Car Rental in Nantes

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Pick-up location

Nantes, France

Return car in same location

Pick-up date

Drop-off date

Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65

500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Nantes Airport Car Rental

Economy

Peugeot 208 or similar

5
1
5
A/C
Man.

per day

Nantes Saint-Aignan-Grandlieu Car Rental

Compact Commercial Van/Truck

Renault Kangoo or similar

2
8
4
A/C
Man.

per day

Nantes Chantenay Railway Station Car Rental

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4
1
3
A/C
Auto.

per day

Nantes Saint-Herblain Car Rental

Intermediate

Peugeot 3008 or similar

5
3
4
A/C
Man.

per day

Travel Information

Language

French

Currency

EUR

Drive on

Right-hand side

Country code

+33

Average car rental price

$63.25 / per day

Average car rental length

7 days

Speed limit within town

50 km/h

31 mph

Speed limit out of town

80 - 130 km/h

50 - 81 mph

Acceptable limit of BAC

0.05%

Rating

9.6

Average gasoline price

$2.06 per liter

Highest gasoline price

$2.25 per liter

Lowest gasoline price

$1.82 per liter

Why rent a car in Nantes?

Nantes is a great place to rent a car. Its historic center has many impressive buildings from different historical periods while just outside the city borders there are nice green areas for relaxation. Near both the Gulf of Morbihan and large cities like Paris and Bordeaux, Nantes can also serve as a great base from which to explore the rest of France.

One-Way Car Rentals in Nantes

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Nantes and drop off in another city include:

From Nantes to Paris - 128 offers from $42.47 per day
From Nantes to Rennes - 127 offers from $41.47 per day
From Nantes to Bordeaux - 79 offers from $44.80 per day
From Nantes to Toulouse - 56 offers from $44.80 per day

Top ways to enter Nantes

Nantes Atlantique Airport: Handling more than 6 million travelers every year, Nantes Airport is served by more than 25 different airlines, including some low-cost carriers. Located in the nearby town of Bouguenais, the airport is just 8km (5 miles) southwest of the city center.
Rennes-Saint-Jacques Airport: Small and cozy, Rennes Airport offers a number of domestic flights, as well as air connections to the Netherlands, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, and other countries. Also known as Rennes Bretagne Airport, it is about 104km (64 miles) north of Nantes.
La Rochelle Airport: Located in the nearby Charente-Maritime Region, La Rochelle Airport serves only 240,000 travelers per year, but the airport is quite active during the summer months when it hosts the international flights of six different airlines. About 137km (85 miles) south of Nantes, the airport can be reached in 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: Serving the French capital, CDG is the second-busiest airport in Europe and in the top 10 in the world. The airport offers flights to and from countless destinations in all parts of the world. About 410km (255 miles) northeast of Nantes, the distance between the two can be covered in four to five hours.
By rail: If you’re arriving in Nantes by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Nantes Railway Station.

City facts

Located near the Gulf of Morbihan (which is South of Brittany), Nantes has a Western European oceanic climate with moderate to warm summers and mild winters. The average temperature is 19.6°C (67.3°F) in June and July, the warmest months, and 6.1°C (43°F) in January, the coldest month. Precipitation is at highest from October to January.
Nantes has more than 100 public parks, gardens, and other green areas. The oldest and the most famous of them is the Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden that is home to both native and exotic, tropical species. The combination of relatively warm weather and high precipitation means Nantes is a great place for rich and varied plant life. Nantes City Council has also created three special eco-districts that aim to provide affordable, ecological housing.

Top destinations and activities

Les Machines de l’Île. This project has become the number one attraction in Nantes. While rehabilitating the former docks of the port of Nantes, Les Machines de l’Île pay tribute to Jules Verne’s “Invented Worlds.” Enter the Galerie, the living space showcasing a veritable bestiary of machines, embark on the Grand Elephant’s back for a unique journey or plunge into the imaginary universe of an incredible mechanical aquarium, the Carrousel des mondes marins.
Place du Bouffay. A large square in the central part of the city, Place du Bouffay (and the neighborhood around it) is home to some of the most famous attractions in Nantes, such as the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the building of the former Palais de la Bourse, and the medieval Nantes Vieux quartier.
Nantes Cathedral. Also known as the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes, it is arguably the most famous building in the city (along with the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, which is close by). With foundations laid in the 15th century, it took more than 400 years to finish it. The epic result is a mixture of Romanesque and Late Gothic styles that was worth the long wait.
The Jules Verne Museum. Dedicated to the famous French fantasy and science fiction author who was born in Nantes, this museum has been recently renovated. Here you’ll find many objects, artifacts, and other memorabilia relating to Verne’s fantastical books such as The Mysterious Island, Around the World in Eighty Days, and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. On top of that, the museum’s building also provides an impressive view of the nearby Nantes Port.

