One of the greatest advantages of staying in Nantes is its location. Sitting at the meeting point of the Loire Valley, the Atlantic coast and the historic region of Brittany, the city is perfectly positioned for discovering an incredible variety of destinations within an easy day’s travel.

Within little more than an hour, you can be walking through medieval towns, relaxing on golden beaches, exploring magnificent Loire Valley châteaux, tasting wines in picturesque vineyards or discovering one of the world’s greatest historical theme parks. Whether you’re travelling by train, car or joining a guided excursion, there are outstanding day trips to suit every type of traveller.

History enthusiasts can visit impressive castles and fortified towns, while beach lovers will find some of France’s finest stretches of coastline at La Baule, Pornic and Noirmoutier. Food and wine lovers can explore the famous Muscadet vineyards, while families have everything from giant ocean liners to spectacular live historical shows waiting to be discovered.

Many of these destinations are easily reached using TER regional trains, making them ideal for visitors without a car. Others are best explored by hire car, giving you the flexibility to discover charming villages and hidden corners of western France at your own pace.

The destinations below are among the very best day trips from Nantes, allowing you to experience the remarkable diversity of the Pays de la Loire region and beyond.

Destination	Journey Time	Best By	Don’t Miss
Clisson	30 mins	TER Train	Italian-inspired streets and château
Ancenis	35 mins	TER Train	Loire riverside and medieval castle
Angers	40 mins	TGV / TER	Château d’Angers and Apocalypse Tapestry
Saint-Nazaire	50 mins	TER Train	Shipyards and Escal’Atlantic
Guérande	1 hour	Car	Medieval walls and salt marshes
La Baule	1 hour	TER Train	Sandy beaches and promenade
Pornic	1 hour	TER Train	Harbour and coastal walks
Noirmoutier Island	1 hr 30 mins	Car	Passage du Gois and beaches
Loire Valley Châteaux	1.5–2 hours	Car / Tour	World-famous castles
Puy du Fou	1 hr 30 mins	Car	Award-winning historical theme park

Visit the Italian-Inspired Town of Clisson

Just 30 minutes from Nantes by TER train, Clisson is one of the most surprising towns in France. Instead of traditional Loire Valley architecture, you’ll discover terracotta roofs, Italian-style villas, stone bridges and picturesque rivers that make it feel more like Tuscany than western France.

Much of the town was rebuilt during the nineteenth century by architects inspired by northern Italy, giving Clisson a unique appearance that’s unlike anywhere else in the country. Walking through its quiet streets, you’ll find colourful houses, riverside cafés, artisan shops and peaceful squares that invite you to slow down and explore.

Overlooking the town are the dramatic ruins of the Château de Clisson, an imposing medieval fortress that once guarded the region. Visitors can wander through the castle’s towers, defensive walls and courtyards while enjoying wonderful views across the surrounding countryside.

Clisson is also famous as the home of Hellfest, one of Europe’s largest rock and heavy metal festivals. Every summer, tens of thousands of music fans arrive from around the world, transforming this peaceful town into one of France’s biggest festival venues.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, photography, gardens or simply discovering one of France’s prettiest small towns, Clisson is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Nantes.

Discover Saint-Nazaire

Around 50 minutes from Nantes, Saint-Nazaire offers a fascinating combination of maritime history, modern engineering and beautiful Atlantic beaches.

The city is internationally famous for its enormous shipyards, where some of the world’s largest and most luxurious cruise ships are built. Guided tours provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at these remarkable engineering projects, allowing visitors to appreciate the incredible scale of modern shipbuilding.

Another highlight is Escal’Atlantic, one of France’s most unusual museums. Housed inside the former submarine base, this immersive attraction recreates the golden age of the great transatlantic ocean liners, allowing visitors to walk through beautifully reconstructed cabins, dining rooms and engine spaces while learning about life aboard legendary passenger ships.

History enthusiasts should also visit the impressive German U-Boat pens, constructed during the Second World War. These massive reinforced concrete structures remain among the largest military buildings ever constructed and provide a sobering reminder of the city’s wartime history.

After exploring the museums, visitors can relax along Saint-Nazaire’s seafront, where sandy beaches, coastal walking paths and cafés overlook the Atlantic Ocean.

Whether you’re fascinated by ships, engineering, military history or simply looking to enjoy the coast, Saint-Nazaire makes an outstanding day trip from Nantes.

Explore the Medieval Walled Town of Guérande

Around one hour from Nantes, the beautifully preserved town of Guérande is one of the finest medieval destinations in western France.

