Living in Nantes with a baby or young child changes our relationship with the city. We no longer just seek to visit; we seek to breathe. The sometimes narrow sidewalks of the city center give way to green spaces where the stroller glides effortlessly. I have selected eight concrete locations, tested on the ground, where you can relax, take a nap outside, or simply watch the children play safely. These are the places I prefer when I want to offer my family a bit of fresh air, away from the noise of trams.

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 an institution in the Malakoff neighborhood. Access via Avenue Peneau offers wide, perfectly flat paths, ideal for pushing a stroller effortlessly. You will find a wide variety of tree species and well-designed play areas for little ones. It is a calm place, very popular with local families for its shaded benches and cozy 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 made of packed earth or gravel, which requires a sturdy stroller, but the immersion in nature is complete. There are fewer people compared to the parks in the center, making it an ideal refuge for parents seeking silence. Children can run in the large grassy areas without fear.

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 wonder with its central pond and greenhouses. The paved paths allow for smooth movement with strollers. It is the perfect place for an educational walk, as there are many informative panels about the plants. The playground is spacious and secure, allowing parents to chat quietly 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. Nestled in the Dervallières-Zola neighborhood, this little gem is unknown to tourists but loved by locals. It features a charming tropical greenhouse and themed gardens. The paths are flat and well-maintained. It is a haven of peace where one immediately feels disconnected from the urban hustle, 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 of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, this hanging garden offers stunning views 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 to enjoy 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 banks of the Erdre offer flat and endless walks, ideal for long stroller marches. You can see colorful barges and water birds. It is a very practical urban hiking circuit, 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 reference in Nantes. With its exceptional rating, it never disappoints. The main paths are wide and paved, facilitating the passage of double strollers. The rose garden and Japanese garden offer absolute tranquility. The animals (ducks, geese, peacocks) add an essential playful touch to captivate the attention of little ones.

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 converted into a park, this place surprises with its size. The large lawns are perfect for free play, while the artistic structures integrated into the landscape stimulate the imagination. The paths are modern and very accessible. It is a dynamic place, often animated by cultural events, offering a unique setting that blends nature and industrial heritage.

Practical Information

To access these locations, the Tan network is efficient. Tramway 1 serves the Jardin des Plantes and the Jardin Extraordinaire. Tramway 2 passes near the Parc des Chantiers and the Parc de La Gaudinière. For the Parc du Grand Blottereau, Bus C3 or 26 is recommended. Opening hours vary: most parks close between 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM depending on the season, while the Parc naturel de Beaulieu and the Parc des Chantiers are open 24/7. My advice as a local: avoid the Jardin des Plantes on Sunday afternoons, as it gets too crowded. Opt for early morning or the Parc des Oblates for more tranquility. Always bring a blanket; the benches can be cold even in summer.