Nantes Population and Area (Loire-Atlantique)
Largest city in France 2026: up-to-date figures for Nantes (Loire-Atlantique)
Nantes: Population and Area
With 332,515 inhabitants (INSEE total population in force on January 1, 2026), Nantes is the 6th most populous town in France in 2026 and the most populous in the Loire-Atlantique department, out of 207 communes. It covers 65 km² (643rd largest area in France, 17th largest in the department), with a population density of 5,101 inhabitants per km², or 47 times the national average (110 inhabitants/km²), which ranks it 137th in France for density.
Nantes is located in the Loire-Atlantique department (44), in the Pays de la Loire region, where it ranks 1st by population out of 1,228 communes. It is the most populous town in the Loire-Atlantique department, which is home to 1,517,043 people over 6,874 km².
See the full ranking of communes in the Loire-Atlantique department and the regional ranking: largest city in Pays de la Loire.
Towns of similar size in the Loire-Atlantique department: Saint-Nazaire (pop. 76,243), Saint-Herblain (pop. 51,681), Rezé (pop. 44,286).
Sources: INSEE, official population figures in force on January 1, 2026 (total population); areas: IGN / Observatoire des territoires; INSEE code 44109. Rankings are calculated across the 34,858 communes of metropolitan and overseas France in our database.
Welcome to the Nantes page on PlusGrandeVilleDeFrance.com! Nantes is a dynamic city in western France, in the Loire-Atlantique department and the Pays de la Loire region. With a population of about 314,000, Nantes is the sixth-largest city in France.The city is known for its rich history, its cultural heritage, its unique architecture and its warm atmosphere. It is also an important economic, educational and cultural center for the region.
The heart of the city is the Place du Commerce, with its many shops, restaurants and cafés. You can also stroll along the banks of the Loire, visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, wander through the Jardin des Plantes or take in the view from the Tour Bretagne.
Nantes is a green city, with many green spaces, gardens and public parks. It also has an efficient public transportation network, including a tramway, buses and a bike-sharing service.
If you love music, you can head to the Zénith de Nantes, a popular concert venue that hosts internationally renowned artists. For art lovers, the Musée d'Arts de Nantes has a collection of works ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Nantes is an ideal city for a weekend getaway or to live in. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, there is always something to discover and enjoy in this dynamic and friendly city.