Nantes is not just stone and river. As a resident, I know that the city is full of often underestimated green spaces by hurried visitors. These areas provide an immediate contrast to urban activity, allowing you to reconnect with nature without leaving the metropolitan area. This guide lists accessible, free, and well-maintained places, perfect for a digestive walk, a jogging session, or simply reading in peace. Forget the queues; here, we 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) View 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. Located in a peaceful residential area, it offers an astonishing variety of landscapes for its size. You can find rare species, a pond lined with weeping willows, and vast lawns ideal for picnicking. The atmosphere is family-friendly but respects tranquility. It’s the perfect spot to observe local wildlife, including ducks and sometimes herons, away from the noise of trams.

Parc de La Gaudinière

Parc de La Gaudinière Address: Bd Robert Schuman, 44300 Nantes Google Rating: 4.6/5 (2820 reviews) View 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 surprises with its size. It features a large artificial lake surrounded by centenary trees that create a dense green canopy. The paths are wide, accessible by stroller or wheelchair. It’s a popular passage for students and healthcare workers looking for a green lunch break. The presence of playgrounds for children also makes it a popular family meeting point on weekends.

Parc naturel de Beaulieu

Parc naturel de Beaulieu 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… Unlike more formal parks, this one retains a preserved wild aspect. It stretches along the Erdre and offers well-loved dirt paths for runners. The 24/7 access allows for walks at sunrise or late in the evening, although visibility is limited. It’s a haven of biodiversity where vegetation reclaims its rights, offering a real sense of seclusion despite the immediate proximity of homes.

Parc de Procé

Parc de Procé Address: 44 Rue des Dervallières, 44000 Nantes Google Rating: 4.6/5 (5001 reviews) View 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… This is undoubtedly the most famous park in Nantes after the Machines. Its free zoo is a major attraction, housing various species in spacious enclosures. Beyond the animals, the park itself is beautiful, with its large trees, historic greenhouses, and water features. The maintenance is impeccable. It’s an ideal spot for a full day out, combining animal discovery and relaxation on the grass. The attendance is high, 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) 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 little gem located in Malakoff is an oasis of tranquility. Less known than Procé, it attracts those seeking silence. The park is structured around a large central lawn surrounded by mature trees. It’s the perfect place to read a book or meditate. The acoustic isolation is surprising given the surrounding urban density. The benches are strategically placed to 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) View on Maps Website: https://metropole.nantes.fr/ Hours: Monday: Open 24/7 · Tuesday: Open 24/7 · Wednesday: Open 24/7… Located in the north of the city, this park offers a more rural experience. It has large grassy areas and woodlands. It’s a favorite spot for dog walkers and families. The 24/7 opening makes it easy to access early in the morning to avoid crowds. The terrain is slightly hilly, adding charm to the walks. There are also well-equipped picnic areas.

Parc Floral la Roseraie

Parc Floral la Roseraie Address: Rte de Saint-Joseph, 44300 Nantes Google Rating: 4.6/5 (2078 reviews) View 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 the spring and summer bloom. The paths are straight and symmetrical, offering remarkable photographic perspectives. It’s a very calm place, often less crowded than the neighboring floral park, ideal for a romantic or solitary 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) 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… Adjacent to the Roseraie, this floral park features themed gardens and greenhouses. It is designed as a modern botanical garden. Exotic plants coexist with local species. The architecture of the greenhouses is worth the visit. It’s an excellent complement to a visit to the Roseraie. Botany enthusiasts can easily spend an hour observing the different collections. The whole area is clean, well-signposted, and pleasant to explore.

Practical Information

All these parks are accessible via the Tan network (Transport of the Nantes Agglomeration). For Parc de Procé, get off at the "Procé" stop (Tramway 2). Parc Floral de la Beaujoire is served by Tramway 1 (stop "Beaujoire"). Parc du Grand Blottereau is close to the "Blottereau" stop (Bus C3). The indicated hours are general; always check for exceptional closures on the official sites mentioned. My advice as a resident: avoid sunny summer weekends for Procé and Beaujoire, which are too crowded. Prefer smaller parks like Oblates or Beaulieu for more intimacy.