Nantes in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Nantes

13°C (55°F) High Temp

6°C (42°F) Low Temp

94 mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Fewer tourists at major attractions like Château des Ducs de Bretagne - queues drop by 60% compared to summer months
Autumn colors peak in Jardin des Plantes and Parc de Procé, creating impressive photography opportunities through mid-November
Les Machines de l'île operates full schedule without summer heat exhaustion concerns - comfortable 20-30 minute rides on the Grand Éléphant
Restaurant terraces offer heated outdoor dining with cozy blankets - perfect for sampling local Muscadet wines in crisp air

Considerations

Daylight hours reduced to 9 hours - sunset by 5:30pm limits afternoon outdoor activities
Rain occurs on 10+ days averaging 30-45 minutes per shower, requiring flexible indoor backup plans
Some Loire Valley châteaux reduce operating hours or close weekdays after November 15th

Best Activities in November

Château des Ducs de Bretagne Museum Exploration

November's cooler temperatures make indoor castle exploration ideal while avoiding summer crowds. The fortress offers 2-3 hours of Breton history without the claustrophobic feeling of peak season. Rampart walks provide crisp city views when weather permits.

Booking Tip: Entry typically costs €8-12 for adults. Book online 2-3 days ahead for weekend visits. Audio guides available in English. Allow 2.5 hours for full museum and ramparts tour.

Les Machines de l'île Steampunk Experience

Cool November air makes the 20-30 minute Grand Éléphant rides comfortable without summer heat concerns. Marine Worlds Carousel operates fully enclosed, perfect for variable weather days. Mechanical workshops offer fascinating indoor demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Combination tickets typically €16-24 for multiple attractions. Book morning slots during school hours for smaller crowds. Weekend afternoons can still be busy with local families.

Loire Valley Wine Tasting Tours

November harvest season brings fresh wines and fewer tour groups. Muscadet sur-lie wines reach peak quality after autumn processing. Indoor tastings provide warmth during cool afternoons, and vineyard visits offer impressive autumn foliage.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost €45-75 including transportation and 3-4 tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours. Many vineyards offer heated tasting rooms perfect for November weather.

Covered Market Food Tours

Marché de Talensac and Marché des Petits Pois provide sheltered food exploration during rainy November days. Seasonal oysters, chestnuts, and root vegetables peak in quality. Indoor market atmosphere creates cozy community feeling locals love in autumn.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours typically €35-55 for 2-3 hours including tastings. Visit Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday mornings for fullest vendor selection. Bring small bills for individual purchases.

Passage Pommeraye Shopping District

This elegant 19th-century covered arcade offers perfect November shelter while exploring local boutiques and cafés. Glass roof provides natural light during shorter days. Historical architecture photography opportunities without weather concerns.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, budget €20-40 for café stops and local specialties. Shops typically open 10am-7pm Monday-Saturday. Visit weekday mornings for quieter browsing experience.

Jardin des Plantes Autumn Walks

November showcases peak autumn colors in this 7-hectare botanical garden. Greenhouse collections provide warm indoor alternatives during rain showers. Morning frost creates magical photography opportunities when temperatures drop to 6°C (42°F).

Booking Tip: Free entry to gardens, greenhouse admission typically €3-5. Best colors occur early November before leaf drop. Visit morning hours for frost effects and better lighting for photos.

November Events & Festivals

Late November

Festival des 3 Continents

International film festival showcasing cinema from Africa, Asia, and Latin America across 15+ venues. Indoor screenings perfect for November weather with heated theaters and cultural discussions.

Mid to Late November

Marché de Noël Preparation

Local artisans begin setting up Christmas market stalls in Place du Commerce. Early November offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of market preparation before official opening.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - November rains are frequent but brief, lasting 30-45 minutes

Layering pieces (sweaters, cardigans) - temperature swings 7°C (13°F) between morning and afternoon

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet

Compact umbrella - fits in day bags for sudden showers while exploring outdoor attractions

Warm scarf and gloves - early morning castle visits can feel like 2°C (36°F) with wind chill

Light wool socks - keeps feet warm during long indoor museum visits on cold stone floors

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on navigation and translation apps

Cash in small denominations - market vendors and small cafés often prefer €5-20 bills

Insulated water bottle - stays warm during outdoor walking tours in cool temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Locals take advantage of November's mild temperatures for terrace dining with provided blankets and heaters - restaurants along Cours Cambronne offer the best heated outdoor setups

TAN public transport runs reduced Sunday schedules in November, so check weekend timetables before planning château visits outside the city center

Many locals use November's variable weather as indoor project time - museums and galleries see increased French visitor numbers, creating authentic cultural immersion opportunities

Seasonal menu changes occur in early November - restaurants introduce warming dishes like pot-au-feu and chestnuts, offering better value prix fixe menus than summer tourist pricing

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how early darkness falls - plan major outdoor sightseeing before 4pm to avoid feeling rushed as daylight fades

Assuming all Loire châteaux maintain summer hours - many reduce operations after November 15th, requiring advance schedule checking

Packing only lightweight layers - November morning temperatures around 6°C (42°F) require substantial warm clothing for early starts