A City Filled with Traditional Sweets and Local Wines – The Best Souvenirs from Nantes

Located along the Loire River in western France, Nantes is a city known for its wide variety of sweets and its locally produced wines. This time, we’ll introduce four recommended souvenirs you can find in Nantes. Be sure to check them out when planning your trip!

1. LU Biscuits

Among the most iconic souvenirs of Nantes are LU biscuits. Founded in Nantes in 1846, LU is one of the most famous confectionery brands in France—so well known that almost everyone in the country recognizes it. The brand’s charmingly vintage packaging is also one of the reasons for its popularity. With its crispy texture and simple yet delightful flavor, LU biscuits are definitely worth trying!
The former LU factory, which operated until 1986, has been renovated into a cultural center. It’s worth a visit—you can enjoy panoramic views of the city of Nantes. When visiting Nantes, be sure to take home LU biscuits, the city’s most representative and beloved souvenir.

2. Candies Filled with Fruit Purée

Another highly popular souvenir of Nantes, alongside LU biscuits, is Bonbon Rigolette, sold at the candy shop Les Rigolettes Nantaises. These candies are filled with rich fruit purée that tastes so real, you might mistake it for actual fruit. The sweet and intense flavor of the purée makes each candy irresistible.
One of the charms of Bonbon Rigolette is that the recipe has remained unchanged since the shop was founded, allowing people to enjoy the same traditional taste for generations. The adorable retro tin packaging also adds to its appeal. When you visit Nantes, why not buy this timeless local favorite—Les Rigolettes Nantaises’ Bonbon Rigolette—as a souvenir?

3. Gâteau Nantais

Gâteau Nantais is an almond cake topped with a sugar fondant and infused with rum. It’s one of the most popular local sweets representing Nantes, but note that the rum content varies by product. If you prefer a lighter flavor, choose one with less rum, as some versions are quite strong and suited for adults.
Nantes flourished as a port city engaged in trade with Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean, and because of this historical background, many of its traditional sweets are made with sugar or rum. Gâteau Nantais is one such delicacy with a rich cultural history. Be sure to choose this rum-based cake as a delicious and historical souvenir from Nantes.

4. Wine

When thinking of French souvenirs, wine is an obvious choice—but in Nantes, one particular type stands out: Muscadet wine, a traditional local specialty aged without removing the lees (yeast sediment). This process releases amino acids and other components that enhance its rich aroma and depth of flavor.
Additionally, since Muscadet continues to ferment slightly even after bottling, it retains a faint natural carbonation, offering a refreshing and lively taste. You can purchase Muscadet wine in souvenir shops around Nantes, but the Maison des Vins de Loire (Loire Wine House) is especially recommended, as you can sample different wines and choose your favorite. When visiting Nantes, don’t forget to bring home a bottle of Muscadet—the city’s signature wine.

◎ Summary

What do you think? From historically rooted sweets and classic candies to locally made wines, Nantes offers an abundance of charming souvenirs. When you visit, use this guide to enjoy shopping for gifts that capture the spirit of this beautiful French city.

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A City Filled with Traditional Sweets and Local Wines – The Best Souvenirs from Nantes