Relaxed 7-Day France Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from La Rochelle to Nantes

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Photo of seaside of La Rochelle dominated by Tour de la Lanterne, France.
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Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 7-day self-drive holiday in France. Along the way, La Rochelle, Poitiers, Les Herbiers, Nantes, Rezé, Sainte-luce-sur-loire, La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, Vertou, and Clisson invite you to discover their unique blend of culture, scenery, and memorable experiences.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in France, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 3 nights in La Rochelle and 3 nights in Nantes, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in France.

Your journey starts in La Rochelle, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 7-day relaxed road trip in France to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in France already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Puy Du Fou and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this France road trip itinerary for 7 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in France.

If you want to make your 7-day relaxed self-drive tour in France even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in France includes 6 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 7 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 7-day relaxed self-drive road trip in France today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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

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Day 1

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. 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.

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.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in France. Enjoy your first taste of La Rochelle as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • La Rochelle
  • More

Drive 302 km, 3 hours 32 min

  • The machine Traveling in Time
  • Dynamic Vienne
  • L'Extraordinaire Voyage
  • La Rochelle Aquarium
  • More

Your relaxed road trip in France continues on day 2 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know France better by exploring the top attractions of La Rochelle and beyond. With 1 night left in La Rochelle, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in La Rochelle.

Exploring the food culture in La Rochelle offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in La Rochelle.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in France!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • La Rochelle
  • Nantes
  • More

Drive 208 km, 2 hours 54 min

  • Gare des Herbiers
  • Municipal Park Landreau
  • Puy du Fou
  • More

Day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour in France offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Nantes for 3 nights.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Nantes. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in France.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in France, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Nantes.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Nantes and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Toast to another amazing day in France!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Nantes
  • More

Drive 15 km, 54 min

  • Jardin extraordinaire (Nantes)
  • Machines of the Isle of Nantes
  • Natural History Museum
  • parc de Procé
  • parc de la Gaudinière
  • More

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip in France, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Nantes and visit amazing attractions in Rezé and Nantes, just outside the city. You still have 2 nights left in Nantes, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

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

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.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Nantes and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across France.

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Nantes
  • More

Drive 25 km, 1 hour 18 min

  • Le Lieu unique
  • Château des ducs de Bretagne
  • Botanical Garden
  • Park La Beaujoire
  • Parc de la Chantrerie
  • More

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Nantes, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Nantes will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of France.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Nantes.

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.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Nantes as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in France!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Nantes
  • La Rochelle
  • More

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
  • More

Day 6 of your self-drive tour in France offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in La Rochelle for 1 night. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in France.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in La Rochelle. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

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.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in La Rochelle.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in France!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • La Rochelle - Departure day
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  • Grosse Horloge
  • More

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in France is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip.

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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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.

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