Relaxed 7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle to Nantes
Description
Included
Description
Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 7-day road trip in France with this laid-back self-drive vacation.
This self-drive package allows you to travel through picture-perfect landscapes in France at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in La Rochelle, Poitiers, Les Herbiers, Nantes, Rezé, Sainte-luce-sur-loire, La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, Vertou, and Clisson. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 3 nights in La Rochelle and 3 nights in Nantes. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in France.
Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in France. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in La Rochelle, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 7-day journey across France and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.
Experience the essence of leisurely self-drive exploration across France with our handpicked selection of accommodations. From relaxed stays at renowned 5-star hotels offering magnificent views to comfortable 3-star options that cater to budget-conscious travelers, we ensure your journey is optimized for relaxation and comfort. Discover the perfect place to stay and unwind as you embark on a laid-back adventure in France.
We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in France. This relaxed road trip features the stunning Puy Du Fou. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes.
Traveling leisurely through France means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent Château Des Ducs De Bretagne. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Botanical Garden. Get close to the spectacular Île De Versailles (nantes) and the wonderful La Rochelle Aquarium. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.
Enjoy strolling through France's shopping hotspots near your accommodation. Visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Don't forget to bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in France.
Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in France. This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through France's shopping hotspots. Through these experiences, you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover the locals’ way of life and soak in the rich cultural heritage of the France.
This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through France. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 6 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best rental car you can use throughout the 7 days of your self-drive road trip in France. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.
This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.
Spend an amazing 7-day vacation in France and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in France today!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- La Rochelle - Arrival day
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- Charruyer Park of La Rochelle
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Your relaxed road trip through France starts when you reach the incredible city of La Rochelle, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in La Rochelle and begin your adventure in France.
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 Charruyer Park Of La Rochelle, or just taking a stroll in the city center. 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.
Dine in style at La Côte Rôtie, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, La Boussole boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Les hédonistes. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in La Rochelle.
If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in France.
Keep the evening going at Mac Ewan's Pub, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Le Cadre, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Le Plan B, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in France. Enjoy your first taste of La Rochelle as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.
Day 2
- La Rochelle
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Drive 302 km, 3 hours 32 min
- The machine Traveling in Time
- Dynamic Vienne
- L'Extraordinaire Voyage
- La Rochelle Aquarium
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On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around La Rochelle, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of La Rochelle will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around La Rochelle. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! The Machine Traveling In Time is the perfect place to start. This sightseeing destination is one of the most often recommended places to visit in La Rochelle.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to The Extraordinary Voyage. This visually striking amusement park is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find La Rochelle Aquarium. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in La Rochelle.
When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around La Rochelle, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Les Flots, a highly-rated dining destination in La Rochelle. If you're eager to try something different, consider Palem Café, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Christopher Coutanceau. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in La Rochelle this evening.
Experience the amazing nightlife in La Rochelle and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Le Dock Café, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Le Mary Lili offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in La Rochelle. L'alibi is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in France!
Day 3
- La Rochelle
- Nantes
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Drive 208 km, 2 hours 54 min
- Gare des Herbiers
- Municipal Park Landreau
- Puy du Fou
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Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of France will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in France, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around La Rochelle. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await! Gare Des Herbiers is the perfect place to start. This point of interest is one of the most intriguing places to visit in La Rochelle. Next, head to Municipal Park Landreau, an intriguing park, known for its picturesque features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Puy Du Fou. This breathtaking amusement park is a highly recommended experience. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.
You’ll be staying at the incredible city of Nantes in this laid-back road trip in France. You'll stay here for 3 nights.
Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of France. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Nantes, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Gigg's Irish Pub, a popular restaurant in Nantes. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Nantes at L'Aménité - Restaurant Nantes, 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 Le Parallèle. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Nantes tonight.
As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Nantes’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in France.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Le Chat Noir, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Oceania Hôtel De France Nantes provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Bar Le Cercle Rouge Nantes offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
A leisurely self-drive holiday in Les Herbiers can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in France!
