Nantes is the city that blends the charm of the Erdre riverbanks, the creative energy of the Île de Nantes, and the relaxed atmosphere of neighbourhoods like Graslin or la Madeleine. Between the former shipyards converted into cultural spaces, the cobbled streets of the Bouffay, and the quays where Nantais linger the moment the sun appears, the city has a strong personality. Freelances based in the centre, remote workers making the most of the Loire lifestyle, students powering through exams at the library, or you just passing through looking for a reliable spot to work for a few hours: Nantes has what you need.

The city has built a digital and creative ecosystem quickly over the past few years. The Création neighbourhood on the Île de Nantes is home to startups and community spaces, the city centre is full of cafés that welcome laptops without hesitation, and coworking spaces have multiplied across the city. We've walked the neighbourhoods, tested the connections, checked the power outlets, and above all identified the spots where you genuinely feel good getting through your to-do list. Here's our selection of 10 carefully chosen spots, from the cosy café to the well-equipped coworking space.

Monsieur Machin

Rue Saint-Léonard, in the Bouffay neighbourhood. Monsieur Machin is the kind of address regulars keep to themselves. Downstairs, it's a café-bar with a friendly, somewhat lively atmosphere. But upstairs is where everything changes: a calm, studious space, almost silent until 5pm. You climb the stairs, settle at a table, and find yourself in a bubble of concentration. The noise level is low, the atmosphere is settled, and you can work through the hours undisturbed. Featured by Le Bonbon in its selection of cafés for working quietly in Nantes.

Wi-Fi available, calm atmosphere during the day. The hours are a bit particular: open from 11:30am Tuesday to Saturday (5:30pm on Monday), with an afternoon break on weekdays between 3pm and 5:30pm. Closed Sunday. The tip is to come in the morning for the 11:30am–3pm window, when the upstairs is almost deserted. Note: in the evening, the place transforms into a bar — put your laptop away before 5pm.

Our favourite for productive mornings in a discreet, well-located setting.

Le Café sur Cour

Place Louis Daubenton, in southern Nantes. Le Café sur Cour is a comfortable, welcoming place with a plush sofa to sink into, outdoor terrace tables when the weather allows, and a cosy vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. The interior is bright, the large tables let you set up your laptop and notes without feeling cramped, and the free Wi-Fi is reliable. Featured by Le Bonbon in its selection of cafés for working in Nantes. Open Tuesday to Friday, 8:30am to midnight (until 2am on Thursday and Friday). Closed weekends and Monday. The late opening is a real plus if you tend to work at the end of the day. The terrace is an asset when the sun's out, but go for the interior for long work sessions: that's where the power outlets and connection are most reliable.

The smart choice for those who want to work in the afternoon then move seamlessly into an evening without changing venues.

Madeleine Café

Rue Pelisson, Madeleine neighbourhood. Madeleine Café is a spot with an elegant, modern interior in a cosy industrial style: metal, wood, natural light, and a studious atmosphere that attracts nomadic workers from the neighbourhood. The Wi-Fi is free and reliable, power outlets are accessible, large tables let you spread out, and prices remain reasonable. It's the kind of café where you set up without asking questions: everything you need to work is right there. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5pm. Closed weekends. This is a weekday café, perfect for morning sessions. The Madeleine neighbourhood is quiet, residential, and easy to reach by tram. If you live in the area, this is probably your best option for working away from home during the week.

The efficient spot for weekday sessions, with everything you need and nothing superfluous.

La Cantine Numérique

Rue la Tour d'Auvergne, on the Île de Nantes, in the Création neighbourhood. La Cantine Numérique is a coworking space designed for Nantes's tech and creative ecosystem. Over 160 workstations, meeting rooms, phone boxes for calls, an equipped kitchen, and even a pet-friendly area if your dog tags along. The atmosphere is professional but relaxed — you'll cross paths with developers, designers, and project managers, each in their own bubble but open to conversation when the opportunity arises.

Wi-Fi, power outlets everywhere, large tables. Open Tuesday to Friday, 9am–6pm (5pm on Fridays). Closed weekends and Monday. The Île de Nantes location is a real plus if you're part of the local digital ecosystem. The neighbourhood is transforming fast, with restaurants and cafés popping up all around.

For tech and creative profiles who want to work in a stimulating, well-equipped environment.

