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

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip in France, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in La Rochelle and visit amazing attractions in Poitiers and La Rochelle, just outside the city. You still have 1 night left in La Rochelle, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

Whatever your travel style is, La Rochelle Aquarium is an essential stop in La Rochelle. This up-and-coming aquarium provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to La Rochelle, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Poitiers. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 39 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is The Machine Traveling In Time. Then, head to Dynamic Vienne. This increasingly popular point of interest is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to The Extraordinary Voyage. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the amusement park.

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

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.

Savor the flavors at Restaurant Les Flots, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Palem Café beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Christopher Coutanceau. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in La Rochelle tonight.

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.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Le Dock Café. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Le Mary Lili, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, L'alibi provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in France!

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across France, you’ll explore the area around Nantes, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights. 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.

Make a stop at Machines Of The Isle Of Nantes. This locally renowned art installation is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Natural History Museum located in Nantes for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Parc De Procé. Its eye-catching features will captivate you. After the park, continue your tour of the town with a visit to Parc De La Gaudinière. Visitors usually appreciate the serene features of this park.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rezé may take around 12 min. Upon your arrival in Rezé, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Jardin Extraordinaire (nantes), an up-and-coming botanical garden in Rezé. Explore its awe-inspiring features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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 Nantes, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

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.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Nantes.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Les Berthom offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Coffee House is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Bateau-lavoir is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across France.

Your relaxed road trip in France continues on day 5 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know France better by exploring the top attractions of Nantes and beyond. With 1 night left in Nantes, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Catch Le Lieu Unique before the crowds roll in. This photogenic cultural center is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the culturally significant features of Château Des Ducs De Bretagne, a must-visit castle in the city.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Botanical Garden, a notable botanical garden.

When you’ve had your share of Nantes, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Sainte-luce-sur-loire. Your travel time is around 14 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Park La Beaujoire, an increasingly popular park that everyone visiting Sainte-luce-sur-loire should see.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Sainte-luce-sur-loire to La Chapelle-sur-Erdre may take around 8 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Parc De La Chantrerie. Spend some time admiring the serene features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

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

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Le 1, 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'instinct gourmand, 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 Macallan - Irish Pub Nantes. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Nantes tonight.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Nantes. The bars in Nantes make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar Plein Sud after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to 4.44 Bar Lounge for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Délirium Café is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

Day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour in France offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Nantes and continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Sainte-luce-sur-loire and Vertou. You’ll stay in La Rochelle for 1 night.

Let Île De Versailles (nantes) set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this romantic park before continuing your journey.

When you’ve had your share of Nantes, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Sainte-luce-sur-loire. Your travel time is around 11 min.

Savor the day by heading to Grand Blotterau Parc, an increasingly popular park that draws visitors from near and far.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Vertou may take around 19 min. Upon your arrival in Vertou, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Savor the day by heading to Parc De La Sèvre, an increasingly popular park that draws visitors from near and far.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at La Plage, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? LE JARDIN DU MARCHÉ offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Les copains d'abord. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in La Rochelle.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Keep the evening going at Le Saint-nicolas Hôtel La Rochelle, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Académie De La Bière, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Lili La Rochelle, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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