Completely surrounded by impressive fourteenth-century stone walls, Guérande looks much as it did hundreds of years ago. Visitors can walk through ancient gateways into a maze of cobbled streets, elegant stone houses, independent boutiques and welcoming cafés, all centred around the beautiful Collegiate Church of Saint-Aubin.

The town is perhaps even more famous for its surrounding salt marshes, where traditional methods of harvesting Guérande sea salt have been used for centuries. Guided tours explain how the famous Fleur de Sel is collected by hand before giving visitors the opportunity to sample and purchase one of France’s finest culinary products.

Shops throughout the town sell everything from artisan chocolates and local biscuits to beautifully packaged sea salt, making Guérande an excellent place to pick up authentic souvenirs.

Combining medieval history, traditional food production and beautiful surroundings, Guérande offers one of the most distinctive day trips available from Nantes.

Relax on the Beaches of La Baule

Around one hour from Nantes, La Baule-Escoublac is home to one of the longest and most beautiful sandy beaches in Europe. Stretching for almost 9 kilometres around a sweeping bay, this elegant seaside resort has been attracting holidaymakers since the nineteenth century and remains one of France’s premier coastal destinations.

The wide golden beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding and sailing, while the calm waters make it particularly popular with families. During the summer months, beach clubs, watersports centres and cafés create a lively atmosphere without the resort ever feeling overcrowded.

Behind the beach lies an attractive promenade lined with Belle Époque villas, luxury hotels, restaurants and boutiques. Many of these elegant buildings date from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, giving La Baule a sophisticated character that sets it apart from many other French seaside resorts.

The town also offers excellent shopping, an impressive marina and one of France’s most famous casinos, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring both the beach and the resort itself.

Whether you’re looking to relax by the Atlantic Ocean, enjoy a long coastal walk or simply experience one of France’s most prestigious seaside towns, La Baule makes a wonderful escape from Nantes.

Visit the Historic Port of Pornic

Located around one hour south-west of Nantes, the attractive harbour town of Pornic combines historic streets, Atlantic beaches and a lively marina to create one of the most enjoyable coastal day trips in the region.

The heart of the town is its picturesque old harbour, where colourful fishing boats and yachts sit alongside waterfront cafés and seafood restaurants. It’s the perfect place to enjoy lunch while watching boats come and go before wandering through the charming streets climbing away from the quayside.

Overlooking the harbour stands the impressive Château de Pornic, a medieval castle that has guarded the town for centuries. Although privately owned, its striking exterior provides one of the town’s most photographed views and adds to Pornic’s distinctive character.

The surrounding coastline offers several attractive sandy beaches linked by the spectacular Sentier des Douaniers coastal path. Walking sections of this trail rewards visitors with dramatic Atlantic views, rocky coves and hidden beaches that feel wonderfully unspoilt.

Pornic is also famous throughout France for its delicious ice cream, with visitors often queuing outside the town’s best-known parlours before continuing their exploration of the harbour.

Whether you’re interested in history, photography, coastal walks, seafood or simply enjoying a relaxed day beside the Atlantic, Pornic is an excellent day trip from Nantes.

Cross the Causeway to Noirmoutier Island

One of the most unique excursions from Nantes is a visit to Noirmoutier Island, famous for its beautiful beaches, whitewashed villages and the remarkable Passage du Gois.

This extraordinary 4.1-kilometre tidal causeway is only passable at low tide. Twice each day, the sea retreats to reveal the road linking the mainland with the island before the Atlantic quickly covers it again. Watching the tide rise around the causeway is an unforgettable experience, but it’s essential to check the official tide times carefully, as attempting the crossing at the wrong time is extremely dangerous.

The island itself is a delight to explore. Visitors will discover golden beaches, salt marshes, pine forests and attractive villages where white houses are decorated with colourful shutters and flowers. The charming town of Noirmoutier-en-l’Île is particularly picturesque, with its historic harbour, lively market and impressive medieval castle.

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the island, thanks to an excellent network of dedicated cycle paths linking beaches, nature reserves and traditional villages. Seafood lovers will also find outstanding restaurants serving freshly caught oysters, mussels and fish harvested from the surrounding waters.

Whether you’re fascinated by the famous Passage du Gois, looking for spectacular coastal scenery or simply wanting to discover one of France’s most attractive islands, Noirmoutier is one of the most memorable day trips from Nantes.

Discover the Historic City of Angers

Less than 40 minutes from Nantes by TGV or TER train, Angers offers one of the finest cultural and historical day trips in western France.

The city’s centrepiece is the magnificent Château d’Angers, an enormous medieval fortress with seventeen massive towers rising above the River Maine. Behind its formidable walls lies one of Europe’s greatest artistic treasures, the extraordinary Apocalypse Tapestry, the largest surviving medieval tapestry in the world. Measuring over 100 metres in length, it tells the story of the biblical Book of Revelation through stunning fourteenth-century craftsmanship.

