With an Avis car hired from Nantes Atlantique Airport, it’s easy to reach this stunning capital city of the Pays de la Loire region, as well as other unforgettable destinations in neighbouring Brittany.

Once you arrive at Nantes Atlantique Airport it is just a short walk to the dedicated car rental building where you’ll find our Avis counter. Here our friendly team will hand over the keys in no time.

Reserve your car online and choose from a wide selection of models ranging from smaller economy cars to family-friendly SUVs and people carriers. Need some car hire extras for your trip? We can offer you a range of add-ons including insurance, child seats, the option of adding additional drivers, and sat navs. Whatever your needs, we have you covered. Start your road trip here.

Pick up the keys to your Avis car hired from Nantes Atlantique Airport and it’s a brisk 15-minute drive into the city centre.

On arrival, dive straight into history by visiting the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, where you can learn more about this incredible building through touchscreen computers and interactive exhibitions.

Nantes has an illustrious past, but it’s also a place where you can explore French contemporary culture. Be sure to check out the programme of the Le Lieu Unique while you’re in town. This old biscuit factory is now the number one place in the city for alternative theatre performances, live concerts and modern art exhibitions. If you want to wind down, there’s even a Turkish bath in the basement.

Nantes is also a city of gastronomic excellence. For classic hearty French fare, book a table at Cocotte Restaurant – a former butchers cooking up local meat-based dishes. If you have a sweet tooth, visit George-Gautier – the finest chocolatier in the city. Serving up sweet treats for almost 200 years, its in-house specialty – finely ground chocolate served in a hard chocolate shell – is a must-try.

In France, please drive on the right side of the road.

Unique Country Driving Laws

• In built-up areas give way to traffic coming from the right “priorité a droite”
• Traffic on a roundabout has right of way

• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles

Speed Limits

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers

• Urban areas: 31 mph (50 km/h)
• Rural areas: 50 mph (80 km/h) or 62 mph (100 km/h)

• Motorways: 80 mph (130 km/h)

Please be aware of changing speeds indicated by road signs and change of speed due to Weather conditions (130 km/h is reduced to 110 km/h)

Child Safety / Seatbelt Laws

It is compulsory for all to wear a seatbelt inside the vehicle. Children under 10 must be seated in a child seat.

Please note - It is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

We’ve unlocked France’s driving rules for your journey to help keep you safe and avoid the unexpected. Here’s a quick guide.

Beyond the city of Nantes, countless treasures scattered across northern France await your discovery. Reach them effortlessly with an Avis car hired from Nantes Atlantique Airport.

Guerande
In just over an hour, it’s possible to reach the medieval fortified town of Guerande on the west coast of France. Explore the quaint medieval streets and buildings, such as the 15th century St Aubin church. There are many arts and crafts galleries to wander around too. Be sure to try some of the specialty food shops, especially the crêperies. Before leaving, find time to visit the salt marshes museum, where you’ll gain a real insight into this traditional local industry. While you’re at it, pick up some delicious salt-butter caramels from the onsite shop.

Rennes
Drive 90 minutes north of Nantes and you’ll reach Rennes, the capital city of Brittany.

Visit the Musée de Bretagne in the brand new Les Champs Libres building to learn about the history of Rennes and its surrounding region. Spend time in the Thabor Gardens, where you can stroll around 24 acres of delightful green space. If you’re peckish, there are many affordable places to eat that don’t compromise on quality. Indulge in generous tartines at L’epicere and try La Saint-Georges for a contemporary take on a crêperie.

Get behind the wheel of your Avis car hired from Nantes Atlantique Airport and the open roads of northwest France are yours.

How much does it cost to hire a car in Nantes?

Whether you are looking for a hire car for business or pleasure, Avis has something to suit all needs. Choose from a wide range of cars, SUVs and vans, and benefit from the latest online deals. You’ll get our best prices when booking on our website.

How far is Nantes airport from the city centre?

Nantes Airport is approximately 20 minutes (7 miles) from Nantes city centre.

What should I visit in Nantes?

Nantes is an ideal city for a city break in France. During your stay in this vibrant university town, don’t  miss exploring the ramparts of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, seeing the extraordinary mechanical creatures of Les Machines de l’Île and visiting the Quartier Bouffay. With your hire car you can also access the beautiful beaches of the Loire Valley.

In what region is Nantes in France?

Nantes is officially part of the Pays de la Loire region of France, close to the Breton border.