Day 4
- Nantes
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Drive 15 km, 54 min
- Jardin extraordinaire (Nantes)
- Machines of the Isle of Nantes
- Natural History Museum
- parc de Procé
- parc de la Gaudinière
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Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in France continues on day 4, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of France and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Nantes and beyond. With 2 nights left in Nantes, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Nantes, featuring family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at Jardin Extraordinaire (nantes), a locally appreciated botanical garden in the town. Then, head to Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes and soak in the ambiance of this eye-catching art installation.
There are many interesting places to see in Nantes, and when you are ready for more, go to Natural History Museum. This is one of the town’s most curiosity-inducing historic spots of interest. After exploring the museum, visit the often recommended Parc De Procé. Not far away, you'll also find Parc De La Gaudinière. This park is an eye-catching highlight in Nantes.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Nantes and your accommodation.
After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.
Make sure to reserve a table at La Cigale, an iconic dining spot in Nantes. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Le Bistro des Enfants Nantais, a popular restaurant in Nantes. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of L'Abbaye de Villeneuve, a hidden gem nestled in Nantes. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Nantes. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Les Berthom, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Coffee House offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Bateau-lavoir provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across France.
Day 5
- Nantes
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Drive 25 km, 1 hour 18 min
- Le Lieu unique
- Château des ducs de Bretagne
- Botanical Garden
- Park La Beaujoire
- Parc de la Chantrerie
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On day 5 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Nantes and visit amazing attractions in Nantes, Sainte-luce-sur-loire, and La Chapelle-sur-Erdre destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 1 night left in Nantes. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.
Today’s agenda in Nantes includes a cultural center, a castle, a botanical garden, a park and much more! Le Lieu Unique is must-visit cultural center and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Château Des Ducs De Bretagne, a notable castle, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Botanical Garden, a romantic botanical garden, also available for your discovery today.
Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Nantes. When you're ready, let your sightseeing route take you to the underrated Park La Beaujoire. If you’re looking for more, Parc De La Chantrerie is also an up-and-coming attraction that is worthwhile a visit.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Nantes.
Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Nantes has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Le 1, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? L'instinct gourmand offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Le Macallan - Irish Pub Nantes. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Nantes.
If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in France.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Bar Plein Sud, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, 4.44 Bar Lounge is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Délirium Café also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
A leisurely self-drive holiday in Nantes can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in France!
Day 6
- Nantes
- La Rochelle
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Drive 165 km, 3 hours 5 min
- Île de Versailles (Nantes)
- Grand Blotterau Parc
- Parc de la Sèvre
- Château de Clisson, Grand Patrimoine de Loire-Atlantique
- Domaine de la Garenne Lemot, Grand Patrimoine de Loire-Atlantique
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On day 6 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in France. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in France.
Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders in the charming city of Nantes. Your adventure starts at Île De Versailles (nantes), an often recommended local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Grand Blotterau Parc. This increasingly popular park is known for its mesmerizing appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Nantes's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Parc De La Sèvre. This peaceful park offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Château De Clisson, Grand Patrimoine De Loire-atlantique is also worth visiting, along with Domaine De La Garenne Lemot, Grand Patrimoine De Loire-atlantique. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.
Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in France at La Rochelle. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.
After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.
Have a fantastic dining experience at La Plage, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, LE JARDIN DU MARCHÉ offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Les copains d'abord is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in La Rochelle.
A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in La Rochelle.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Le Saint-nicolas Hôtel La Rochelle, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Académie De La Bière, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Lili La Rochelle likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in France. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in France tomorrow with new energy.
Day 7
- La Rochelle - Departure day
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- Grosse Horloge
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Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in La Rochelle.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. Discover boutiques offering an array of stylish fashion choices.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Grosse Horloge, a stunning monument before you head out.
Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in La Rochelle or just grab something light to keep you going.
If you're in the mood for something new, try Le Bistrot de Mémé, another premier location with a delectable menu.
Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to La Rochelle and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in France is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.
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