5-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle to Nantes

1 / 39
Photo of seaside of La Rochelle dominated by Tour de la Lanterne, France.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights
Hotel
Select dates
Car rental
Select dates
Tours & tickets
Select dates
Travel plan
From A to Z
Travel agent
24/7 fast service

Description

Escape the ordinary with this exciting 5-day road trip through France. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in France. You will spend 3 nights in La Rochelle and 1 night in Nantes. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in France. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in La Rochelle, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover France on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in France. Château De Chenonceau and Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through La Rochelle, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, Nantes, Amboise, and Chargé, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of France. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in France.

Throughout your road trip in France, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in France.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in France fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in France today!

Read more

Travel details

Set your travel details to find the best price

Flights

Round trip
Round trip
Travel dates

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Compare and choose from the best flights to La Rochelle

Car

Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options

Driver’s age is 30 - 65
I live in
Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day1

Day 1

  • La Rochelle - Arrival day
  • More
  • Saint Louis Cathedral
  • More

Welcome to La Rochelle, the perfect starting point for your road trip in France! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in La Rochelle before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

La Rochelle is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Saint Louis Cathedral. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in La Rochelle. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in France. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in La Rochelle, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to reserve a table at La Côte Rôtie, an iconic dining spot in La Rochelle. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of La Boussole, a popular restaurant in La Rochelle. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Les hédonistes, a hidden gem nestled in La Rochelle. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Mac Ewan's Pub, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Le Cadre provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Le Plan B offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in France!

Read more
Day2

Day 2

  • La Rochelle
  • Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
  • More

Drive 65 km, 2 hours 9 min

  • Escape Yourself La Rochelle
  • Parc animalier
  • Charruyer Park of La Rochelle
  • musée des automates (La Rochelle)
  • Musée maritime de La Rochelle
  • Beach Gollandières
  • More

Greet day 2 of your road trip in France with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in La Rochelle, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in La Rochelle and Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

La Rochelle is brimming with adventures.

Start your day at Escape Yourself La Rochelle. Then, wander over to Parc Animalier. Nearby, you’ll also find Charruyer Park Of La Rochelle. This romantic park is a favorite among visitors.

La Rochelle offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Musée Des Automates (la Rochelle) is a frequently visited spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the museum, don’t forget to check out the breathtaking Musée Maritime De La Rochelle. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this locally appreciated maritime museum.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré. This car ride takes around 40 min.

Savor the day by heading to Beach Gollandières, an up-and-coming sightseeing destination that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to La Rochelle and your accommodation.

La Rochelle is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in La Rochelle.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Restaurant Les Flots, a popular restaurant in La Rochelle. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of La Rochelle at Palem Café, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Christopher Coutanceau. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in La Rochelle tonight.

Keep the evening going at Le Dock Café, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Le Mary Lili, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is L'alibi, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in France!

Read more
Day3

Day 3

  • La Rochelle
  • Nantes
  • More

Drive 145 km, 2 hours 45 min

  • Machines of the Isle of Nantes
  • Île de Versailles (Nantes)
  • Botanical Garden
  • Château des ducs de Bretagne
  • Reflecting pool
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip in France, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Nantes are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Nantes, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Nantes. This car ride takes around 1 hour 50 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes, a notable art installation in Nantes. Explore its gorgeous features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Île De Versailles (nantes). This frequently visited park is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Botanical Garden is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most romantic botanical garden in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the popular Château Des Ducs De Bretagne and discover what makes this castle unique. If you’re up for one more stop in the city, head to Miroir D'eau, an instagrammable art installation many travelers find the visit worthwhile.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Nantes. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Nantes. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining at Gigg's Irish Pub, a top-rated dining destination in Nantes. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider L'Aménité - Restaurant Nantes, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Le Parallèle. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Nantes this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Le Chat Noir, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Oceania Hôtel De France Nantes, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Bar Le Cercle Rouge Nantes likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Say good night to Nantes and look forward to another great day of your road trip in France!

Read more
Day4

Day 4

  • Nantes
  • Amboise
  • Chargé
  • La Rochelle
  • More

Drive 531 km, 5 hours 50 min

  • Château d'Amboise
  • Guillaume and Mathieu PLOU
  • More

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in France. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Amboise and Chargé. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in La Rochelle, where you'll spend 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to La Rochelle, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

La Rochelle is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in La Rochelle.

Dine in style at La Plage, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, LE JARDIN DU MARCHÉ boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Les copains d'abord. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in La Rochelle.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Le Saint-nicolas Hôtel La Rochelle, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Académie De La Bière provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Lili La Rochelle offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Head back to your accommodation in La Rochelle and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in France.

Read more
Day5

Day 5

  • La Rochelle - Departure day
  • More
  • Bunker La Rochelle (Museum)
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in France is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of La Rochelle before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Bunker La Rochelle (museum). This intriguing museum is a hotspot among locals.

For a shopping spree in La Rochelle, we recommend the lively Les Minimes Marina. Here, you'll find a range of shops you can browse for some souvenir shopping.

Before you conclude your road trip in France, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in La Rochelle.

You’ll then say farewell to La Rochelle. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in France!

Read more

How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in France

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.