Saint‑Félix Neighborhood Guide: Live Like a Local
Welcome to Saint‑Félix, the leafy waterside district that wraps around the River Erdre just north of Nantes’ medieval centre. Staying here means short, scenic walks, an easy tram ride downtown, and a village‑like atmosphere packed with independent shops and creative hang‑outs.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: 1 km north of Place du Bouffay (≈ 7 min on Tram 2)
- 🎋 Green spaces: Île de Versailles Japanese Garden (5 min walk)
- 🛍️ Market days: Talensac Market — Tuesday–Sunday, 7 am–1 pm
Food & Drink Favourites
| Distance | Spot | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|
| 300 m | Paoletto | Neapolitan pizzas & antipasti |
| 450 m | Gwaien | Creative Breton‑Asian small plates & natural wines |
| 600 m | Battos | Neo‑bistro with seasonal tasting menus |
| 700 m | Les Cadets | Artisanal brunch & specialty coffee |
| 850 m | Le Scénario | Cozy cinema‑themed bar for craft cocktails |
Shopping & Services
- La Petite Boulangerie (Place Saint-Félix) — artisan bread & pastries fresh all day
- Les Petites Cagettes — organic grocery & local produce baskets
- Le Petit Lieu — zero-waste concept store for books & vintage décor
Getting Around
- Tram 2 “Saint‑Félix” → historic centre in 7 min
- Tram 3 “Poitou” → Château / TGV station
- Bus C2 & 23 “Bruneau” → Île de Nantes, Commerce & Île de Versailles
- Bicloo bike share station 50 m from the apartment
- Weekend public transport free across the Métropole
Insider Tip: Download the free “Naolib” app for real‑time tram and bus arrivals.
Ready to explore? Book The Secret Garden and live like a local in Saint‑Félix.
Top 5 Things to Do
1. Unwind on Île de Versailles
Stroll across the pedestrian bridge and lose yourself in the Zen garden’s bamboo groves, rockeries and koi ponds before hiring a kayak or electric boat from the pontoon. (5 minutes on foot)
2. Paddle the “world’s most beautiful river”
François I nicknamed the Erdre the plus belle rivière de France. Rent a paddleboard, canoe or no‑licence electric boat and cruise past riverside mansions and heron rookeries.
3. Feast at Talensac Market
Oysters shucked to order, rillettes from Vendée, and the city’s best cheeses — Nantes’ oldest food hall is your breakfast stop and picnic HQ.
4. Sip Craft Coffee on Quai de Versailles
Try Brume Coffee or Penja Café for local micro‑roasts with river views.
5. Night‑cap at Le Nid de la Folle Journée
A cosy wine bar tucked under the arches of the Motte‑Rouge bridge, pouring Muscadet sur lie and natural cuvées.