Car hire in Nantes
1 office in Nantes · airport pick-up · France
Nantes, on the banks of the Loire and half an hour from the Atlantic, is one of France's most creative cities: the mechanical elephant of the Machines de l'Île, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany and a cultural scene that has transformed its former shipyards. The historic capital of Brittany, today it is the gateway to western France.
A car is the piece that completes the trip: the Muscadet vineyards, the wild coast of southern Brittany and seaside resorts such as La Baule are scattered across a territory the train touches only here and there. With pick-up at Nantes-Atlantique airport, you're heading for the ocean within minutes.
Search cars in NantesWhy hire a car in Nantes
- The nearby Atlantic coast, from Pornic to the Guérande peninsula, is far better explored by linking villages by car.
- The Muscadet vineyards south-east of the city offer wineries and riverside villages with no practical public transport connection.
- Pick-up at Nantes-Atlantique airport, around 20 minutes from the centre and already pointing towards the coast.
Day trips near Nantes
- Guérande and its salt marshes — A walled medieval town and the mosaic of salt pans where fleur de sel is still harvested by hand. About 1 hour away.
- La Baule — One of Europe's longest bays: miles of fine sand, Belle Époque villas and a seafront promenade. About 1 hr 10 min away.
- Pornic — A fishing harbour with a seaside castle and the Côte de Jade coastal path, ideal for an afternoon out. About 50 minutes away.
- Clisson — A surprisingly Italian-looking town amid Muscadet vineyards, with a medieval castle and romantic gardens. About 35 minutes away.
Where to pick up your car
- Aeropuerto de Nantes
Final prices in euros · book without paying · free cancellation up to 72 h before.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Puy du Fou from Nantes by car?
Yes, it's one of the most popular excursions: the park is roughly an hour and a quarter away by motorway. There is no convenient direct public transport link, so a hire car is the natural choice for a there-and-back day trip.
What is driving like around the Nantes region?
Very easy: toll-free dual carriageways around the city, moderate traffic outside rush hour and well-signposted coastal roads. In July and August the beach roads get busy at weekends, so it pays to set off early.
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