Nantes scrapped its old trams in 1958, like every other French city. Then in 1985 it became the first to build a modern one — and the rest of France followed. Nearly every French tram network you have ridden exists because this one worked.
Three lines cross at Commerce in the middle of town, and between them they reach the station, the island, the university and the western quays. There is also a Navibus river shuttle on the same ticket, which is how you get to Trentemoult.
You validate before boarding, not on board. Inspectors are routine and a validated ticket is the whole defence.
The river shuttle is on the ordinary network ticket. Most visitors pay for a boat trip without realising the crossing is public transport.
The Tramway in pictures
