Boat rental in Nantes: how and where?

Quai de l'Erdre

On vacation in Loire-Atlantique? Discover the charms of a city on the Loire estuary with a boat rental in Nantes!

Nestled on the west coast of France, close to the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic and the islands of Ré andOléron, Nantes has plenty to attract and retain travelers.

Its trump card? The multitude of monuments and works of art that dot its territory. The Machines de l’île in the Parc des Chantiers, the Passage Pommeraye, the Lu Tower, Les Anneaux, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral are just a few examples.

Nantes is also known for its festive spirit and the hospitality of its inhabitants, who will be delighted to tell you all about their city over a glass of muscadet! Would you like to discover it from a different angle with a boat rental in Nantes? Here’s our complete guide with itinerary ideas and sailing tips!

Ideas for boat trips from Nantes

Location bateau Nantes

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Do you have a day to devote to boat rental in Nantes? Sail on the estuary towards Saint-Nazaire or opt for an unforgettable cruise on the Erdre! Both routes are available with or without a boating license, and with or without a skipper.

From Nantes to Saint-Nazaire

Rent a boat from Nantes to Saint-Nazaire and enjoy a relaxing interlude between nature and contemporary art. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of a verdant coastline dotted with coves, beaches and cliffs, as well as the shipyards, which are far more photogenic than you’d imagine.

As you stroll along the Estuaire trail, you’ll also discover monuments on the north and south banks of the Loire. The Rings, even more beautiful at night, give way to the Pendulum, then the Settlers, the Misconceivable, the Star Garden and the Serpent d’Océan. A must for your boat rental in Nantes!

Cruise on the Erdre

François I called the Erdre the most beautiful river in France. And with good reason! As you cruise along its peaceful waters, you’ll admire the delicate facades of the Château de la Gasherie, as well as some of Nantes’ finest follies. Kézako? The pleasure homes of former merchants and shipowners! You can also discover the Ile de Versailles, where, if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of grey herons.

What type of boat to rent in Nantes?

Quai de l'Erdre

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Boat rental in Nantes is a fairly widespread activity, so you’ll have no trouble finding a boat for your little excursion. You can rent froma professional or aprivate owner:

  • A sailboat ;
  • A motorboat;
  • A semi-rigid ;
  • A barge.

How much does a boat rental in Nantes cost?

Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can hire a boat in Nantes. Prices start at just a few dozen euros per day! The cost of a boat rental in Nantes varies according to a number of criteria, such as whether or not a skipper is on board, the season, the number of places available and the year of construction and power of the vessel.

On average :

  • 100 euros per day for a bareboat yacht;
  • 230 euros per day for a motorboat;
  • 200 euros per day for a RIB ;
  • 180 euros per day for a barge.

Generally speaking, these prices are quoted for a rental without fuel. You’ll need to add it, as well as the cost of the deposit.

How to rent a boat in Nantes

Vue aérienne de Nantes - location bateau Nantes

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As boat rental in Nantes is a popular activity, there are many local service providers, both professional and private.

So how can you be sure of availability, prices and making the right choice? By planning ahead and booking online on a site like Samboat! In real time, it compiles boat rental advertisements in Nantes, posted by professionals and private individuals.

In the search criteria, you’ll find the possibility of using the services ofa skipper. An ideal solution if you want to enjoy boat rental in Nantes without constraints!

Do I need a license to sail in Nantes?

Boating does not require a boating license, as long as the engine does not exceed 6 horsepower. If this is the case, or if you don’t have your license, you can hire a skipper!

Our tips for navigating in Nantes

Nantes

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The city of Nantes has several marinas and pontoons where you can moor your boat or make a stopover:

  • Nantes marina;
  • Trentemoult harbor: take care in this harbor, as it is subject to silting, which causes all boats to run aground at low tide! The city of Nantes therefore recommends that boat movements be carried out when the tidal coefficient is above 80;
  • Ile de Versailles pontoon: the harbourmaster’s office is located here. It is open every morning from 9am to 12:30pm, except Sundays and public holidays, and every afternoon from 2pm to 5pm, except Tuesdays, Sundays and public holidays;
  • The Erdre ports: these include several ports, such as Saint-Félix (3 pontoons, with regulated crossing), Jonelière, Port Durant, Port des Charettes and Gachet;
  • The Belem pontoon: the town recommends parking on this pontoon, which can accommodate boats up to 40 meters long. Spaces are limited, and must be requested in advance from the harbor master’s office. The advantage of this pontoon is that it is always in the water, regardless of the time of the tide;
  • The port of Coëron: slightly off-center from Nantes, it too is subject to silting. It comprises two pontoons;
  • The Chantiers pontoon: you can only moor here if the boat is driven by a professional. This pontoon is not open to individuals.

Generally speaking, if you’re planning to sail in Nantes, be sure to check the tide tables. As the Loire is subject to flooding, you should also check that the section you wish to navigate is not under vigicrue alert!

The harbor master’s office and Loire Port Contrôle will be your key contacts, as you must declare your boat’s movements in advance. The harbor master’s office can restrict your movements, particularly in the event of bad weather.

Note: the Port of Nantes’ official website lists movement forecasts to help you plan your own. A skipper remains the best solution for safe sailing!

When is the best time to sail in Nantes?

Pont de Nantes

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For ideal sunshine and mild temperatures, choose the period from May to September. Of course, in July and August, you’ll have to deal with a heavy tourist influx. Note that Nantes is least windy in August! Avoid the period from October to the end of January, when rainfall and winds are strongest.