In an article for the Daily Mail, journalists Gareth Huw Davies and Adam Dawe said there is plenty to see in the old maritime city.
They recommended a visit to the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany in the city centre, which has recently been restored.
In the inner courtyard tourists will find a museum that tells the story of Nantes from the Romans to the Nazi occupation and beyond.
They also advised tourists to take a ride on the city's tram system to get their bearings, before touring some of the museums in Nantes.
One of the city's more unique attractions is the giant mechanical elephant that does regular circuits of the old docklands and is able to carry 49 people on its back.
The wooden machine travels a quarter of a mile an hour and is always followed by crowds of curious onlookers who are often sprayed with water from the animal's huge trunk.
In a recent article for the Independent, journalist Nicola Barranger said Nantes is perfect for those seeking "festivities, food and fun".
Boating holidays in Brittany are available from the cruise bases at Messac, Nort-sur-Edre and Dinan.
