For a trip, a move or a business trip, you want to identify the neighborhoods to avoid and, above all, the best places to stay in Nantes.

Long perceived as a peaceful city, Nantes has seen security concerns rise in recent years. Although it is not at the same level as Paris In Marseille, the issue of violence and delinquency regularly makes the headlines in the local and national press.

To help you make an informed choice about your accommodation, we have compiled and updated essential information on the rough neighborhoods of Nantes and the areas known for their tranquility.

Is Nantes a dangerous city by the end of 2025?

Historically, Nantes has appeared in some unflattering rankings, particularly around 2021 and 2022. However, according to recent data and rankings such as those from Numbeo or ville-data.com, Nantes is no longer among the most crime-ridden cities in France in 2025.

However, the city still faces significant security challenges. By 2025, the crime rate is projected to reach 75 offenses per 1,000 inhabitants, with an 8% increase in violent crimes compared to the previous year. Authorities are therefore focusing their efforts on increasing police staffing levels and expanding the number of surveillance cameras, particularly in the most affected areas.

Fortunately for tourists, Nantes is relatively safe for daytime visitors. Indeed, the tourist sites (Historic Centre, Château des Ducs de Bretagne and Île de Nantes) present no specific dangers during the day.

The main precaution to take concerns the choice of your residential area, especially if you plan to travel late at night.

Dangerous neighborhoods in Nantes (updated 2025)

Even though crime levels have decreased in Nantes in recent years, caution is still advised when choosing neighborhoods to live in. The following neighborhoods should be avoided as they are affected by drug trafficking, theft, and assaults, and are therefore considered the most dangerous in Nantes:

• Malakoff – The most sensitive area: Despite its proximity to the city center, the train station, and urban renewal projects, Malakoff remains a Priority Security Zone (ZSP) where insecurity is persistent and where acts of armed violence are regularly reported.
• Le Breil (North of Nantes) – Violence and Trafficking: Located in the north of the city, Le Breil is one of the most sensitive sectors, known for drug trafficking and public order disturbances.
• Bellevue (West): This large housing complex in the west of the city is a priority area for police intervention. Indeed, the Bellevue district concentrates social problems and delinquency.
• Bootmaker – Dry Pine : A densely populated, outlying district to the east, regularly cited for its drug trafficking and an environment considered tense.
• Dervallières-Zola: Although it is close to the city center, the neighborhood Dervallieres-Zola is singled out by its residents for a marked feeling of insecurity.
• North Nantes (The main district): Despite its facilities (campus, banks of the Erdre river), the entire district Nantes North is classified as sensitive and warrants increased caution.

Dangerous neighborhoods in Nantes to avoid at night

While the city center is dynamic, some areas become less safe and concentrate criminal activity (drug dealing, theft, fights) once night falls.

Here are the areas in the center of Nantes that are not recommended for walking or nighttime activity:

• The area around the centre: In particular some streets in the Bouffay district and around the Place René Bouhier.
• Areas of the Loire and the port where the red-light districts of Nantes are located: The Quai de la Fosse and its surroundings, the Rue des Trois Matelot.
• Nightlife venues: Hangar à Bananes, Place Wattignies (beware of late-night club or bar exits).
• Main thoroughfares and squares: Bellamy and Schuman boulevards, Gloriette and Baco alleys, and Admiral Halgand Square.

Best areas to stay in Nantes

To ensure your peace of mind during your stay in Nantes, opt for upscale residential areas and the city center. These neighborhoods offer a serene living environment and excellent accessibility.

• Graslin: The most elegant and central district of Nantes. It is a pedestrian zone, very safe, ideal for high-end tourism, thanks to its proximity to the Opera, luxury boutiques and restaurants.
• The "Golden Triangle" (Mellinet, Canclaux, Parc de Procé): Renowned as the quietest and safest area of ​​Nantes, this is an upscale residential neighborhood, perfect if you're looking for tranquility.
• The Historic City Centre (Bouffay): The city center is very lively and touristy, but safe during the day. It's ideal for a first visit, provided you choose accommodation on the main roads.
• Nantes Island: A modern, dynamic and rapidly changing sector. Appreciated for its Machines of the Isle, its contemporary architecture and its satisfactory level of safety.
• Nantes Erdre: An excellent choice if you prefer a greener and more natural living environment, slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Where to choose your hotel?

The districts of the hyper center of Nantes are the most beautiful, the safest and the best located for tourism: Private mansions, buildings of character, banks of the Loire. It is therefore in these areas that it will be better to choose your hotel for a tourist stay.

Here is my recommendation (magnificent hotel in a chic and safe area of ​​Nantes): Radisson BLU Hotel Nantes 

Indeed, the Radisson Blu Hotel Nantes is ideal for a safe and enjoyable tourist stay, primarily because of:

• Its location in a safe neighborhood in the immediate vicinity of the city center, which facilitates access to major attractions,
• its magnificent renovated historic building,
• its enhanced security that it offers (24-hour surveillance).

See this hotel on Booking

On vacation in Nantes? here are some visit advice or my itinerary to visit Nantes on foot.