Nantes Airport or Nantes Atlantique Airport as it is also known is the 3rd largest airport in the west of France. It receives over 3 million passengers a year on average. If you have car hire at Nantes Airport, the city is a short 8 km drive away.
Nantes Airport has an L shaped terminal with 4 halls and is set over two levels. Check-in is on the ground floor and departures is on the upper floor. If you need extra Euros, there is a self service bank and a currency exchange desk. If you need to check your emails or surf the net, Wi-Fi is available. Other facilities at the airport include a post box and a medical centre. There are 4 shops for those last minute buys, you can get your newspaper at Relay and look for bargains at Duty Free Atlantique. Treat yourself to a new watch at Hour Passion or browse the rails at Vents d’Ouest Boutique. When you need to eat, there are 6 outlets to choose from including L’international Bar and Light’itude Bar. You can grab a sandwich at Paul or for something more substantial try Le Marche Brasserie. Should you need to stay near the airport, there are 3 hotels available - Oceania Hotel, Band B Hotel and Oceania Escale Hotel.
Nantes is the capital of the Pays de la Loire region and is known for being a busy trade port and home to the writer Jules Verne. The Place du Commerce is in the centre of the city and a good place to start exploring. Look out for the Cathedral St Pierre and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. If shopping is your thing, head for the upmarket La Rue Crebillon or for something less pricey browse the stalls of Talensac Market. For a little peace and quiet, you can visit the Japanese garden on the Ile de Versailles in the River Erdre. In Butte St Anne, you will find many old buildings and port views and for some culture visit the Musee de Beaux Art and Nantes History Museum. After dark, head for the old town and Place de Bouffay which has many nice bars and restaurants. With your car hire in Nantes, you can drive out to the beach resort of La Baule and the pretty coastal town of Pornic. Guerande is worth visiting for its medieval history and sea salt flats.