Beyond the castle, Angers rewards visitors with elegant pedestrian streets, lively cafés, beautiful public squares and the impressive Saint-Maurice Cathedral, whose remarkable Gothic architecture dominates the city skyline.

The city is also known for its attractive parks and gardens, while the surrounding countryside forms part of the Loire Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, making Angers an ideal gateway for exploring the region’s famous châteaux and vineyards.

Whether you’re interested in medieval history, world-class art, architecture or simply exploring another beautiful French city, Angers is one of the easiest and most rewarding rail day trips from Nantes.

Visit the Magnificent Château de Brissac

If you’ve ever wanted to explore a true fairytale château, a day trip to Château de Brissac is hard to beat. Located around 90 minutes from Nantes, this spectacular castle is the tallest château in France, rising an incredible seven storeys above beautifully landscaped parkland.

Often referred to as the “Giant of the Loire Valley,” the château has been home to the Dukes of Brissac for centuries and remains privately owned by the same family today. Unlike many historic castles that feel more like museums, Château de Brissac still has the atmosphere of a grand family residence, with richly furnished reception rooms, elegant staircases and beautifully preserved interiors.

Visitors can admire magnificent painted ceilings, priceless furniture, crystal chandeliers and an extraordinary Belle Époque theatre, one of the château’s most impressive and unexpected features. The surrounding grounds are equally enjoyable, with formal gardens, peaceful woodland walks and excellent picnic spots.

The château also produces its own Loire Valley wines, and many visits include the opportunity to sample local vintages, making it an excellent destination for both history lovers and wine enthusiasts.

Whether you’re fascinated by French aristocratic history, architecture or simply looking for one of the Loire Valley’s most impressive castles, Château de Brissac is well worth the journey.

Explore the Loire Valley Châteaux

Few regions in Europe contain such an extraordinary concentration of historic castles as the Loire Valley. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley is home to dozens of magnificent châteaux, each with its own fascinating history, beautiful gardens and remarkable architecture.

From Nantes, several organised day tours visit some of the region’s most famous castles, making this one of the most popular excursions for visitors to western France. Depending on the itinerary, you may visit spectacular landmarks such as Château de Chenonceau, gracefully spanning the River Cher, the magnificent Château de Chambord with its extraordinary Renaissance architecture, or the elegant Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, reflected beautifully in its surrounding moat.

Many tours also include visits to charming villages, local wineries and traditional restaurants, allowing you to experience much more than just the castles themselves. Travelling with a guide adds another dimension, bringing centuries of royal intrigue, political history and architectural innovation vividly to life.

If you’re travelling independently, hiring a car offers the greatest flexibility, allowing you to visit several châteaux at your own pace while stopping in picturesque villages and vineyards along the way.

Whether you’re interested in French history, Renaissance architecture, beautiful gardens or simply seeing some of Europe’s most spectacular historic buildings, exploring the Loire Valley Châteaux is an unforgettable experience and one of the finest day trips from Nantes.

Discover the Riverside Town of Ancenis

Around 35 minutes from Nantes by train or car, the attractive riverside town of Ancenis-Saint-Géréon is often overlooked by international visitors, making it one of the region’s genuine hidden gems.

Situated on the banks of the Loire River, Ancenis combines a relaxed atmosphere with an attractive historic centre, riverside walks and an impressive medieval castle. The partially restored Château d’Ancenis, once an important Breton fortress, overlooks the river and offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s strategic importance throughout history.

The old centre is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with traditional cafés, local bakeries, independent shops and welcoming restaurants lining its quiet streets. The riverside promenade is equally enjoyable, providing wonderful views across the Loire and plenty of opportunities to simply sit and watch boats drift by.

Ancenis is also surrounded by vineyards producing the famous Muscadet wines of the region, making it an excellent destination for anyone interested in combining history with local food and wine.

For travellers looking to escape the crowds and experience authentic Loire Valley life, Ancenis offers a wonderfully relaxing day out that’s easily reached from Nantes.

Follow the Muscadet Wine Route

South-east of Nantes lies one of France’s oldest wine regions, where rolling vineyards produce the crisp white wines that have made Muscadet famous around the world.

Following the Muscadet Wine Route takes visitors through picturesque villages, family-run vineyards and peaceful countryside stretching towards the Loire River. Many wineries have been producing wine for generations and warmly welcome visitors for guided tours and tastings.

