire. The paths are wide and accessible, leading to spectacular viewpoints. It is a magical place for children discovering the city from above. The atmosphere is always relaxed, and there are plenty of benches for enjoying the sunset.
Bords de l'Erdre
Bords de l'Erdre, rue du 44300, 111 Rue du Port Boyer, 44300 Nantes. Google rating: 4.5/5 (280 reviews). View on Maps. The quays along the Erdre offer flat, endless walks, ideal for long strolls with a stroller. You can see colorful houseboats and water birds there. It is a very convenient urban walking route, as it connects several neighborhoods. The air is generally cooler, and the trees provide welcome shade in summer.
Jardin des Plantes
Jardin des Plantes, Rue Stanislas Baudry, 44000 Nantes. Google rating: 4.7/5 (17822 reviews). View on Maps. This is the absolute benchmark in Nantes. With its exceptional rating, it never disappoints. The main paths are wide and paved, making it easy to get through with double strollers. The rose garden and Japanese garden offer corners of complete tranquility. The animals (ducks, geese, peacocks) add an essential playful touch that keeps toddlers engaged.
Parc des Chantiers
Parc des Chantiers, Bd Léon Bureau, 44200 Nantes. Google rating: 4.6/5 (1941 reviews). View on Maps. A former industrial site turned park, this place is surprising in its scale. The large lawns are perfect for free play, while the artistic structures integrated into the landscape spark the imagination. The paths are modern and very easy to use. It is a lively place, often animated by cultural events, offering a unique setting that blends nature with industrial heritage.
Practical Information
To reach these places, the Tan network is efficient. Tramway 1 serves the Jardin des Plantes and Jardin Extraordinaire. Tramway 2 passes near Parc des Chantiers and Parc de La Gaudinière. For Parc du Grand Blottereau, Bus C3 or 26 is recommended. Opening hours vary: most parks close between 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. depending on the season, while Parc naturel de Beaulieu and Parc des Chantiers are open 24/7. My local tip: avoid Jardin des Plantes on Sunday afternoons, when it is too crowded. Go early in the morning or choose Parc des Oblates for a quieter outing. Always bring a blanket, as benches can be cold even in summer.
