Car Hire: Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +33 (0)2 4084 8105. Open from 6.30am-10.30pm Monday-Friday, 8am-10.30pm Saturday and 10am-10.30pm Sunday.

Airport Transfer: Pre-book your door-to-door transfer with easyJet’s transfer partner, Holiday Taxis—from home to the airport, then city or resort (easyjet.holidaytaxis.com).

Taxi: A journey to town costs €25 and takes 25 minutes.

Airport Bus: The Tan Air shuttle bus picks up from outside Hall 2 and runs to Nantes South SNCF train station, Cité des Congress and the town centre. The journey takes 30 minutes. Tickets: €6.20. A City Pass Nantes covers most public transport and offers discounts (for further info ask at the airport information desk).

Brasserie Le Cargo
( Hangar à Bananes, Quai des Antilles. Tel. 02 5182 8612 )
On a sunny day take a seat on the terrace overlooking the Loire and choose from the menu offering a good selection of crêpes. This renovated warehouse provides chic surroundings on L'Île de Nantes.

Petit Bacchus
( 5 Rue Beauregard. Tel. 02 4035 3117 )
Its shabby façade hides a classic interior with a big fireplace. Offers a terrific selection of French cuisine.

L'Abelia
( 125 Boulevard des Poilus. Tel. 02 4035 4000 )
In a fabulous old building, L'Abelia prides itself on using the best of seasonal products. Why not try some of the excellent game dishes available during November?

La Cigale
( 4 Place Graslin. Tel. 02 5184 9494 )
A world-class dining experience—call ahead to book a table. Described by some as the most beautiful brasserie in the world, the restaurant is a dazzling mix of mirrors, stained glass and ceramics.

Le Cycle
( 4 Place St Pierre. Tel. 02 4047 7969 )
Relax in this comfortable modern bar opposite the Cathedral. Enjoy the décor and a large cocktail or two with a great view.

L’Olympic
( Place Jean Macé. )
Rock, folk, hip hop or whatever your music taste, visit this former cinema for live music from up-and-coming artists (www.olympic.asso.fr).

Le Fox Trot
( 32 Rue de Crucy. Tel. 02 4089 1729 )
Open from 10pm-6am Thursday-Saturday, with a great set of DJs, this club can certainly claim its place in the Late & Lively section.

Need to pick up something special to take home? Passage Pommeraye is dazzling neoclassical extravaganza right in the heart of the city. Boutique-style shops sell goods from around the world (entrance on Rue Crébillon).

Along the Atlantic coast, Côte d'Amour, Côte de Jade and Côte Sauvage provide unforgettable scenery. Work up an appetite with a bracing walk on the beach before savouring some local seafood.

The Place du Commerce is a lively square full of cafés and bars. Enjoy the street entertainment and beautiful flower arrangements at the daily Marché aux Fleurs.

The world’s most famous single-handed, round-the-world yacht race starts from Les Sables d’Olonnes on 9 November. Held every four years, this year's Vendée Globe is the largest ever, with British, French, American, Spanish, Swiss and Austrians all in it to win it.

Saint-Nazaire – Not far from Nantes by train, discover the attractions of Saint-Nazaire. Visit Escal'Atlantic, a museum dedicated to ocean liners, and the submarine Espadon. Then take a guided tour of the Aker Yards, birthplace of the giants of the seas, and the Airbus factory with spectacular views of the giant A380 aircraft.

The LU Tower's Gyrorama is a hand-cranked, revolving viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the river and city skyline.

Compiled by Charles Gill/www.angloinfo.com