Car Rental - Nantes

The impressive 15^th-century Château des ducs de Bretagne stands proudly in the heart of the city and is evidence of Nantes’ rich history. Meander through the cobbled streets of the medieval district to the castle and cross the moat to enter the complex. The ramparts are still intact and are worth taking a stroll around for breathtaking views of the city. Back down in the Musée d’Histoire de Nantes, look around the multimedia exhibits which bring the city's long and dramatic tale to life.

Close to the castle is the Gothic-style Cathédrale St-Pierre et St-Paul, which took more than 450 years to build, finally reaching completion in 1893. Enjoy views of the intricate masonry work decorating the snow-white interior from the square outside, then head into the church to see the colorful stained glass windows and beautiful Renaissance tombs of François II, Duke of Brittany, and his second wife, Marguerite de Foix.

After a day of sightseeing in Nantes, finish off with a spot of shopping and drive down to Passage Pommeraye in your rental car. This ornate Renaissance-style 19th-century mall is teeming with upscale boutiques, so you can enjoy beautiful historical architecture while picking up designer goodies. Across three levels, you can scale a sweeping wooden staircase, marvel at ornate statues and admire elegant columns.

Nantes is the birthplace of Jules Verne, the godfather of science fiction, and his spirit lives on in the magical fantasy world of Les Machines de l'Île, on an island in the middle of the Loire River. This unmissable attraction should be at the top of any visitor’s to-do list, thanks to the unique sights that lie within the park.

Here you can take a ride aboard a 40-foot-tall mechanical elephant as it squirts water at passing visitors while ambling through the complex. Le Carrousel des Mondes Marins is just as fun, a gigantic carousel that takes you under the sea on the back of giant crabs and other fantastical marine creatures.

More mythical machinery is on display in the Galerie des Machines, surrounded by lush plants. Have a go at flying an enormous heron, hop into the belly of a spider and take control of a giant ant.

Nantes is ideally located for touring the splendor of the Loire Valley. A collection of ancient towns and magnificent castles await, each one more outlandishly extravagant than the last.

The medieval town of Saumur, overlooked by its impressive fortress, is within easy reach and makes a great day out. Stroll through the maze of cobbled streets, lined with half-timbered houses, and stop for lunch in one of its charming little squares – Place Saint-Pierre is one of the prettiest.

Dedicate some time to exploring Saumur’s hilltop château. From its walls, you can enjoy incredible views down the river and across the town. Don’t miss the École Nationale d’Équitation either, a world-class equestrian school where you can tour the grounds and watch performances from the fine horses.

Car rental in Nantes will help you to make the most of your time in the city and explore more of northwest France, an endlessly fascinating part of Europe.