When urban hostility is transformed into a plant island in the heart of the docks…
This vegetable garden, on the westernmost tip of Île de Nantes, was designed by architects Atelier Vecteur as an extension to the Cantine du Voyage. A wide variety of aromatic plants and extraordinary vegetables grow here with the aim of guaranteeing a diversity of flavours.
It can be visited and sometimes you can even go inside to chat with the resident market gardener and learn her tips and techniques. An intriguing artwork by artist Lilian Bourgeat stands at the entrance, adding a touch of fantasy.
On more than 1,000 m², including 600 m² of cultivated land, it produces several types of salad, the famous Chantenay carrots, runner beans, spaghetti squash, edible flowers , fruit and many herbs such as basil, chives, lemon balm and many others.
Since its installation on the Quai des Antilles in 2016, the Cantine’s vegetable garden has aroused curiosity. Many visitors to the Cantine or, more broadly, to the Parc des chantiers regularly ask the teams of market gardeners for more information about the crops and techniques used.
An exchange of know-how, knowledge and skills between the countryside and the city. Agriculture as a topical, social issue, which resonates strongly in the city of market gardening.
In 2022, in order to best respond to these requests, we have chosen to hire a gardener within Le Voyage à Nantes, Olga Barazer.
Born into a family of market gardeners, Olga studied design and worked in the digital sector before returning to the land to grow delicious vegetables. She will be present throughout the summer, three days a week, to care for, maintain and harvest the products of the garden while providing “cultural and vegetable” mediation in french for the public.
It’s in the Cantine !
Dring !
Dispositif roulant innovant nantais et gratuit
Mobile staff in Parc des Chantiers
Guides offer short tours of Parc des Chantiers aboard one of the two “Dring!” shuttles, from the Naves of the Machines de l’Île to the Grey Titan Crane.
2 Shuttles operate daily from 2–7 PM from 4 July to 6 September 2026.
Visitors may complete one or several sections of the route while pedaling at their own pace.
Nantes is transforming
Nantes has been getting a major makeover since 2024.
The city is currently undergoing extensive public works, particularly around Île de Nantes (Quai de la Fosse and the Pont Anne-de-Bretagne bridge). Tram Line 1 will be temporarily suspended from mid-June to late August 2026. The city centre and Parc des Chantiers – Machines de l’Île will remain accessible, thanks to replacement buses and to the pedestrian and cycling routes that will continue to be open. Park-and-ride facilities are available to drivers.
For further information
La Cantine du Voyage, Quai des Antilles, Nantes
How to get there?
Public transport: Hangar à Bananes, Quai des Antilles, Salorges
Self-service bicycles: Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Antilles (n°104), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Hangar à bananes (n°105), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Grue jaune (n°103), Station Naolib Vélo libre-service Garennes (n°106)
Open today from 11h00 to 20h00.
From april 2nd 2026 to july 3rd 2026
from 11h00 to 20h00 on thursday, friday, saturday, sunday
From july 4th 2026 to september 6th 2026
from 10h00 to 21h00 on monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday, friday, saturday, sunday
From september 7th 2026 to september 13th 2026
from 11h00 to 20h00 on thursday, friday, saturday, sunday
Access to garden: From 28 June to 31 August: daily, 5 – 7 PM
Guided tours in french: From 2 July to 31 August, Wednesdays at 10:30 AM. Booking
Independent tour: Until 28 June, and from 1 Sept.: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 9 PM
From 28 June to 31 August: daily, 10 AM – 9 PM
In the event of very high temperatures:
For everyone’s comfort and safety, some sites are likely to temporarily close. Decisions to close venues will be taken at the last minute so as to keep them open as long as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience if the site is closed during your visit. Don’t hesitate to check if other stops are open nearby (parks, museums, reflecting pool, etc.): Just follow the green line!
