Car Rentals in Nantes, FRA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Nantes

Renting a car in Nantes provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families or those travelling with luggage, as it simplifies managing your belongings while visiting various attractions. With a rental car, you can easily navigate to key sites such as the Parc des Expositions de Nantes La Beaujoire for civic events, the Machines of the Isle of Nantes for a unique cultural experience, and the Château of the Dukes of Brittany, a castle perfect for romantic outings.

The convenience of a car allows you to visit popular neighbourhoods like Nantes Centre, Madeleine-Champ de Mars, and Beaujoire, where you can find notable attractions like Jardin des Plantes and Place Royale. Having your own vehicle means you can create flexible travel plans, whether you wish to delve into Nantes' cultural offerings or enjoy family-friendly activities. Overall, renting a car enhances your experience in Nantes, making it easier to explore this vibrant city and its surrounding areas.

Most popular car hires in Nantes

• Compact: The Compact car is a popular choice for those travelling in Nantes. It comfortably accommodates up to 5 travellers while providing space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal option for solo travellers, couples, or families who need a versatile vehicle for their adventures. With its manageable size, the Compact car allows for easy navigation through the city streets and surrounding areas, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience.
• Economy: The Economy car is another highly booked option in Nantes, catering to the needs of up to 5 travellers and allowing for 2 medium suitcases. This car type is well-suited for solo adventurers, couples, or small families looking for an economical and efficient way to explore the region. Its compact size makes it easy to park and manoeuvre, perfect for navigating both urban environments and scenic routes.
• Midsize SUV: For those seeking a bit more space and comfort, the Midsize SUV is a fantastic choice. Accommodating up to 5 travellers and offering room for up to 3 large suitcases, this vehicle is ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The Midsize SUV provides a comfortable driving experience with ample storage, making it perfect for longer journeys or trips that require extra luggage. Its versatility ensures that you can easily explore Nantes and beyond with ease.

Top rated car suppliers in Nantes

• Europcar: Europcar is a popular choice among travellers in Nantes, known for its single rental location in the city. Customers frequently opt for their Compact and Midsize SportsCar options, which are well-suited for exploring the scenic surroundings. With a reputation for clean vehicles and efficient service, Europcar provides a flexible and reliable car hire experience, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to navigate Nantes at their own pace.
• Sixt: Sixt also has a rental location in Nantes, offering a diverse range of vehicles that cater to different needs. The Economy SUV and Midsize options are particularly popular, appealing to families and groups looking for comfort and space during their travels. Sixt is praised for its friendly staff and smooth rental process, ensuring a pleasant experience for customers looking to explore the Loire-Atlantique region.
• Avis: Avis stands out with its focus on Economy vehicles, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travellers. With one rental location in Nantes, Avis is known for its straightforward rental process and efficient service. Customers appreciate the value for money offered by Avis, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of Nantes without stretching their budget. This supplier is ideal for those seeking simplicity and ease during their car hire experience.

Where to stay in Nantes

• Nantes Centre: Situated in the heart of Nantes, Nantes Centre is ideal for those seeking a mix of family, culture, and business experiences. Visitors can enjoy the nearby Château of the Dukes of Brittany, a castle perfect for a cultural escape, as well as the Machines of the Isle of Nantes, a stunning public art installation. Don't miss the vibrant Place Royale piazza, ideal for leisurely strolls. The area is also rich in cafes and dining options, making it perfect for a cultural holiday.
• Beaujoire: Known for its outdoor and sports activities, Beaujoire is a wonderful choice for families and sports enthusiasts. The neighbourhood is close to the botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes, offering beautiful outdoor spaces to explore. The Château of the Dukes of Brittany can also be found nearby, blending culture with family-friendly adventures. With access to festivals and a sports facility stadium, Beaujoire is lively and engaging, especially during the summer months when outdoor activities thrive.
• Nantes Sud: Nantes Sud caters to beach lovers and business travellers, providing a unique blend of outdoor and shopping experiences. The area features a family-friendly beach and is just a stone's throw from the convention centre, making it convenient for business visitors. Attractions like the Machines of the Isle of Nantes and the Château of the Dukes of Brittany are also within reach, allowing for cultural exploration. With various dining and coffee options available, Nantes Sud is a versatile place to stay.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Nantes

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're in need of an SUV for added space, a convertible to enjoy during the summer, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilise filters on Expedia to discover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to lock in lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Nantes

The best value period to rent a car in and around Nantes is February, as it features low demand and slightly low prices. Following this, May offers a good opportunity with slightly low prices and average demand. March and April maintain average pricing and demand, making them decent shoulder months. However, July tends to be the busiest and most expensive month, accompanied by high demand. December also sees higher prices and average demand, rounding out the pricier times for car hires.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
February	43.3°F (6.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
March	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	64.2°F (17.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	67.1°F (19.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
September	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
December	45.5°F (7.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High