You’ll learn how the region’s distinctive Melon de Bourgogne grape thrives in the local climate before sampling a range of elegant wines, many of which pair perfectly with the fresh seafood for which the Atlantic coast is renowned. Alongside the tastings, many vineyards also offer local cheeses, artisan bread and regional specialities, creating a genuine taste of western France.

The route passes through charming villages such as Clisson, Le Pallet and Vallet, each offering their own wineries, cafés and attractive countryside. The scenic drive itself is a highlight, particularly during late summer and autumn when the vineyards are at their most colourful.

Whether you’re an experienced wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing day exploring the countryside, the Muscadet Wine Route combines beautiful scenery, excellent food, historic villages and some of the finest white wines produced anywhere in France.

Experience the Spectacle of Puy du Fou

Around 90 minutes from Nantes, Puy du Fou is unlike any other theme park in the world. Instead of rollercoasters and thrill rides, this award-winning attraction brings 2,000 years of history to life through spectacular live performances, enormous outdoor sets and breathtaking special effects.

Regularly voted among the best theme parks in the world, Puy du Fou features a series of immersive shows covering everything from Roman gladiators and Viking invasions to medieval knights, Musketeers and Belle Époque France. Each production features hundreds of actors, horses, birds of prey, pyrotechnics and specially constructed arenas that transport visitors back through the centuries.

One of the most famous performances is Le Signe du Triomphe, where gladiators battle inside a full-sized Roman amphitheatre, while Les Vikings recreates a dramatic surprise attack complete with a Viking longship emerging from beneath the water. Every show combines incredible choreography with cutting-edge technology, creating experiences that are genuinely unforgettable.

Between performances, visitors can wander through beautifully recreated historic villages, where traditional craftsmen demonstrate ancient skills including blacksmithing, weaving and pottery. Costumed performers, gardens and authentic architecture make the park feel like an enormous living museum rather than a conventional theme park.

If you’re planning to visit during the summer, consider staying into the evening for the legendary Cinéscénie. Performed on selected nights, this spectacular outdoor production involves more than 2,500 volunteer actors, hundreds of horses and dazzling special effects across one of the largest stages in the world. Tickets often sell out months in advance, so early booking is essential.

Whether you’re travelling as a family, as a couple or simply have an interest in history, live theatre or spectacular entertainment, Puy du Fou is one of the most extraordinary day trips available from Nantes.

Discover the Vendée Coast

If you’re looking for fresh sea air, wide sandy beaches and charming seaside towns, the Vendée Coast makes a wonderful escape from Nantes. Easily reached in around one to one-and-a-half hours by car, this beautiful stretch of the Atlantic coast offers a completely different side of western France.

Popular resorts such as Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Les Sables-d’Olonne and Saint-Jean-de-Monts are renowned for their golden beaches, attractive promenades and relaxed holiday atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to swim, enjoy fresh seafood, cycle along the coast or simply unwind beside the ocean, there’s something here for every visitor.

Nature lovers can explore protected dunes, salt marshes and pine forests, while walkers will enjoy the many scenic coastal paths offering magnificent views across the Atlantic. The coastline is also a favourite destination for surfing, sailing, kiteboarding and other watersports, particularly during the warmer months.

Many of the small fishing ports remain wonderfully authentic, with colourful boats landing fresh catches each morning and waterfront restaurants serving locally caught oysters, mussels and seafood. Weekly markets throughout the region are also excellent places to sample regional produce and experience local life.

Whether you’re seeking a traditional French seaside resort, spectacular coastal scenery or simply a relaxing day by the Atlantic Ocean, the Vendée Coast offers one of the most enjoyable excursions from Nantes.

Which Day Trip is Best?

The best day trip from Nantes depends entirely on what you’re hoping to experience during your visit.

If you’re visiting the region for the first time, Clisson is an outstanding choice. Its Italian-inspired streets, impressive medieval castle and excellent rail connections make it one of the easiest and most distinctive excursions from the city.

For visitors interested in history and maritime heritage, Saint-Nazaire combines world-famous shipbuilding, fascinating museums and beautiful Atlantic beaches into a memorable day out. Meanwhile, Guérande offers the chance to explore one of France’s finest medieval walled towns while discovering the traditional production of its famous sea salt.

If you’re looking for coastal scenery, you really can’t go wrong with La Baule, Pornic or Noirmoutier Island. Each offers beautiful beaches, picturesque harbours and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for escaping the city for a day.

History lovers should make time for the magnificent Loire Valley Châteaux, where spectacular castles, elegant gardens and centuries of royal history combine to create one of France’s greatest cultural landscapes. Wine enthusiasts, meanwhile, will love exploring the Muscadet Wine Route, where scenic vineyards and welcoming wineries showcase one of the country’s finest white wine regions.

