Car rental at the Nantes Atlantique Airport

Nantes Atlantique Airport, located in Bouguenais, a commune of western France, is just 8 km southwest of Nantes. Being the largest airport in the west of France, it's your ideal entry point to the charming region of Pays de la Loire.

Car Rental: Hitting the Road

To make the most of your journey, renting a car is ideal. There are several car rental agencies right at the airport, like Avis, Sixt, Hertz, and more. You can choose from a range of vehicle classes depending on your needs, comfort, and budget.

Car Class Recommendations

• Economy Class: Ideal for short trips and city exploration. Has an excellent fuel efficiency.
• Compact Class: Perfect for holiday couples who need larger luggage space.
• SUV Class: Brilliant if you're in a group or have heavy luggage. It's perfect for long comfortable drives.

On the Move: Fuelling Up and Exploring the Route

Upon leaving the airport, you’ll find the nearest petrol station at just 1.8 km away, a Intermarché Super and Drive at Bouguenais. Remember, unlike the UK, in France, you'll be driving on the right-hand side of the road.

Driving Route Suggestions

While general speed limit on French motorways is 130 km/h (81 mph), in rainy weather it goes down to 110 km/h (68 mph). Notably different from the UK's 70 mph speed limit regardless of weather conditions.

• To experience the charming city life, head northeast to reach Nantes city centre, just a 20-minute drive from the airport.
• For beach lovers, the beautiful coastal town of La Baule is just an hour’s drive westward.
• If you are in for an unforgettable countryside tour, drive to the Loire Valley, about 2 hours east. It's famous for its vineyards, fruit orchards and artichoke fields.

Embrace the Local Vibes: Climate, Currency and Surrounding Cities

Pays de la Loire enjoys a mild oceanic climate, so your car trips would relatively be rain-free and comfortable. The currency is Euro, which you can withdraw from ATMs available at the airport.

Nearby Cities to Visit

• Nantes: Known for its vibrant arts scene and stunning architecture.
• Angers: Famous for its medieval castles.
• Saint-Nazaire: Coastal town with beautiful beaches and interesting submarine pens.
• Le Mans: Renowned for its 24-hour car race and rich history.

As you can see, starting your journey at Nantes Atlantique Airport opens up countless possibilities. Rent a car and start exploring! Safe travels to you!