Traffic and parking

The speed limit in cities is 50km/h, although a major part of Nantes is limited at 30km/h. Unlike for inter-city roads, the urban speed limit is unaffected by weather.
Outside cities and as of May 2019, the speed limit depends on the type of the road. Highways are limited to 130km/h, 4-lane expressways to 110 km/h, and 2 or 3-lane roads to 90km/h. When it is raining, the limits are respectively lowered to 110km/h, 100km/h, and 80km/h. The general speed limit is lowered to 50km/h during periods of heavy fog or other times of impaired visibility.
Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
When you are driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
As of 2015, mobile phone use while driving is strictly regulated. Holding a mobile phone in hand while driving is prohibited, as well as wearing any device in one’s ear (except a medical device). Fines are hefty. If you are involved in a car accident without respecting the above restrictions, you may face the suspension of your driver's license.
The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers.
The emergency number is 112.

Toll roads

Most of the main highways in France (autoroute in French) are toll roads. Their names start with a letter A and you can recognize them by their blue sign. The fee for using a toll road depends on the specific route, distance traveled, as well as the type of vehicle - trailer cars and caravans have to pay more than regular cars. You can pay by credit card or in cash. You’ll be given a ticket that you have to keep while on the toll road.

Some rental cars are equipped with toll road transponders that can be used at the automatic toll road payment booths (Télépéage). Ask your rental car provider to find out if they offer cars with toll road transponders.

See the official French toll road website for more information. Use the website's toll road calculator to find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay for using the toll roads on your planned route.

Ideas for day trips

Guérande. Known as Gwenrann in the Breton language in which it means the “White land,” Guérande is a medieval town that is still populated but has been kept in its original state. A fortified settlement once frequented by dukes of Brittany, walking past its wooden and stone buildings feels like a journey back in time. On the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Guérande is 79km (49 miles) west of Nantes and can be reached in a little more than one hour.
Marais Poitevin. Often called the Green Venice, Marais Poitevin is a large wetland area near the seashore about 135km (84 miles) south of Nantes. A regional natural park made up of countless streams and canals, it has some human settlements like small villages and standalone houses, but is also rich with plant, animal, bird, and fish life. A lot of the territory is only navigable by boat.
Rennes. Capital of the Brittany region, Rennes might not have a lot of famous landmarks, but there are many delights to be found. Places like the Rue du Chapitre, the medieval Portes Mordelaises, and Le marché des Lices where you can buy local delicacies like seafood and shellfish, charcuterie, cheese and butter, ciders, and of course galettes-saucisses, create a special atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in France. About 115km (71 miles) north of Nantes, Rennes can be reached in less than two hours.
Angers. The city of Angers is famous for its castle — known for its characteristic towers (of which there are 17), it is perhaps the most impressive medieval building in this part of the country. The castle is also where the Apocalypse Tapestry is located. Other reasons to visit Angers include a number of art museums and a rich historical atmosphere. The drive from Nantes takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Nantes is the Renault Twingo. Many travelers also go with the Opel Corsa and the Fiat 500. The most popular rental car types are mini, economy, and compact.

Further destinations

Brittany. Famous for its long rugged beaches, megalithic prehistoric sites, and Celtic heritage, the peninsula of Brittany is one of the unique regions of France in terms of landscape and culture. With plenty of fishing villages, inland hiking paths, and protected natural areas, Brittany is best enjoyed at a slow pace. Brest, the westernmost city of France at the edge of Brittany, is a bit more than a three-hour drive from Nantes.
Paris. It would be impossible to list even one-tenth of the world-famous landmarks that the French capital has to offer. Coming here is an experience of a lifetime that won’t be lessened by the large crowds of other travelers. About 385km (239 miles) northeast of Nantes, it can be reached by car in four hours.
French Basque Country. The southwestern part of France is famous for its picturesque coastal towns, unique Basque culture, and, above all, the amazing water sports opportunities it offers. Biarritz, one of the European capitals of surfing, is about a five-hour drive south of Nantes.
Mont Saint-Michel. An island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most interesting attractions in the Lower Normandy region. Known for its spectacular abbey, the island is only accessible on foot, though there is a parking lot for those arriving with a vehicle. The only safe way to reach Mont Saint-Michel is over the designated bridge that connects it to the mainland — even when the tide is low, it is very easy to get stuck in the quicksand if you try to just drive over land. The drive from Nantes to Mont Saint-Michel takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Car Rental Prices in Nantes

Convertibles - from $151 per day
Station wagons - from $85 per day
Large cars - from $39 per day
Medium cars - from $39 per day
Vans - from $55 per day
Premium cars - from $75 per day
Small cars - from $37 per day
SUVs - from $55 per day

Money-saving tips

Try these tricks to land a cheap rental car in Nantes:

Compare the rates of different rental car providers
Book your rental car well in advance
Plan your route before you go
Know your fuel and mileage requirements
Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Nantes is the cheapest in April when renting a car is about 32% cheaper than the yearly average and about 48% cheaper than renting a car in July.

