With summer flight prices soaring every year, cheap flights for a European city break are always a welcome find. Right now, flights to one European destination are particularly cheap, with some flight prices from the UK as low as £20.
Nantes is a city located on the Loire River and situated in northwestern France. In June, flights from London airports to Nantes range from £20 to £60 while Manchester flights to the French city start at £34. June flights from Edinburgh to Nantes are currently more expensive, starting at £54.
Home to the famous mechanical art project, Les Machines de l’Île and iconic castle, Château des ducs de Bretagne, the city has plenty to offer tourists. With highs of 25 degrees in the summer, Brits can also absorb some sun while exploring Nantes’ incredible heritage.
Les Machines de l’Île is one of the city’s highlights, an artistic project blending the imagined worlds of Jules Verne, the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci, and the industrial history of Nantes. The attraction features a ride on the 12-meter tall Great Elephant – ideal for family visits.
The ride is currently priced at 12€ (£10.40) per person or 8€ (£6.95) for children aged 4 to 12. As of February 7 2026, Les Machines de l’Île have opened for new nocturnal hours too, from 7pm to 10pm.
The city’s Château des ducs de Bretagne now houses the Nantes History Museum. The stunning castle sits the heart of Nantes’ medieval quarter and was built in the late-15th century by François II and his daughter, Anne of Brittany.
The castle offers free access to its courtyard and fortification walls area between 8.30am and 7pm and 9€ (£7.80) per adult for access to the museum and the temporary exhibitions.
Nantes’ top-rated restaurants include spots like the Michelin star, Obbo, but more affordable, yet recommended, spots include Le Reflet Nantes and Creperie Ker Breizh for its authentic crêpes.
During the summer, Nantes transforms into a vibrant city with its famous Voyage à Nantes, a yearly summer festival. The event takes participants on a permanent route via historical or contemporary architecture and various viewpoints in the city.
Voyage à Nantes consists of a variety of mostly-free cultural activities, run by local artists, architects, designers, and gardeners along the route. Cultural venues welcome the public every day of the week.
Visitors can find the green line running throughout the city all year round.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