Le 144 Coworking

Rue Paul Bellamy, in the city centre. Le 144 is a vast 2,000 m² coworking space with a modern, bright open plan, shared and private desks, equipped meeting rooms, phone boxes, and breakfast offered every morning. Yes, you read that right: breakfast is included. The atmosphere is serious but friendly, the furniture is quality, and the space is large enough that you'll always find a quiet corner even at peak hours.

Wi-Fi, power outlets, large tables — all present. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30am–6pm (5:30pm on Fridays). Closed weekends. Prices are reasonable for a coworking space of this quality. The free breakfast every morning is the kind of detail that makes a difference when you're there every day.

The solid, generous coworking space for those who want a structured environment with top-notch hospitality.

La Maison du Coworking

Avenue des Améthystes, in northern Nantes. La Maison du Coworking is a classic, efficient space with private offices, an open plan, meeting rooms, and an engaged community. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming — you feel integrated quickly. The Wi-Fi is fast, power outlets are everywhere, and rates are affordable. The big plus: the space is accessible 24/7. You can come work on a Sunday evening or a Monday at 6am if you feel like it. Permanent access is a strong argument for workers with unusual hours or entrepreneurs going through heavy weeks. The neighbourhood is residential and quiet, easily accessible by car with parking nearby.

For those who want a permanently accessible coworking space with a warm community atmosphere.

Vacouva - Gare Sud

Quai de Malakoff, right next to the station. Vacouva is a colourful 300 m² coworking space with three meeting rooms equipped with projectors and free services including a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and locked lockers. The atmosphere is lively and warm, the decor is well crafted with splashes of colour that give you energy, and the space is well designed for alternating between focused work and moments of exchange. Open Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm. Closed weekends. The proximity to the station is a real plus if you travel by TGV or want an easily accessible spot by public transport. The tram is a two-minute walk.

The smart choice for days when you need a professional, colourful setting two minutes from the station.

Les Bien-Aimés

Rue de la Paix, in the city centre. Les Bien-Aimés is an unusual spot somewhere between a bookshop and a tea room, with a studious atmosphere that invites you to stay for hours. You're surrounded by books, the feel is gentle, and the quiet is almost monastic. It's the kind of place where you forget your phone and plunge into your work. The menu offers teas, coffees, and snacks, all in a warm, carefully curated setting. Recommended by Le Bonbon among the cafés for working in Nantes. Open Monday to Saturday, 11am–7pm. Closed Sunday. The Saturday opening is a nice bonus if you want to make the most of the place at weekends. The venue is small, intimate, and that's exactly what makes it charming. Get there early to be sure of a comfortable seat.

An ideal refuge for literary souls who want to work surrounded by books.

Looking for a terrace to work from?

If you want to work outdoors this summer, we've put together a dedicated selection: the best terraces for remote work in Nantes. Shaded cafés, coworking spaces with rooftops, hotel lobbies — we've sorted the genuinely good spots for the season.

The right spot for your needs

  • For absolute quiet - Monsieur Machin (the upstairs is a bubble of silence until 5pm)
  • For a bookshop atmosphere - Chapitre T or Les Bien-Aimés (books everywhere, tea in hand)
  • For a well-equipped coworking space - Le 144 (2,000 m², breakfast included)
  • For 24/7 access - La Maison du Coworking (permanently open)
  • For tech profiles - La Cantine Numérique (Île de Nantes, creative ecosystem)
  • For working near the station - Vacouva - Gare Sud (colourful, professional, two steps from the TGV)
  • For morning coffee sessions - Marcel et ses Madeleines (simple, good, effective)
  • For off-peak hours - Le Café sur Cour (open until 2am)

Nantes has something for every type of nomadic worker. Whether you're looking for a quiet café in the Bouffay to finish a deliverable in the morning, a structured coworking space on the Île de Nantes for busy days, or a spot with character in the Graslin neighbourhood, the city doesn't fall short on solid options. The city centre has a good density of spots (Monsieur Machin, Chapitre T, Les Bien-Aimés, Marcel et ses Madeleines), the Île de Nantes is well covered on the coworking side with La Cantine Numérique, and the station area offers a professional option with Vacouva.

We update this selection regularly as we explore and hear from you. If you try one of these spots, or if you know one we've missed, we want to hear about it. And if you want to explore other cities or find a spot near you, check out all our guides on Deskover.