This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Fact checked by:

Emilie and Florianne

This article was reviewed and updated by Emilie and Florianne from Parents-voyageurs (parents and travelers), a French website created in 2015 by Emilie and Florianne to facilitate and encourage traveling with children. Emilie has been living in Madrid with her family for more than five years. And Florianne, after living in Belgium for nine years, has now settled close to Nantes, in France. Together, they intend to inspire every kind of family travel by sharing their travel experiences with their children. Go and see, they have many kid-friendly destinations for you to discover, as well as practical advice and tips for traveling with your kids. Their philosophy is that there is no short trip, each moment outside of your house is already a journey!

What travel writers say

So, the first thing you probably want to check out is Jardin des Plantes de Nantes. It is located right in front of the railway station, so really convenient to see. I am a great fan of parks, I’ve seen may of them, believe me, but this one very easily can compete with some Royal Botanic Gardens let’s say in Australia.

Yulia

Hi there! I am Yulia, a world-traveler, adventurer and an entrepreneur.

Wine, cheese, the Eiffel Tower, castles, beautiful beaches, snooty waiters – France is famous for a lot of things. It’s a beautiful country with stunning coastlines, picturesque valleys, world-class wine, and tons of history. And despite what you might hear, the French are a wonderful people who love to stop and smell the roses. I love backpacking around France.

Matthew Kepnes

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, a New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website!

Located in Western France, on the fringes of Brittany and not far from the Western coastline, the French city of Nantes is not only one of the largest in France, but also one of the most overlooked. Home to a dazzling array of eateries, a fantastic selection of museums, and more things to do than you would have thought possible from an off the beaten path French destination, spending a weekend in Nantes couldn’t be easier as an easy excursion from Paris.

Sophie Nadeau

Bonjour! For the past seven years, I've been writing about the weird and wonderful on this travel and culture blog, with a particular focus on history, hidden gems, and offbeat adventures in Europe and beyond.

Top 20 Cities near Nantes

Angers Car Rentals from $45.15 per day

86.3 km / 53.6 miles away
Rennes Car Rentals from $41.27 per day

105.4 km / 65.5 miles away
La Rochelle Car Rentals from $45.75 per day

113.2 km / 70.3 miles away
Saumur Car Rentals from $73.62 per day

116.1 km / 72.1 miles away
Lorient Car Rentals from $37.15 per day

148.0 km / 92.0 miles away
St Malo Car Rentals from $41.27 per day

168.3 km / 104.6 miles away
Quimper Car Rentals from $51.85 per day

208.0 km / 129.2 miles away
Angouleme Car Rentals from $40.63 per day

215.5 km / 133.9 miles away
Caen Car Rentals from $39.52 per day

243.2 km / 151.1 miles away
Brest Car Rentals from $35.92 per day

253.9 km / 157.8 miles away
Limoges Car Rentals from $46.74 per day

257.5 km / 160.0 miles away
Bordeaux Car Rentals from $44.57 per day

267.8 km / 166.4 miles away
Orleans Car Rentals from $33.28 per day

274.8 km / 170.8 miles away
Cherbourg Car Rentals from $39.52 per day

276.0 km / 171.5 miles away
Le Havre Car Rentals from $39.52 per day

290.3 km / 180.4 miles away
Bergerac Car Rentals from $59.87 per day

307.1 km / 190.8 miles away
Rouen Car Rentals from $39.52 per day

321.6 km / 199.8 miles away
Brive Car Rentals from $56.76 per day

325.8 km / 202.4 miles away
Massy Car Rentals from $33.39 per day

338.1 km / 210.1 miles away
Paris Car Rentals from $32.23 per day

371.0 km / 230.5 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Nantes

Nantes Atlantique Airport Car Rentals from $36.93 per day
Angers Train Station Car Rentals from $45.15 per day

86.3 km / 53.6 miles away
Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport Car Rentals from $41.27 per day

102.2 km / 63.5 miles away
La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport Car Rentals from $45.75 per day

113.2 km / 70.3 miles away
Lorient Train Station Car Rentals from $50.14 per day

148.0 km / 92.0 miles away
Angouleme Train Station Car Rentals from $56.76 per day

215.5 km / 133.9 miles away
Caen Airport Car Rentals from $39.52 per day

240.1 km / 149.2 miles away
Caen Train Station Car Rentals from $39.52 per day

243.2 km / 151.1 miles away
Brest Airport Car Rentals from $54.97 per day

253.9 km / 157.8 miles away
Limoges Bellegarde Airport Car Rentals from $115.70 per day

