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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Southwestern France, France

Nearby Destinations

Clisson: (Approximately 30 km southeast of Nantes) An Italianate town with medieval castle ruins, scenic bridges, and a strong wine-making tradition. Easily accessible by TER train (around 30 minutes).

Pornic: (Approximately 50 km southwest of Nantes) A coastal town with a medieval castle overlooking the old port, sandy beaches, and a lively promenade. Accessible by TER train (around 45 minutes).

Further Excursions

  • Angers: (Approximately 90 km east) A historic city with a magnificent 17-tower medieval castle. TGV or TER train (40-50 minutes).
  • Guérande & Salt Marshes: (Approximately 80 km west) A well-preserved medieval walled town and UNESCO site, known for its "fleur de sel."
  • Saint-Nazaire: (Approximately 60 km west) A major port city with shipbuilding history and maritime attractions. TER train (30 minutes).
  • Most destinations are train-accessible for independent travel. Explore day trip options on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

Explore the natural beauty and serene landscapes surrounding Nantes.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Parc Naturel Régional de Brière: (North of Saint-Nazaire, approximately 1 hour drive) France's second-largest marshland, a haven for birds and traditional thatched cottages.

Activities

  • Take traditional flat-bottomed boat trips (chalands).
  • Enjoy birdwatching.
  • Explore small villages.

Scenic Landscapes

Loire River Banks: Beyond the city, the Loire River features charming landscapes, especially along sections of the "Loire à Vélo" route.

Coastal Access

  • The Atlantic coastline has beautiful sandy beaches.
  • La Baule, a renowned seaside resort, is train accessible.
  • The Muscadet wine region offers rolling vineyards.

Seasonal Beauty

Autumn Delights

  • Witness the changing colors of vineyards.
  • Explore the Muscadet wine region during harvest.
  • Be aware of cooler temperatures.
  • Occasional rain.

Spring Blooms

  • Enjoy blooming wildflowers.
  • Ideal weather for cycling.
  • Possibility of spring showers.
  • Milder temperatures.

Getting Around

  • Public Transport:Trains (TER, TGV)
  • Flexibility:Rental Car
  • Active Exploration:Bicycles
  • Organized Tours:Available for some areas
  • Cost-Effective:Independent Travel
  • Convenience:Guided Tours
  • Local Access:Local Buses/Taxis
  • Scenic Routes:Loire à Vélo

Travel Tip

When visiting the Muscadet wine region, consider bicycle rentals to pedal between vineyards. This provides an active way to discover the landscape and enables easy winery visits.

Cultural Excursions

Deepen your exploration of the region's cultural heritage and history.

Château de Goulaine

One of the last Loire castles still inhabited by the same family. Located near Nantes, it features a butterfly conservatory and a Muscadet vineyard.

Muscadet Wine Region

The Vignoble de Nantes, southeast of the city, is dedicated to Muscadet wine production. Enjoy vineyard drives, cycle routes, and winery tastings.

Trentemoult Village

A colorful former fishing village across the Loire, accessible by Navibus. A delightful cultural escape with unique charm.

Vineyard Experiences

Drive or cycle through the Muscadet vineyards. Many wineries offer direct sales of their products, alongside tastings.

Explore Wine Production

  • Visit local wineries (caves).
  • Sample regional wines.
  • Learn about the winemaking process.

Historical Insight

Château de Goulaine provides a glimpse into aristocratic life and its long family history.

What to See

  • Discover the castle architecture.
  • Explore the butterfly conservatory.
  • See the small Muscadet vineyard on site.

Local Production

Muscadet Appellation:Sèvre et Maine
Salt from:Guérande
Traditional Boats:Chalands
Local Specialty:Gâteau Nantais
River Tours:Erdre River
Coastal Resort:La Baule

Pilgrimage Sites

  • No major pilgrimage sites are directly associated with Nantes itself.
  • The region has numerous historic churches.
  • Many abbeys exist in the broader Loire Valley.
  • The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul in Nantes is a significant religious building.
  • Basilique Saint-Nicolas is another prominent church within the city.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your journey beyond Nantes to explore more of France's western regions.

Loire Valley Châteaux

Nantes acts as the western gateway to the renowned Loire Valley. Add 2-3 days to your trip to visit magnificent castles.

Locations

  • Explore iconic châteaux.
  • Use Tours or Angers as bases.
  • A rental car provides flexibility.

Brittany Coast

Head north into Brittany to discover its dramatic coastlines, medieval walled towns, and unique Celtic heritage.

Coastal Exploration

  • Discover stunning coastal views.
  • Visit historic towns like Saint-Malo.
  • Good train connections from Nantes.

Vendée Coast

South of Nantes, the Vendée region presents charming seaside resorts and islands like Noirmoutier, along with historical sites.

Island Hopping

  • Relax on sandy beaches.
  • Explore islands like Noirmoutier.
  • Visit local historical sites.

Transportation Connections

Efficient train services (TGV, TER) link Nantes to the Loire Valley and Brittany, offering convenient travel.

Mobility Options

  • Utilize high-speed and regional trains.
  • Consider a rental car for rural areas.
  • Some areas have local bus routes.

Suggested Regional Routes

Combine your Nantes visit with broader regional exploration.

Loire Valley & Paris

A classic route combining western France with the capital and its castles.

Brittany Exploration

From Southern to Northern Brittany Coast for a comprehensive experience of diverse landscapes and towns.

Bordeaux Connection

Combine the Pays de la Loire with the famous wine region of Bordeaux.

Day Trip Planning

Plan your day trips efficiently, considering the time and effort involved.

Day Trip Considerations

1

Distance & Travel

Check train or driving times to destinations. Clisson is 30 mins by TER, Guérande about 1 hour by car.

2

Activities & Time

Allow a half-day to full-day depending on activities, like exploring castles or relaxing on beaches.

3

Booking Experiences

For organized tours or specific activities like Airbus factory visits, book in advance. GetYourGuide offers various booking options.

Independent Travel Benefits

  • Greater flexibility to manage your schedule.
  • Often more cost-effective.
  • Freedom to change plans.
  • Opportunity to discover hidden spots.
  • Immersion in local life.
  • Adaptable to your pace.

Organized Tour Advantages

  • Logistics are handled for you.
  • Guided insights into destinations.
  • Convenient transportation.
  • Often include specific activities.
  • Suitable for first-time visitors.
  • Structured day planning.

Popular Day Trip Activities

Castle Exploration

Wander through medieval castle ruins and enjoy scenic views.

Coastal Relaxation

Relax on sandy beaches or stroll along lively promenades.

Wine Tastings

Visit local wineries to sample Muscadet wines and learn about production.

Recommendation

For destinations like Guérande, driving often presents the most convenient option due to complex train and bus connections.