Nantes to Milan Roadtrip Itinerary

Driving from Nantes to Milan offers the perfect blend of historic cities, rolling vineyards and breathtaking mountains. Over five nights, you’ll cross through the heart of France, explore alpine scenery, and end up in the stylish streets of Milan.

Carl W

Relocation Specialist

28 Apr

3 min read

road-trips

The Route

📍 Start: Nantes, France
📍 End: Milan, Italy
📅 Duration: 6 days (5 nights)
🛣️ Distance: ~1,100 km
💶 Price: From €1 a day with Imoova (plus fuel & campsites)

Day 1: Nantes to La Rochelle

Distance: 140 km / 2 hours

After picking up your campervan in Nantes, hit the road and head south towards the charming port town of La Rochelle. This coastal gem is packed with maritime history and seaside vibes — the perfect easy start to your roadtrip.

Top things to do in La Rochelle:

🏰 Stroll around the historic Old Port and its medieval towers.
🦐 Feast on fresh seafood at the lively markets.
🚴‍♂️ Rent a bike and cruise along the seafront promenades.

Campervan tip: Spend the night at Camping Le Beaulieu — close to town and fully equipped.

Day 2: La Rochelle to Bordeaux

Distance: 190 km / 2 hours

Continue heading south towards Bordeaux, the world’s wine capital.

Top things to do in Bordeaux:

🍷 Visit a vineyard or two in the surrounding wine country.
💦 Walk across the Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool.
🏛️ Explore the UNESCO-listed old town, full of 18th-century charm.

Campervan tip: Park up at Camping Village du Lac, a lakeside campsite with easy tram access to the city centre.

Day 3: Bordeaux to Carcassonne

Distance: 330 km / 3.5 hours

Get an early start for a longer drive towards the fairy-tale town of Carcassonne. This fortified medieval city feels like stepping straight into a storybook.

Top things to do in Carcassonne:

🏰 Walk the double walls of the Cité de Carcassonne.
🍷 Sip local Languedoc wines in the castle cafés.
🎭 Catch medieval reenactments if you're lucky!

Campervan tip: Stay at Camping de la Cité, just a short walk from the old town gates.

Day 4: Carcassonne to Aix-en-Provence

Distance: 300 km / 3 hours

Wave goodbye to medieval magic and head towards the sunny elegance of Aix-en-Provence. With its leafy boulevards, fountains, and colourful markets, it’s pure Provence charm.

Top things to do in Aix-en-Provence:

🎨 Visit Atelier Cézanne, the studio of the famous painter.
☕ Wander the Cours Mirabeau, lined with cafés and shady trees.
🛍️ Browse the vibrant markets for lavender, soap, and fresh produce.

Campervan tip: Camping Chantecler offers a peaceful stay just outside the city

Day 5: Aix-en-Provence to Milan (via the Alps)

Distance: 330 km / 4.5 hours

Time for the grand finale! Head east through the French Alps towards Italy. You'll pass jaw-dropping scenery — towering peaks, deep valleys, and alpine villages.
Cross the border at either the Fréjus Tunnel or the Mont Cenis Pass (check seasonal opening times).

After a spectacular drive, head into Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital.

Top things to do in Milan:

🏛️ Visit the iconic Duomo di Milano and climb up to the rooftop.
🛍️ Window-shop in the glamorous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
🎨 Check out Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (book ahead!)

Roadtrip Tips

🚐 Tolls are common in France and Italy — keep some cash or a card handy.

⛽ Fill up on fuel before crossing the Alps — prices are usually cheaper in France.

🗺️ Plan for some flexibility — charming towns like Annecy or Chambery make excellent last-minute stops!

Why Choose Imoova?

Sure, you could get from Nantes to Milan by train — but you'd miss the magic along the way!
With Imoova’s €1-a-day campervan relocations, you have the freedom to stop where you want, wake up in vineyards, by medieval castles, or in the shadow of the Alps.

Instead of rigid schedules and expensive hotels, you get spontaneous adventure, cozy camper life, and memories for life!