257.5 km / 160.0 miles away
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport Car Rentals from $44.57 per day

267.8 km / 166.4 miles away
Bergerac Airport Car Rentals from $84.85 per day

307.1 km / 190.8 miles away
Rouen Train Station Car Rentals from $58.15 per day

323.8 km / 201.2 miles away
Brive Airport Car Rentals

325.8 km / 202.4 miles away
Paris Evry Car Rentals from $40.84 per day

342.5 km / 212.8 miles away
Paris Orly Airport Car Rentals from $59.77 per day

344.2 km / 213.9 miles away
Paris Porte Maillot Car Rentals from $55.11 per day

347.0 km / 215.6 miles away
Paris-Gare de Lyon Train Station Car Rentals from $38.25 per day

350.5 km / 217.8 miles away
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Car Rentals from $56.17 per day

371.0 km / 230.5 miles away
Beauvais–Tillé Airport Car Rentals from $53.90 per day

375.4 km / 233.3 miles away

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Nantes?

Car rental prices in Nantes vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.

Average rental costs per day in Nantes

$33.17

January

$42.44

February

$66.53

March

$54.68

April

$62.10

May

$60.77

June

$75.29

July

$68.93

August

$47.44

September

$50.90

October

$45.68

November

$51.11

December

The cheapest month to rent a car in Nantes is January (when prices average $33.17 per day). This is 40% cheaper than the yearly average and 56% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $75.29).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Nantes?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in January, the average renter keeps their car for 11 days, and in February, they keep their car for 5 days.

Average rental length in Nantes

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Nantes?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Nantes is July, and the least popular is January.

Monthly searches in Nantes by pick-up date relative to the average

36%

January

69%

February

55%

March

89%

April

108%

May

155%

June

198%

July

193%

August

128%

September

77%

October

39%

November

53%

December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations	8
Airport locations	1
Popular suppliers	RentScape, Alamo, Europcar, SIXT, Enterprise
Popular car categories	Small cars, Medium cars, Large cars, Vans
Lowest price	$37 per day
Cheapest supplier	RentScape

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier	Model	Doors	Luggage	Type
RentScape	Peugeot 208	5	1	Small cars
RentScape	Fiat 500	3	1	Small cars
Alamo	Renault Twingo	3	1	Small cars
RentScape	Peugeot 2008	5	2	Medium cars
RentScape	Ford Focus	5	1	Medium cars
Alamo	Peugeot 308	4	2	Medium cars
Thrifty	Fiat 500	3	1	Small cars
RentScape	Peugeot 2008	5	2	Medium cars
Thrifty	Renault Clio	4	1	Small cars
SIXT	Fiat 500	2	1	Small cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Ireland

Fiat 500

August 12, 2022

You definitely require a car to get out and explore surrounding areas on Nantes, the Hertz staff at train station are class

Ireland

Renault Twingo

September 16, 2018

Did not encounter any problems, stress free thanks to a very friendly team.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company

Europcar

9.3 / 10

Lowest rated company

RentScape

8.3 / 10

Total number of reviews

Total rental companies

Average daily price

$63.25

Lowest daily price

$37.63

Total cars available

178

Top 12 Suppliers in Nantes in 2023

Europcar

Exceptional 9.3 / 12 reviews

6 locations

$41 - $52

SIXT

Exceptional 9.2 / 29 reviews

3 locations

$47 - $213

Alamo

Excellent 8.9 / 54 reviews

2 locations

$45 - $144

Enterprise

Excellent 8.9 / 23 reviews

3 locations

$39 - $163

Thrifty

Excellent 8.8 / 6 reviews

1 location

Keddy

Excellent 8.8 / 5 reviews

3 locations

Avis

Excellent 8.8 / 11 reviews

1 location

Hertz

Excellent 8.8 / 9 reviews

2 locations

National

Excellent 8.5 / 3 reviews

2 locations

$51 - $160

Budget

Excellent 8.5 / 3 reviews

2 locations

Dollar

Excellent 8.5

2 locations

RentScape

Excellent 8.3 / 65 reviews

2 locations

$37 - $85

Highly recommended by our customers

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Car Rental in Nantes

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Travel Information

Why rent a car in Nantes?

One-Way Car Rentals in Nantes

Top ways to enter Nantes

City facts

Top destinations and activities

Traffic and parking

Toll roads

Ideas for day trips

Most popular cars

Further destinations

Car Rental Prices in Nantes

Money-saving tips

What travel writers say

Top 20 Cities near Nantes

Top 20 Locations near Nantes

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Nantes?

What’s the usual rental length in Nantes?

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Nantes?

Car Rental Information

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Our Customers' Reviews

Car Rental Statistics

Top 12 Suppliers in Nantes in 2023

Highly recommended by our customers

Nantes