Tunnel Saint-Félix
A 740m covered waterway, the Tunnel Saint-Félix is an engineering marvel connecting Nantes' rivers and canals, steeped in history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See it in action
Tunnel Saint-Félix
Best Time
See it in action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 740m covered waterway, the Tunnel Saint-Félix is an engineering marvel connecting Nantes' rivers and canals, steeped in history.
"A must-see when crossing the Erdre River from Nantes, impressive for its length and technical feat."
Boat Access is Key
This tunnel is primarily for boats. Experiencing it often means being on a boat tour or having special access.
Historical Significance
Understand its 1929 construction as part of Nantes' urban planning and river development.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Engineering Marvel
Under the Erdre River
A 740-meter covered section, the sole covered part of the Nantes-Brest Canal. An impressive feat of 1930s engineering.
Canal Connection
Connecting Erdre to Saint-Félix Canal
Witness the vital link that facilitates boat traffic, a testament to Nantes' waterway infrastructure.
Historical Context
Nantes Municipal Archives
Learn about its 1929 construction and its role in urban development, with a poignant historical footnote.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Tunnel Saint-Félix
Understanding its History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Access is Key
This tunnel is primarily for boats. Experiencing it often means being on a boat tour or having special access.
Historical Significance
Understand its 1929 construction as part of Nantes' urban planning and river development.
Check Local Events
Occasional events or guided tours might offer unique access or perspectives on the tunnel.
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Access is Key
This tunnel is primarily for boats. Experiencing it often means being on a boat tour or having special access.
Historical Significance
Understand its 1929 construction as part of Nantes' urban planning and river development.
Check Local Events
Occasional events or guided tours might offer unique access or perspectives on the tunnel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Tunnel Saint-Félix impressive for its length and the technical achievement of its construction beneath the city. It's noted as a must-see for those crossing the Erdre River in Nantes, offering a glimpse into the city's waterway infrastructure and historical development. While primarily functional for boats, its engineering and historical context are appreciated.
"A tunnel that is very impressive, both for its length and for the technical feat of digging such a large tunnel under the city.
A must-see when crossing the Erdre River from Nantes."
Baptiste Alonzo
"The St. Felix tunnel connects the Erdre to the St. Felix canal. According to the Nantes municipal archives, the tunneling work began in 1929. This work was part of a vast plan to fill in the branches of the Loire and Erdre rivers. Ironically, the head of the works was Karl Hotz, the future colonel who would be shot on August 8, 1941, by the French resistance, which led to the shooting of 50 hostages (actually 48), giving his name to the avenue that fills in the branch of the Erdre."
Captain Arawak
"River tunnel for boats"
Viktor Vítek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tunnel Saint-Félix is primarily a waterway for boats. Direct pedestrian access is very limited. The best way to experience it is by taking a boat tour that passes through it or by arranging special access. 
No, the Tunnel Saint-Félix is designed for boat traffic and is not accessible for walking. It's a functional part of the Nantes-Brest Canal system.
It's located in Nantes, France, connecting the Erdre river to the Saint-Félix canal. It's a significant part of the city's waterway infrastructure.
The most common and recommended way to see the tunnel is via a boat tour that navigates its length. This allows you to appreciate its scale and purpose.
The tunnel is part of the Nantes canal system, and its proximity to the Erdre river means you're in an area with significant waterfront activity and urban development.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need a ticket to see the tunnel from the outside, but to experience it directly, you'll need to book a boat tour that includes passage through it.
Operating hours for boat tours vary by season and operator. It's best to check with local Nantes tourism providers or specific boat tour companies for their schedules.
The tunnel itself does not have an admission fee as it's a functional waterway. Any costs would be associated with boat tours or access arrangements.
Private tours might be possible through specialized boat charter companies in Nantes, but this would require advance planning and likely a higher cost.
Yes, the tunnel is primarily for motorboats and is a functional part of the canal system. Specific regulations may apply to private vessels.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Tunnel Saint-Félix is approximately 740 meters long, making it the only covered section of the famous Nantes-Brest Canal.
Inside, you'll experience a covered waterway designed for boats. It's a unique perspective on Nantes' infrastructure and engineering.
Photography inside the tunnel is challenging due to low light conditions. However, the exterior and the experience of passing through can make for interesting shots.
Construction began in 1929 as part of a plan to fill in river branches. The head of works was Karl Hotz, later a figure in a significant historical event in Nantes.
The area around the tunnel, particularly near the Erdre river and the Saint-Félix canal, offers views of Nantes' urban landscape and waterway activity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
⚓ Boaters and Waterway Enthusiasts
Experiencing the tunnel from the water offers a direct appreciation of its scale and purpose. It's a chance to connect with Nantes' rich history of canal transport and urban development. Consider planning your route to include this distinctive segment of the canal system for a more complete waterway journey.
🏛️ History Buffs
Delving deeper, the story of Karl Hotz, the tunnel's construction chief who later became a figure in a tragic wartime event, adds a somber yet significant layer to its history. Understanding these intertwined narratives provides a richer appreciation of the tunnel's place in Nantes' broader historical tapestry.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering and Construction
The engineering feat is particularly impressive considering the era's technology. The tunnel's primary purpose was to facilitate boat traffic, ensuring the canal's connectivity while allowing for urban development above and around it. This dual function highlights the intricate planning involved in Nantes' urban expansion. The tunnel's design and construction reflect a period where infrastructure projects were crucial for city growth and connectivity.
Interestingly, the head of works for the tunnel was Karl Hotz, a figure whose name would later become tragically associated with a significant historical event in Nantes during World War II. This connection adds a poignant layer to the tunnel's history, linking a feat of engineering to a somber chapter of the city's past.
Historical Context and Legacy
The tunnel's legacy is also intertwined with the personal stories of those involved. Karl Hotz, the engineer overseeing its construction, later became a German officer during the occupation and was executed by the French Resistance. This event led to retaliatory shootings, a dark period that left a lasting impact on Nantes. The avenue that now fills in a branch of the Erdre bears the name of the colonel, a stark reminder of the complex historical currents that have shaped the city.
Today, the Tunnel Saint-Félix continues to serve its original purpose for boat traffic, a functional relic of a bygone era. While not a typical tourist attraction for pedestrians, its historical significance and engineering prowess make it a point of interest for those exploring Nantes' past and its relationship with its waterways.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit