Nantes Airport Car Rental

Renting a car at Nantes Airport will help you get around the city and lush surrounding area easily. The airport is conveniently connected to the beltway that runs around Nantes, making it easy to get into the center. The easiest route to take is along the D723 and you should reach the heart of the city in around 20 minutes, depending on traffic.  

The enchanting Les Machines de l’Île de Nantes is accessible via the D723 and Boulevard de l’Estuaire. The city’s historical attractions, such as Château des ducs de Bretagne, are located within a pedestrianized part of Nantes, so it’s easiest to find a nearby parking lot, such as Parking Feydeau, and explore on foot.

If you want to experience Briere National Park, an outdoor lover’s paradise, then it’s an hour’s drive from the airport via the N165 and N171. The views along the way are nothing short of spectacular. The Atlantic coast has plenty of unspoilt spots to discover – Pornic, a charming seaside resort, is one of the best. To reach it, take the D751 and you’ll be there in 45 minutes.

The UNESCO-listed Loire Valley is an area of great beauty – a drive through here grants you views of idyllic villages, lush vineyards and grand châteaux. Check all the boxes with a trip to Saumur, a 90-minute journey via the A11. Overlooked by a fairytale castle, this historic city is like something straight out of a picture book.

While in France you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. Freeways are known here as autoroutes, which are largely tolled. The maximum speed on this type of road is 130 km/h (80 mph) but this can vary with the weather. In urban areas, they’re a maximum of 50 km/h (30 mph).

Renowned for its lively, creative art and culture scene, the city of Nantes is a scenic delight with the magnificent River Loire running through the center. Unearth the treasures that lie within its heart, before venturing out to discover the extraordinary beauty of the Loire Valley.

Nantes heritage trail

Start your trip with a bang at Les Machines de l’Île de Nantes. Built to honor the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Jules Verne, the Nantes-born sci-fi novelist, this fantasy land is a mind-boggling mélange of otherworldly machines.

Step foot into the quirky park and you’ll be greeted by the sight of a gigantic elephant squirting water at passersby. You can take a ride in its belly or hop aboard the Carrousel des Mondes Marins, decorated with mechanical marine creatures.

You can discover more about the town’s most famous son at Musée Jules Verne. Featuring exhibitions and memorabilia, the collection of documents and illustrations tell the story of the author’s life.

Embark on more time travels at Château des Ducs de Bretagne. Presiding over Nantes since the 15^th century, this castle, built by the Dukes of Brittany, has been magnificently preserved.

While the exhibits inside the onsite Musée d’Histoire de Nantes provide an intriguing insight into the château’s long history, it’s the sweeping city views from the enchanting ramparts that provide the real wow factor.

Botanical gardens and parks

Enjoy a dose of fresh air in the Jardin des Plantes, Nantes’ huge botanical garden. Created in the 19th century, the green expanse is home to a vast array of exotic flora from French colonies.

Wander among pretty magnolia trees and manicured flower beds in the direction of the tropical hothouses. Experience a sensory overload as you feast your eyes on vivid orchids and breathe the sweet scent of the citrus trees. 

Make your way to île de Versailles to discover another popular green space, Jardin Japonais. This slice of paradise offers visitors tranquil ponds and peaceful gardens to enjoy just outside the city center.

Here you can discover rock gardens and oriental plants in Japanese-inspired surroundings. It's particularly beautiful in the springtime when the candy-colored cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.

Day trips from Nantes

Renting a car from Nantes Airport is a great way to explore the wider Pays de la Loire region. The historic village of Clisson is a top beauty spot, with roots dating back to the medieval age.

Head here to explore the ruins of 12^th century Château de Clisson, an important stronghold during the Vendéen War. Take snaps from the Pont du Ville before exploring the intriguing castle remains.

Swap real castles for sandcastles with a trip to the seaside town of Pornic. Set up camp for the day on one of the sandy beaches peppered along the coast – Plage de l’Étang – and spend an afternoon swimming in the Atlantic and lazing on the shore. After a day of basking in the sun, head to the town’s harbor and dine on fresh seafood by the waterfront – bliss.

Renting a car from Nantes Airport allows you to explore this city, plus the coast and wider region, at your own pace and make the most of your time in this stunning part of France.