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Car hire in Nantes

Hiring a car in Nantes

One of the best locations in Brittany, Nantes is a fun-loving and beautiful city that is sure to have you hooked the moment you arrive. Located on the banks of the Loire, Nantes has reinvented itself time and time again over the years, meaning each visit is bound to be a little bit different.

When it comes to getting around Nantes and the surrounding area of Brittany, driving is the best way. It will allow you to experience all that the city has on offer, with some drives being beautifully scenic.

What you need to know

You can choose from some of the best car hire companies upon your arrival in Nantes, with a dozen options open to you. This means you can find the right car at a price that suits you, especially if you book through Holiday Autos' booking tool.

Not only does our booking engine lay out all your options, it ensures there are no hidden charges. You'll also get 24/7 support, as well as free cancellation in case your plans need to change.

Where to pick up your car

There are a few different options when it comes to picking up your car in Nantes, ensuring you can start your holiday as quickly as possible. If you're flying into the city, you can pick up your car from Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE). You'll find car hire desks in the arrivals hall of the airport so you can simply collect your luggage and head off to explore the city.

If you're travelling into Nantes by rail from any other area in France, some companies also have offices at the train station. You can also arrange to pick up your vehicle from other locations throughout the city, depending on which company you choose to book with.

Best Car Hire Companies Nantes

europcar
europcar
europcar

Car Hire Reviews Nantes

  • “The pick-up was easy, it took 5 minutes from arriving at the desk to driving out the car, and the return took even less time.”
    Diane T

Where to go

Nantes is one of those locations where you'll be happy simply wandering around the streets to soak it all in. However, if you want a bit more than a relaxed stroll, it also has a lot to offer. You can head to any one of the city's museums to learn all about its evolution or visit its stunning buildings and churches.

Go to the shipyards to see how Nantes became known for shipbuilding or stop off at any one of the city's amazing restaurants. The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down either, as there are great bars and clubs to visit in the evening.

Whatever you want to do in Nantes, the freedom afforded you by car hire can allow you to make the most of your trip.

Nearby Nantes

It isn't only Nantes that has plenty to see and do, the area around the city is also well worth exploring. One nearby location is Vertou, with the historic town under 10km away via the Boulevard Charles de Gaulle and the D17. The picturesque town is located on the River Sèvre Nantaise, offering gorgeous views and lots of lovely walks.

If you want a day on the beach, why not drive the 50km down the D751 to Pornic? The coastal town has pretty beaches with golden sand and bright blue water. You can choose from 12 different beaches, ranging from large to small. Take a drive down the coast and see which beach you fancy stopping at.

Longer drives

Hiring a car also means you can head further afield, allowing you to see all that Brittany has to offer. One place you should visit is the capital of Brittany, Rennes. This beautiful city is an hour and a half away from Nantes via the N137. It has a wonderful Medieval quarter that you should aim to get lost in to really appreciate. Home to a large student population, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to spend the evening in.

The city of Angers is also just over an hour away via the A11 toll road. Historically an intellectual centre, Angers is now a thriving cafe town with plenty of historical sites to visit. You'll find amazing places to eat classic French cuisine and be bowled over by how lively the town is.

Top attractions in Nantes

Make the most of your hire car in Nantes by exploring some of the city's top attractions.

Les Machines de L'ile

No visit to Nantes would be complete without heading to Les Machines de L'ile. This unique project is wonderfully artistic and so much fun. It features some amazing mechanical works that look like they are plucked from the most bizarre imagination. Les Machines de L'ile gives an insight into Nantes' mechanical history and is a great day out for the whole family.

Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne

One of the most iconic buildings in Nantes is Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne. Built by the last Duke of Brittany and his daughter, Anne of Brittany - who was queen of France twice - the building holds a palace that is protected by limestone facades. In its history, Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne has served as a prison and barracks, but it now houses the Nantes History Museum.

Jardin Japonais

To take a break from the lively city, head to the Jardin Japonais. The Japanese garden covers 2.5 hectares of land and is perfectly balanced to create a serene and beautiful space that will help you relax. Follow the pathways to explore the different colourful plants or find somewhere quiet to sit and just revel in the garden's beauty.

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