Living in Nantes also means knowing how to quickly escape the density of the city center. Biking remains the most effective way to discover the green lungs of the metropolis. Here’s a selection of routes and parks accessible, tested and approved by locals for their environmental quality and bike-friendliness.
Banks of the Erdre
Banks of the Erdre Address: rue du 44300, 111 Rue du Port Boyer, 44300 Nantes Google Rating: 4.5/5 (280 reviews) View on Maps Website: https://patrimonia.nantes.fr/home/decouvrir/themes-et-quartiers/erdre.html Hours: Monday: Open 24/7 · Tuesday: Open 24/7 · Wednesday: Open 24/7…
The banks of the Erdre are one of the most beautiful hiking and biking circuits in the agglomeration. Starting from Port Boyer, you can enjoy a wide and well-maintained path that quietly runs alongside the water. It’s the perfect spot for a morning stroll before the crowds take over the more central quays.
The Greenway
The Greenway Address: Rue Atalante, 44470 Carquefou Google Rating: 4.2/5 (20 reviews) View on Maps Website: https://www.ma-voie-verte.fr/carte-voies-vertes-pistes-cyclables/voie-verte-carquefou-st-mars-la-jaille-loire-atlantique/
This section of the greenway connecting Carquefou is perfect for families or cyclists looking for zero car traffic. The layout is safe, separated from the departmental roads. You can ride through nature with little elevation change, making it a very popular gentle route for residents of the northern suburbs.
Hervé Pond Footbridge
Hervé Pond Footbridge Address: 15 All. Jean Rostand, 44470 Carquefou Google Rating: 4.8/5 (4 reviews) View on Maps Hours: Monday: Open 24/7 · Tuesday: Open 24/7 · Wednesday: Open 24/7…
The footbridge allows you to cross Hervé Pond with a stunning view of the surrounding vegetation. It’s a strategic crossing point if you combine your bike ride with a walk in the nearby woods. The infrastructure is new and sturdy, providing total safety for cyclists.
Sentier de l'Erdre
Sentier de l'Erdre Address: Nantes Erdre, 44300 Nantes Google Rating: 4.9/5 (37 reviews) View on Maps Hours: Monday: Open 24/7 · Tuesday: Open 24/7 · Wednesday: Open 24/7…
With an exceptional rating of 4.9/5, the Sentier de l'Erdre is often cited as the green jewel of Nantes. It winds through the trees, creating an almost wild atmosphere despite its urban proximity. Cyclists find a pleasant surface and welcome shade during summer days.
Beaulieu Natural Park
Beaulieu Natural Park Address: Rue du Pré Salé, 44200 Nantes Google Rating: 4.2/5 (1723 reviews) View on Maps Hours: Monday: Open 24/7 · Tuesday: Open 24/7 · Wednesday: Open 24/7…
Located near the CHU, this park offers a wide variety of atmospheres. It can be easily accessed by bike from the city center via the bike paths along the Île de Nantes. The main paths are wide and navigable, although some pedestrian areas require caution. It’s a major relaxation spot for students and healthcare workers.
Chantrerie Park
Chantrerie Park Address: Rte de Gachet, 44300 Nantes Google Rating: 4.5/5 (1606 reviews) View on Maps Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr/ Hours: Monday: Open 24/7 · Tuesday: Open 24/7 · Wednesday: Open 24/7…
Chantrerie Park is a vast space located in the north of Nantes. Although the heart of the park is reserved for pedestrians, the peripheral avenues and access roads allow for comfortable bike access. It’s the perfect place for a picnic after a long ride, with shaded areas provided by century-old trees.
Oblates Park
Oblates Park Address: Rue Philippe de Broca, 44100 Nantes Google Rating: 4.4/5 (1157 reviews) View 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 residential park in the Dervallières - Zola neighborhood is highly valued for its tranquility. The opening hours until 22:00 allow for evening strolls. Access by bike is easy from the adjacent streets, and the park offers numerous benches for resting. It’s an oasis of peace in a dense area.
Floral Park of the Beaujoire
Floral Park of the Beaujoire Address: 344 Rte de Saint-Joseph, 44300 Nantes Google Rating: 4.6/5 (2459 reviews) View 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…
The Floral Park of the Beaujoire is a must-visit for flower lovers and structured spaces. Located next to the stadium, it is easily accessible via the major cycling routes in northern Nantes. The rose garden is particularly beautiful in spring. The paved paths allow for smooth bike traffic to the main entrances.
Practical Information
For these rides, prefer public transport to reach the starting points if you are coming from afar, especially tram line 1 for Beaujoire or the bus lines serving Carquefou. The park hours vary: Beaulieu and Chantrerie are open 24/7, while Oblates close at 22:00 and Beaujoire at 22:30. My advice as a local: avoid peak hours (8-9 AM and 5-6 PM) on shared paths with cars, and prefer greenways like the one in Carquefou for maximum safety.