How to find a cheap car rental deal in La Rochelle
Searching for a cheap rental car in La Rochelle? You're exactly where you need to be. With prices averaging $100 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.
Daily rental prices in La Rochelle start from just $53.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from $208 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Book early to lock in the best price for a La Rochelle car hire. Beyond just getting a great rate, you'll be choosing from the full lineup, not what's left.
Avis, Europcar and Enterprise are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a great starting point for comparing offers.
Whether you choose Avis or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your La Rochelle car rental. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in La Rochelle.
Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car rental options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $88 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $84.
The third option also performs well on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $86 a day.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Compact rental category is the number one choice for travelers visiting La Rochelle.
Flying to La Rochelle? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by booking a car rental at Laleu Airport. If you're flying to La Rochelle through this hub, simply collect your ride after landing and head out. The drive to the city center is about 5 miles and takes around 15 minutes.
Compare car rental types in La Rochelle
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in La Rochelle puts you on the road for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are good for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to couples and small families.
Large: Long drives fly by in this La Rochelle car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in La Rochelle that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, suitcases or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different La Rochelle car rental providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These add-ons can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in La Rochelle.
Good to know
You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in France. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.
If you're traveling with kids, check if you need to add a car seat to your La Rochelle car rental reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
Come prepared to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's license (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in France may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 30mph in urban areas and 80mph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in France is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) on your trip here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider having some cash handy for smaller purchases.
French is the language used most widely across the country.
Best hotels in La Rochelle for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Kyriad Direct la Rochelle Sud - Aytré makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 3 miles from central La Rochelle and also comes with a pool and an outdoor swimming pool.
Central Park Hôtel & Spa makes travel simpler with accessible parking and features like room service and internet access. It's roughly 0.4 miles from the city center.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse through the full list of hotels in La Rochelle. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car rental deal in La Rochelle and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Vieux port, Vieux Port and Aquarium de La Rochelle are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from La Rochelle
La Roche-sur-Yon should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Le Haras de la Vendee and Mademoiselle L.. This city is around 40 miles north of central La Rochelle.
Hôtel Mercure la Roche-Sur-Yon Centre and Kyriad la Roche Sur Yon are popular accommodation options with parking in La Roche-sur-Yon.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car rental in La Rochelle and drive around 35 miles east to Niort. Featuring Marais poitevin and Chateau de Coudray-Salbart, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Hôtel Mercure Niort Marais Poitevin and Contact Hôtel Solana, Niort MendesFrance are comfortable places to stay in Niort if you've got more than a quick stop in mind. Go for one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Rennes, about 140 miles north of La Rochelle. Kick things off at La forêt de Brocéliande, then head to Centre Historique de Rennes.
The only thing calling your name now is a bed. Balthazar Hôtel & Spa Rennes - MGallery and Novotel Rennes Alma have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Rennes.
