Safety in Nantes – Neighborhoods to avoid, dangerous areas, red light district

Because you don't want to stay in a red-light district of Nantes, you want to identify the districts to avoid and the best places to stay?

It may be surprising to speak of insecurity in Nantes because it is not a big city like Paris, Marseille or Toulouse.

But the figures would show that it is a city where violence is increasing more and more (see these articles from Figaro, 20minutes.fr or France 3 Regions).

This is what I discovered myself when I programmed a sightseeing tour in Nantes. As I usually do, I explored the different neighborhoods to avoid choosing my hotel in a red-light district of Nantes.

Here is the most relevant information that I have summarized below with the map of the districts of Nantes.

Nantes city among the most dangerous in France?

YES this was the case in 2021 and 2022 but according to the last Numbeo ranking of the most criminal cities in France, it is no longer in 2024.

Indeed, Nantes is no longer ranked in the top 20 either. city-data.com.

As in the majority of tourist cities throughout France or the world, there are places where tourists are more exposed to theft and scams.

But that doesn't mean Nantes is dangerous for tourists.

Concretely, visitors have no fear of going during the day to the tourist sites of the historic center or to the island of Nantes. Of course, as everywhere, you will have to be careful, especially with regard to pickpockets.

On the other hand, tourists will also have to choose the location of their hotel carefully by avoiding certain red-light districts of Nantes (See list below).

Neighborhoods to avoid Nantes

If, ten years ago, the city of Nantes was quiet and peaceful, but things have unfortunately changed.

Indeed, in certain areas of the city, there are numerous incidents of theft, drug trafficking and settling of scores.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of sensitive areas of Nantes that are best avoided for security reasons:

Malakoff – Dangerous neighborhood in Nantes

Malakoff is a city located in the heart of the city of Nantes. It is a district with many faces, with an ideal location near the center, between the Loire valley and the Erdre valley, close to the Museum of Arts, the Jardin des Plantes and the train station. Schools, gymnasium, shops, this city has just benefited from an urban renovation plan.

But insecurity is still very present and growing there (see article from France 3 regions: Malakoff district shootings). In fact, this district classified in priority security zone was the subject in 2017 of a deployment of the daily security police within the framework of the republican reconquest of the districts.

Le Breil – Violent neighborhood

Located in the north of the city, Le Breil is one of the most sensitive in Nantes: drug trafficking, fights, attacks, shootings. See the Ouest France article: In Breil, this violence that plagues the neighborhood

Bellevue – City with problems

To the west of the Nantes conurbation, the Bellevue district concentrates social housing in cities where building blocks are the only decorations.

Since 2012, the district has been classified as a priority and has recently been the subject of an increase in the number of national police.

Dervallières – Zola

This district Dervallieres-Zola is however well placed (near the city center and the Procé park). But it is considered by residents to be dangerous (see thearticle by France Bleue or Ouest France).

Northern districts of Nantes to avoid

Neighborhood Nantes North is one of the eleven districts of Nantes which is located, as its name indicates, to the north of the city. Despite many assets (Petit Port racecourse, Pierre-Quinon stadium, swimming pool, banks of the Erdre, 5-star campsite, university campus), it is a sensitive area that is best avoided.

Areas to avoid in Nantes city centre

If the city center is safe during the day, there are some places where it is better not to go for a drink in the evening or to walk in the middle of the night.

Indeed, according to the web press, criminals meet there at night to deal, to tamper, to steal or to clash between rival gangs.

Here are the dangerous areas in the city center of Nantes to avoid in the evening or at night:

• Certain streets of the Bouffay district
• Shipyard
• Vincent Gache
• Banana shed
• Wattignies Square
• Around St Jacques hospital
• Square Admiral Halgand
• Around Place René Bouhier

Red light districts in Nantes

Among the areas to avoid at night in Nantes, we must also mention the hot or unsavoury areas:

• The Quai de la Fosse (which is changing)
• Rue des Trois Matelots
• Place Wattignies
• Bellamy and Schuman boulevards
• Gloriette and Baco avenues

Safest neighborhoods in Nantes

According to the latest publications, here are the neighborhoods considered the safest in Nantes:

• The historic city center, particularly the Bouffay district, which offers a pleasant living environment with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture.
• The Graslin district, located in the heart of Nantes, a pedestrian area with many restaurants, cafes and shops.
• The Island of Nantes, appreciated for its modernity and innovation.
• The Nantes Erdre district, which offers a greener and more natural setting.
• The "Golden Triangle" between Place Mellinet, Place Canclaux and Parc de Procé, described as a calm and safe area with beautiful private mansions.

Best areas to stay in Nantes

Whether you are a student, on a business trip, on a tourist trip or looking for an apartment to live there, it is recommended that you choose your accommodation in one of the best areas of Nantes.

• The districts of the hypercenter of Nantes are the most sought after and the most expensive. Indeed, there are splendid 18th century buildings (former Ile Feydeau), elegant buildings on Place Royale and around the Graslin theater, bourgeois streets around the cathedral.
• Le Golden Triangle between Place Mellinet, Place Canclaux and Parc de Procé + Guist'heau is a calm, safe area where you will find the most beautiful private mansions in Nantes.

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 

See this hotel on Booking

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

Please note that the information I am communicating to you below is factual and in no way reflects judgments or discrimination.