Families and anyone looking for something truly unforgettable should head to Puy du Fou, whose breathtaking live shows and immersive historical villages have earned it a reputation as one of the greatest visitor attractions anywhere in Europe.

Whichever destination you choose, Nantes is one of France’s very best bases for exploring historic towns, Atlantic beaches, world-famous castles, vineyards and some of the country’s most spectacular attractions, all within an easy day’s journey.

Book Your Train Tickets in Advance

Many of the best day trips from Nantes are served by TER regional trains, making it easy to explore western France without hiring a car. Popular destinations such as Clisson, Angers, Saint-Nazaire, La Baule, Pornic and Ancenis all have regular services from Nantes Railway Station, with journey times ranging from around 30 minutes to one hour.

While regional TER tickets can often be purchased on the day, booking in advance is recommended if you’re travelling on TGV high-speed services, particularly to destinations such as Angers, where advance fares are often considerably cheaper.

One of the easiest ways to plan your journey is by using Omio, which allows you to compare train times, ticket prices and journey options in one place before booking your tickets online. If you’re combining trains with buses or other forms of transport during your trip, Omio can also help you compare different travel options without needing to visit multiple websites.

Plan Your Train Journey with Omio

Booking train tickets in Europe can quickly become confusing, especially when routes cross borders or involve multiple operators. Omio makes it simple to compare routes, check timetables, and buy train tickets all in one place.

It is ideal for city-to-city travel, international rail journeys, and comparing trains with buses or flights. Instead of switching between multiple railway websites, you can plan your journey faster and book with confidence.

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Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips

Nantes is one of the best city bases in France because you can reach beaches, castles, vineyards and medieval towns in under two hours. A little planning will help you make the most of your time.

Use the train whenever possible. Clisson, Angers, Saint-Nazaire, La Baule and Ancenis are all easy rail journeys, so you can avoid parking and enjoy a relaxing day out.
Hire a car for the countryside. Destinations such as Noirmoutier Island, the Muscadet Wine Route and many Loire Valley châteaux are much easier to explore with your own transport.
Start early. Most attractions are quieter during the morning, giving you more time to explore before the busiest part of the day.
Check opening days. Some castles, wineries and smaller museums have seasonal opening hours or close on certain weekdays, so it’s worth checking before you travel.
Mix city and coast. If you’re spending several days in Nantes, try combining a cultural day trip such as Angers or Clisson with a relaxing coastal escape to La Baule or Pornic.

Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best day trip from Nantes?
For many visitors, Clisson is the standout choice thanks to its Italian-inspired architecture, medieval castle and easy 30-minute train journey from Nantes. Other excellent options include Saint-Nazaire, Guérande and the Loire Valley châteaux.

Can you visit the Loire Valley from Nantes?
Yes. Nantes is an excellent base for exploring the Loire Valley, with many famous castles, vineyards and historic towns easily reached by car, guided tour or train.

Which day trips can I do from Nantes by train?
Excellent rail destinations include Clisson, Angers, Saint-Nazaire and Ancenis, all of which are served by regular TER or TGV services.

Is Noirmoutier worth visiting?
Absolutely. Noirmoutier Island is famous for its beautiful beaches, charming villages and the extraordinary Passage du Gois, the tidal causeway that disappears beneath the sea twice each day.

Can I visit the Atlantic coast from Nantes?
Yes. Resorts including La Baule, Pornic, Saint-Nazaire and the Vendée Coast all make excellent coastal day trips from Nantes.

Is Puy du Fou close to Nantes?
Yes. Puy du Fou is around 90 minutes from Nantes by car and is widely regarded as one of the best theme parks in the world, thanks to its spectacular historical shows and immersive experiences.

Do I need a car for day trips from Nantes?
Not always. Several of the most popular destinations are easily reached by train, but a hire car offers much greater flexibility for exploring the Loire Valley, wine regions and coastal villages.

How many day trips can I take during a weekend in Nantes?
If you’re spending a long weekend in Nantes, it’s easy to combine the city with one or two day trips, with Clisson, Saint-Nazaire or La Baule being among the most convenient options.

Last Updated

August 2026

We regularly review this guide to ensure journey times, transport information, attraction details and travel advice remain accurate and up to date. As opening hours, train timetables and seasonal attractions can change throughout the year, we recommend checking the latest information before travelling.

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Rupert

Globetrotter (60+ countries) & Bow-Tie enthusiast. Hotel pillow connoisseur, breakfast buffet enthusiast, and firm believer in the window seat. Loves exploring off the beaten track followed by a decent slice of cake.