Known as the gateway to the Loire Valley, Nantes is a beautiful and fantastic city in Western France. There is loads to do here when you book a campervan for hire in Nantes. You could explore vineyards and historic chateaux or enjoy time by the river with its charming villages. You could take a walk through the medieval streets, relax in the city, or enjoy the local culture. If you hire a campervan in Nantes, most of your time will likely be spent outside of the city.
If you want to rent a motorhome in Nantes, CamperDays can help you find the best deals. Our price comparison tool shows you the best offers from local campervan owners, making it easy to enjoy your journey in France.
Would you like to enquire about a motorhome or do you need further information before making a booking? You can contact us without obligation either from Mon - Tues 9:00 - 18:00; Weds - Fri 10:00 - 17:00 by phone or at any time via our online contact form.
Helpful tips for your trip to Nantes
The best time for motorhome rental in Nantes is from April to October when the weather will be best. Spring is the best time as it is when it will still be warm but have fewer crowds. June to August is the best time for outdoor activities, but it can get very hot. September and October, just after the holiday rush, are also good times.
- Cycling and outdoor activities
There are plenty of places around Nantes that are perfect for cycling. One of the best places for this is the Loire River. You could rent bikes in the city centre and if cycling isn’t your thing, then you could get on the river by hiring a boat or go hiking in the forest. The Edre River, a tributary of the Loire, is another great place to explore
- Local food and drink
France is known worldwide for its amazing food, and Nantes is no different. The area surrounding Nantes is known for its fresh seafood, especially Oysters and Mussels. Don’t forget to try some of the most famous dishes, like beurre blanc and rillettes (fish and pate).
- Visiting historical sites
Nantes has loads of history and plenty of places worth visiting. We recommend visiting some of these before you head out of the city with your campervan. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a castle in the centre that you should check out, as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Best campervan routes around Nantes
Nantes to La Baule
This is a nice 80-km route from Nantes to La Baule. Head west from Nantes, and you will pass through lovely countryside and beautiful villages. Once you reach La Baule, you can enjoy its sandy beaches, which make it the perfect place to relax after a long drive. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants here, and the Brière Regional Natural Park is famous for its wetlands and birdwatching opportunities.
Nantes to Angers
The 90km route to Angers is an incredible drive through history and natural beauty. This journey heads eastwards along the Loire River. On the way, consider stopping at the quaint town of Ancenis, which offers beautiful river views and a charming old town. Once you reach Angers, you will fall in love with the city and its medieval castle.
Nantes to Saumur
This is the largest of our recommended routes and is about 110km in total. Head east from Nantes along the Loure River (similar to the above route). It's a nice drive with plenty of great views along the way and plenty of places to stop to take pictures. Once in Saumur, check out the Coadre Noire, the local cavalry school with impressive horse-riding shows.
Places of interest and excursions in Nantes
Île de Versailles
The Île de Versailles is a beautiful Japanese-style garden on an Erdre River island. It's a great place to stop after you rent a campervan in Nantes, as there is parking nearby, and it's a good place for a picnic. There is also an island with a small museum dedicated to Japanese culture.
Jardin des Plantes
This is another garden just outside the city of Nantes. It has a wide variety of plants, flowers, trees, and water features. If you have children with you, there's a playground and a small zoo.
Clisson
Clisson is around 30km outside of Nantes and feels like a slice of Italy in France. It is set on the banks of the river and an old medieval castle, making it the perfect place to spend a day.
Planète Sauvage
If you love animals, then you have to visit Planète Sauvage, a safari park that offers a unique wildlife experience without leaving your campervan. You can also visit some areas on foot, such as a marine centre with dolphins. It's a place that all the family will love.
Campsites in Nantes and the surrounding area
Your stay for the first night
- Pays de la Loire/Saint-Etienne-de-Montluc
- Pays de la Loire/Les Moutiers-en-Retz
- Pays de la Loire/Pornic
- Pays de la Loire/Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef
- Pays de la Loire/Montjean-sur-Loire
- Pays de la Loire/Saint-Jean-de-MontsCamping Campéole - Les Sirenes
Yes, there are plenty of campervan-friendly sites nearby that all have facilities such as Wi-Fi, electric hookups, and water. Some of the most popular ones are Camping du Petit Port, Camping La Pindière, and Camping Le Pas Opton.
You can use your standard driving licence from your home country. If your licence is not in English or French, you should get an International Driving Permit (IDP).
This all depends on the campervan owners. Some allow them, but some don’t. You can filter this out using our price comparison tool.
After picking up your motorhome for hire in Nantes, we recommend you allow yourself to spend a week travelling around the area.
Compare the prices for different campervans, locations, and dates in our price comparison tool and find the most affordable option for your trip.
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