10 Stunning Holiday Rentals to Stay at in Loire-Atlantique 

Rent your very own rural cottage in western France with Gîtes de France and make your holiday in Loire-Atlantique one to remember.

Blessed with a gorgeous coastline as well as the king of French rivers meandering through a gentle countryside, Loire-Atlantique makes for a lovely holiday destination for outdoor enthusiasts, maritime addicts and wine aficionados alike. And for those wanting to be independent during their vacation in France, take your pick among Gîtes de France‘s wide selection of properties to rent in the area.

Whether you are travelling with your significant other, with family or friends, there’s a gorgeous country house just waiting to welcome you. Here is a small selection of lovely homes to stay at in Loire-Atlantique.

La Bulle, Saint Julien de Concelles

This charming gîte in a quiet location is surrounded by lush greenery. Sleeping 14 people, it’s the perfect getaway for big family reunions and friends’ get-togethers and its location just 13 km from Nantes makes it easily accessible. La Bulle was completely renovated in 2022 with taste and originality.

The river Loire is just 2.5km away and its beautiful south-west facing wooden terrace with superb unobstructed view of the countryside is the ideal al fresco apéritif spot.  

You have access to the unfenced garden and the possibility of visiting the owners’ vegetable garden for a pick of the organic produce. You can visit the farm’s other inhabitants (horses, goats, chickens, sheep) and go on leisurely walks in the immediate vicinity to spot the neighbouring Highland cows. A barn, shared with the owners, is accessible to enjoy table football, ping-pong and, if you’re brave enough, karaoke. There’s private parking and a projector room for movie nights. 

Au Détour de L’île, Ligné

Between Nantes and Ancenis, in an enchanting site of 17 hectares, this 4-bedroom gîte sleeps 9 people and invites you to escape from it all in a chic and relaxed atmosphere, tinged with exoticism. Secluded on its own beach, the gîte overlooks a small lake and has its own private island connected by a bridge. It also has a heated swimming pool (2.5 x 4.5m) and there’s a spa and sauna located 200m from the cottage for the ultimate relaxation session. 

The contemporary and top-of-the-range villa has a home cinema and a video projector, but you can also enjoy beach volley and beach tennis tournaments in the fine, white sand.

L’Atoue, Nord-sur-Erdre

There’s something special about being rocked gently to sleep by the gentle sounds and movements of the river. You could experience just that aboard L’Atoue, a traditional toue cabanée boat moored up on the river Erdre in the heart of nature.

The owner takes you on board from the port of Nort-sur-Erdre for an hour-long cruise on the Erdre to drop you off at your place of stay, near the lock of Quiheix, on the Poupinière plain. It the ideal place for cycling or walking along the Erdre.

This comfortable toue has a living room with fitted kitchen and a convertible sofa-bed, a bedroom with sink/shower area and a separate toilet. The cabin is extended by a 10 m² terrace with garden furniture, ideal for enjoying the river’s natural environment and a romantic sunset. 

Le Petit Cocon des Bauches, Château-Thébaud 

Some 15 km from Nantes and 20 km from Clisson, Château-Thébaud is located in the heart of the vineyards. In a quiet setting, Le Petit Cocon des Bauches is a charming little 2-person gîte adjoining the owners’ house and close to their very own vineyard. There is another gîte for 4 people on the site, which is totally independent.

You can splash in the shared 9x4m covered swimming pool which is also heated or enter an epic table tennis tournament with everyone there. However, for those moments you want to spend alone, there is a private enclosed terrace of 16 m², facing south/east, which is perfect for long, leisurely moments outside.  

La Maison de Capucine 2, Guérande 

This beautiful house is located in the heart of the medieval city of Guérande. Lovely and quiet, it has been renovated by the best craftsmen in the region to create a refined and very comfortable accommodation, with high-end interior design. It sleeps 2 so is the ideal place to stay for a getaway in Guérande. 

There’s a pretty patio of 25 m² enclosed by walls (south-facing) for those fresh outdoor lunches.

Villa Kerval & Emeraude, Préfailles 

Villa Kerval is a gorgeous set of 3 totally independent gîtes and apartments, located on the same property as the hosts. You merely have to get your flip-flops on and walk 250 m to the beach and you have access to the swimming pool heated from April to September. A spa and even a bowling green are available nearby and there are shops just 2km away. 

The Emeraude cottage has a private balcony with a magnificent view of the sea in the distance, and you have access to the shared enclosed garden of 1400 m² (complete with electric barbecue). 

Le Clos de l’Etoile, Missillac 

Le Clos de l’Etoile is an independent farmhouse located in the Regional Park of Brière, at the gateway to the stunning Morbihan. It’s located about 25 km from Guérande, La Baule, Saint-Nazaire and just 5 km from the Golf of Missillac so there’s no shortage of things to do and places to see. 

Enjoy the south-facing wooden terrace overlooking a large, enclosed garden of 2000 m². You have access to several VOD services such as Canal + and Netflix for those nights you just want to snuggle up in front of a good movie. 

Au Nid de la Chouette, Chauvé

The calm of the countryside awaits you in this old, renovated stone barn that oozes authentic charm with all the modern comfort you’d want. Located just 11 km from Pornic, this gîte has large bay windows and a terrace, all facing south-east with a view of the countryside.  

The enclosed garden of 400 m² is the perfect green bubble for the little ones to run around in while you chill-out on the wooden deck, a chilled glass of Muscadet in hand.

L’Esprit de Famille, Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire 

Located just 10 minutes from bustling Nantes, in a property full of character, L’Esprit de Famille is an elegant, urban gîte that sleeps 3. Set within a former orangery, it’s adjoining to another accommodation which you can link to if you’re a bigger party.  

There’s a lovely private terrace and you have access to the enclosed common area of 2300 m² with a porch. You can take one of the 5 shared bicycles, and potter around this bicycle-friendly region to your heart’s content.  

Le Petit Pavillon, Mauves-sur-Loire 

Rural charm meets modern comfort in this charming, 5-person detached gîte located on the owners’ plot. The picturesque banks of the Loire are just 3 km away while Nantes is 15 km away and Ancenis 25. If you want to take a revitalizing break in nature, there are many hiking trails around. In the colder months, what better way to relax after a long day outdoors than around the stunning, period fireplace in the living room.

There will be a 7×3.5m heated swimming pool which is shared with the owners (functional for April 2024) and there’s private parking in front of the cottage. Your private terrace however, facing west, on enclosed grounds, is entirely yours to enjoy.