As a Nantes resident, you often feel stuck between construction sites and the endless flow of cars. And yet, all it takes is crossing a few bridges or hopping on a tramway to get a complete change of scenery. The city is full of natural spaces that are easy to reach without a vehicle, where traffic noise gives way to birdsong. This guide lists my favorite spots for a real escape, with precise addresses and real ratings, so you can head straight there.

Sentier de l'Erdre

Sentier de l'Erdre Address: Nantes Erdre, 44300 Nantes Google rating: 4.9/5 (37 reviews) View on Maps Hours: Open 24 hours

This is a safe bet for Nantes locals looking for instant peace and quiet. The trail follows the water with pinpoint precision, offering sweeping views of fishermen's houses and dense vegetation. With an outstanding 4.9/5 rating, it is the ideal place for a meditative walk or an early-morning jog before the city really comes to life.

Bords de l'Erdre

Bords de l'Erdre Address: rue du 44300, 111 Rue du Port Boyer, 44300 Nantes Google rating: 4.5/5 (280 reviews) Website: https://patrimonia.nantes.fr/home/decouvrir/themes-et-quartiers/erdre.html View on Maps Hours: Open 24 hours

Here, you get right to the historic heart of navigation on the Erdre. Port Boyer is a classic starting point, but the walk itself is what draws you in. The riverbanks are well maintained, perfect for a family stroll. The many reviews (280) speak to its local popularity. It is flat, accessible, and visually very soothing, especially at sunset.

Balade Gesvres

Balade Gesvres Address: 72 Rue Mendès-France, 44240 La Chapelle-sur-Erdre Google rating: 4.7/5 (43 reviews) View on Maps

Located right on the edge of Nantes, in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, this route gives you a welcome sense of distance. Although it is technically in the neighboring municipality, access from Nantes is smooth. The route follows the Gesvres river, less famous than the Erdre but just as charming. It is a better-kept secret, with a solid 4.7/5 rating, ideal for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds in the major central parks.

Vallée du Cens

Vallée du Cens Address: 36 Av. de la Côte d'Or, 44300 Nantes Google rating: 4.5/5 (115 reviews) Website: https://dialoguecitoyen.metropole.nantes.fr/pages/vallee-cens View on Maps Hours: Open 24 hours

Vallée du Cens is a true green corridor running through southern Nantes. You will find dirt paths that stand in sharp contrast to the city's asphalt. It is a living space for runners and neighborhood walkers. The exact address makes it easy to reach, and the presence of a citizen portal shows local involvement in preserving this natural space in the middle of the city.

Parc de La Gaudinière

Parc de La Gaudinière Address: Bd Robert Schuman, 44300 Nantes Google rating: 4.6/5 (2,820 reviews) Website: https://jardins.nantes.fr/N/Jardin/Parcs-Jardins/Plus/1324/Parc-de-la-Gaudiniere.asp View on Maps Hours: Monday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Tuesday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Wednesday: 08:30 – 22:30…

With nearly 3,000 reviews, it is one of the city's most loved parks. Located near the Université, it attracts a young student crowd, but remains family-friendly. The lawns are wide, perfect for an impromptu picnic. The late opening hours, until 22:30, make it possible to enjoy the cool evening air in summer after a workday. It is an essential green lung in the southern sector.

Parc de Procé

Parc de Procé Address: 44 Rue des Dervallières, 44000 Nantes Google rating: 4.6/5 (5,001 reviews) Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr/infonantes/equipement/E1019 View on Maps Hours: Monday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Tuesday: 08:30 – 22:30 · Wednesday: 08:30 – 22:30…

With more than 5,000 reviews, Procé is an institution. It is not just a park, but a complete ecosystem with its free zoo, greenhouses, and children's play areas. Entering from Rue des Dervallières immediately immerses you in an urban forest atmosphere. This is where Nantes residents bring their children, but also where they come to run or read on a bench. The density of the vegetation creates remarkable sound insulation from the street.

Practical information

To reach these places without a car, the TAN network (Transports de l'Agglomération Nantaise) is your best friend.

• For the Erdre (Sentier and Bords): Take Tramway line 1 to the "Port Boyer" or "Doulon" stop. From there, it is a 5-minute walk.
• For La Chapelle (Balade Gesvres): Bus C6 or Tramway 1 gets you close to La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, then a few minutes on foot is enough to reach Rue Mendès-France.
• For Vallée du Cens: Tramway 2 heads south. Get off at "Le Landreau" or "Maison de Santé Paul Papin" depending on your preferred entrance, then walk toward Av. de la Côte d'Or.
• For La Gaudinière: Tramway 2 or Bus C3/C6 to "Facultés" or "Gaudinière - Botanique". It is right there.
• For Procé: Tramway 1 to "Dervallières" or Bus 11. The main entrance is very close to the stop.

Insider tip: Avoid sunny weekends if you are looking for absolute quiet at Procé or La Gaudinière, as they get very busy. For a more solitary experience, choose weekday mornings or the Sentier de l'Erdre early on Sunday. Remember to check winter hours (earlier closing) via the links provided.