8. Nantes – Budget-Friendly Attractions
It was a sunny day in Nantes when Safari, a jovial Kenyan gentleman with a penchant for adventure, and Leah, his vibrant Brazilian wife with a flair for the whimsical, set out to explore the city on a budget. Their tight finances didn’t dampen their spirits; in fact, it ignited a spark of creativity in them. With a map in hand and smiles plastered across their faces, they thought, “Who needs a luxury vacation when you have free attractions?”
Explore Île de Nantes, a creative district with free exhibitions.
Walk through Jardin des Plantes, a beautiful botanical garden.
Admire Les Machines de l’Île (watching the giant elephant walk is free).
Visit Château des Ducs de Bretagne (castle exterior is free, entry is cheap).
Their first stop was Île de Nantes, a delightful creative district where art seemed to flow like the River Loire itself. As they strolled hand in hand, Leah discovered a whimsical mural that perfectly captured the essence of her favorite carnival scenes back home in Rio. Safari tried to convince her to recreate a few carnival dance moves right in front of it, much to the confusion of several passersby. They stumbled upon free exhibitions showcasing local artists’ works, some of which made Safari scratch his head, wondering if his abstract childhood doodles could be featured someday. He confidently told Leah, “Honey, remember, every masterpiece begins with a simple stroke!” She giggled, offering to feature his work at the next exhibition, complete with her own carnival-inspired flair.
Next on the itinerary was the serene Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden where they could soak in the calming ambiance without spending a dime. As they meandered through the lush pathways, Leah was captivated by the vibrant flowers, exclaiming, “Look, Safari! This one matches my flip-flops!” Safari raised an eyebrow, chuckling as he saw her trying to convince a particularly lovely plant to join them on their journey. They decided to take a break by the pond, where they fed the ducks bits of their homemade sandwiches while debating which flower would look best in their imaginary garden back home. “I think we should call it Galette Gardens,” Safari quipped, making Leah burst into laughter.
Now, what’s a trip without a giant, walking elephant? The couple headed to Les Machines de l’Île, where they gazed in awe at the colossal mechanical elephant lumbering by. As the giant creature trumpeted loudly, Safari turned to Leah with wide eyes, “I always thought I was going to see elephants in Africa, but here I am in France!” Leah cackled so hard that a tourist passing by gave her a puzzled look. “At least we’ve saved money because watching it walk is free!” she remarked, nudging Safari as both of them snapped selfies like giddy tourists in front of this marvel of creativity.
Feeling a bit famished, they made their way to try the local delicacy: Galettes de Sarrasin—or as Safari called them, “the French pancake aliens.” With only €8 in their pockets, they found a quaint little creperie where the two eagerly placed their orders. Safari watched as Leah’s eyes lit up when their galettes arrived, enveloped in scrumptious fillings that made his mouth water. Together, they nibbled on their buckwheat treasures, giggling about who got the best bite. “You know, babe, if I close my eyes while eating this, I can imagine I’m at a carnival,” Leah said, rolling her eyes back ecstatically. Safari chuckled and suggested they culture-swap, with Leah serving up some sizzling Brazilian street food when they got home.
After satisfying their cravings, it was time to rest. They decided to check into a hostel, Hôtel Le Petit Duquesne, which Safari had heard was wallet-friendly. For just €50 a night, they could rest and recharge. As they entered the cozy, yet somewhat eclectic little establishment, Safari marveled at the paintings that adorned the walls and the helpful staff’s warm smiles. Leah stumbled upon a free guitar and contemplated a mini-concert in the lobby, teasing Safari about her future music career, “I’ll be the next big thing: ‘Leah from Rio and Her Budget Tunes’!”
Lastly, as their budget itinerary approached its end, they wandered over to Marché Talensac, a bustling market bursting with fresh produce and local specialties. With their careful planning, they snagged gourmet cheeses and fresh bread to enjoy their own little picnic without breaking the bank. Leah arranged their treasures on a park bench, and they dove into their little feast, sharing bites and laughter while savoring the delightful flavors of Nantes—all for a fraction of the price.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Safari and Leah reflected on their adventurous day. They might not have spent a fortune, but they had built a treasure trove of memories filled with laughter, creativity, and love—proof that sometimes, the best experiences come without a price tag. They promptly began plotting their next budget-friendly escapade, certain that as long as they had each other, every journey would be an adventure worth savoring!
We would have stayed in Nantes to discover more wonders…
But we had to go to: