The city of Nantes is situated in a sweet spot as far as day trips are concerned. Travel east and you’re in chateau country, while to the north you’ll find picturesque Brittany villages. Here is our selection of the best day trips to take.
Noirmoutier island
To the southwest of Nantes is Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, known simply as Noirmoutier, a little paradise island in Brittany. It offers sand dunes, forests and salt marshes with beautiful blue water and a temperate climate. If you are visiting Nantes in the warmer months, hire a car and head off at daybreak; you won’t regret it.
Loire River cruise
Nantes sits on the Loire River, so a day on the water during your stay in the city is a must. A popular route is west from Nantes towards the Atlantic to Saint-Nazaire. You can easily book these trips during your stay in Nantes, though booking ahead is advisable during high season. Heading east from Nantes puts you in château country, and these routes normally last longer than a day, so are a great option if you’re interested in a holiday that is half Nantes stay, half river cruise.
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