Top Day Trips from Nantes

Leaving the vibrant city of Nantes might be tough, but its central train station makes it easy to explore charming riverside villages, medieval towns, ancient art sites, and picturesque islands—all within two hours and without the hassle of driving.

If you have access to a car or, even better, a bicycle, the surrounding vineyards of quirky Nantes are perfect for a self-guided tour, complete with plenty of detailed resources on how to navigate your journey.

Discover the six best day trips from Nantes.

1. Noirmoutier

Travel time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Boasting over a dozen beaches, 80 km (50 miles) of cycling paths, five clearly marked hiking trails, and Europe's longest submerged road, the Passage du Gois, Noirmoutier offers something for everyone. Buses provide access to the historic center, Noirmoutier-en-l'île, from where you can rent a bike or enjoy a leisurely walk along Jacobsen Jetty, passing the island's working salt pans where locals still harvest salt by hand.

Noirmoutier is home to the expansive Polder de Sebastopol nature reserve, attracting birdwatchers and scientists from across the globe. Its flat, 3.2 km (2 miles) path is perfect for families too. Visit in late spring to savor the island's other culinary treasure: the rare Bonnotte potato. This small luxury item is the world's most expensive potato, priced at $600 per kilo. Opt for Noirmoutier salt as a more practical souvenir instead.

How to reach Noirmoutier from Nantes: 'Ligne 13' buses run directly to Noirmoutier Gare Routière from the ALEOP bus station located behind Gare de Nantes Sud. Driving takes approximately the same time, and you can avoid crossing the Passage du Gois. If you choose to drive over the Passage du Gois, don’t depend on your GPS. Check the latest tidal information on the Île de Noirmoutier website before you go.

2. Pornic

Travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Arrive early in Pornic to grab a warm baguette, then enjoy an invigorating seaside stroll along the rocky Jade Coast, passing historic wooden fishing huts and hidden shell-strewn beaches.

Overlooked by the enchanting Château de Pornic, this picture-perfect bay encourages visitors to slow down. Dine leisurely beside the marina with fresh moules marinière. Schedule a visit to the medieval castle. Discover ancient windmills. Indulge in a refreshing fruit sorbet at La Fraiseraie on the port. Pornic is also home to the 5500-year-old megalithic tumulus of Les Mousseaux, a stone burial monument nestled behind the homes on the hill above the town center.

How to reach Pornic from Nantes: Trains to Pornic leave from Gare de Nantes.

3. Le Croisic

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Favored by Parisians due to a direct TGV train, charming Le Croisic is a fashionable spot at the tip of the Guérande peninsula. Enjoy the scenery from your seat as the train speeds by gently-hued salt pans and vibrant marshes bustling with seabirds.

This elegant Breton port town flourished in the 1700s, and wandering through its quaint shops remains a joy. You’ll easily find a delicious meal of freshly caught fish for lunch, or indulge in local crêpes. For a special treat, head to Le Criée where talented chefs craft exquisite dishes from the day’s catch. After your meal, stroll along the expansive, seaweed-dusted sandy beach or venture along the narrow stone jetty that extends for half a mile (858 meters) into the ocean. Don’t miss the stunning coastal views from the 19th-century Tréhic lighthouse.

How to reach Le Croisic from Nantes: Direct trains to Le Croisic leave from Gare de Nantes, followed by a 10-minute walk into town.

4. The Loire River Estuary

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes for a round trip; longer for a full-day adventure based on your choices

Experience the Loire Estuary from Nantes with two scenic cruises that showcase the city’s maritime heritage and industrial scenery: a 90-minute Croisiere Escapade en Loire journey and the three-hour Estuaire Nantes route to Saint-Nazaire. Both cruises float along a picturesque riverbank dotted with graceful white egrets and thriving farmlands, passing notable permanent art installations, including a full-sized house tilting in the water and bronze animals suspended from tree branches.

If time permits, opt for the longer cruise and return by train from Saint-Nazaire. Spend a few hours visiting a genuine submarine, discovering the fascinating history of old ocean liners, or touring the shipyard that has constructed some of the world’s most renowned liners.

How to reach the Loire River Estuary from Nantes: Board Tram Line 1 and get off at the Gare Maritime stop. Cruises set off from Quai Ernest Renaud at the Gare Maritime, and booking in advance is necessary. The short cruise returns to Quai Ernest Renaud, while the longer journey allows for a return via the river or by train from Gare Saint-Nazaire, which is a 20-minute walk from the dock.

5. Vannes

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

With its 15th-century half-timbered structures, the fortified town of Vannes on the Gulf of Morbihan is a genuine medieval port. If you time your visit well, enjoy a budget-friendly lunch next to the city walls overlooking the marina, or make your way to the ramparts for stunning views and beautiful gardens. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the popular market fills the Place des Lices with delicious offerings, including tourtière aux pommes (a flaky apple pastry laced with Armagnac).

If you have some spare time, consider visiting the Cairn de Gavrinis, located just a 45-minute bus ride from Vannes. Short boat tours take visitors to this impressive Neolithic monument, featuring intricate and mysterious carvings that date back around 6000 years. Tours can last up to two hours, so be sure to book in advance.

How to get to Vannes from Nantes: Direct trains from Gare de Nantes will take you to Vannes. It’s a 20-minute walk to the historic center, or you can catch a bus from outside the station to the Port. From Vannes, take Bus 23 from the Vannes Gare Routiere SNCF across from the train station to Larmor-Baden Centre, which is just a 10-minute walk to the Larmor-Baden port.

6. Clisson

Travel time: 30 minutes

A short train ride to Clisson is enough to escape the modern world; stand on the Pont de la Vallée bridge and watch the Sèvre Nantaise river flow by. However, this quaint village offers many more surprises. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens at the expansive Domaine de la Garenne Lemot, a stunning Tuscan-style villa from the early 19th century. On your way, stop for a sandwich near the charming 14th-century covered marketplace, Les Halles.

Clisson’s 13th-century chateau, famed for its haunting history, has endured its fair share of bloody turmoil over the years, making it a must-see. If you’re a fan of heavy metal, don’t miss Hellfest, the massive four-day summer music festival that draws top bands and hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic fans to this charming town each year.

How to get to Clisson from Nantes: A direct TER train travels from Gare de Nantes to Clisson, followed by a short walk into town.