Planning your vacation in Nantes also includes searching for a car at an affordable price? That's exactly what the following article is for.
I’ll start by saying this, and I say this in every article about car rentals – if you’re planning on driving around the city, save yourself the trouble. Public transportation is great, and you can always take an Uber or a taxi. The big city tends to be quite busy, and the only parking spaces available are for a fee, which can also be quite expensive.
But if you decide to travel out of town to Brittany, Loire valley Or even To Guernsey, then renting a car in Nantes is your starting point for the rest of your trip.
Recommended car rental sites in Nantes
Booking.com
Personally, the first site I look for a rental car is…Booking.com. No, I wasn't confused, it turns out that for several years now you can find not only hotels and apartments but also car rental services on this site. I like this site because it is very, very user-friendly, the prices are not bad at all and they can even become even friendlier if you are a VIP customer of Booking.com. So if you are looking for a car to rent, this is the site where I would start.
Click here to rent a car from Booking.com
Car rental through rentalcars.com
The site rentalcars.com Owned by the well-known travel company booking.com, you know this is a reliable car rental service. In fact, this site connects you to different car rental companies with the click of a button, so you can review the offers and take the car that best suits your style, budget, and stay in Paris.
The car rental booking terms are flexible, and you can cancel or change most types of bookings for free up to 48 hours before picking up the car. Among the companies from which you can rent a car through the website: Avis, Sixt, Europcar and more.
Click here to rent a car in Paris from rentalcars.com
Car rental in Paris with Economy Bookings
A large website that allows you to compare prices between well-known (and lesser-known) car rental companies, and find the best deal for renting a car in Paris. The website offers car rentals through 800 different companies, so you can probably find something that suits your needs. Economy Bookings offers car rentals in more than 180 countries around the world. Among the car rental companies here you can find Hertz, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Sixt and more.
Click here to rent a car in Paris through Economy Bookings
Other car rental companies
Over the years, I have rented a car quite a few times in France (and in Paris, of course) and over the years I have created a sort of “toolbox” of websites where I check rental prices from different companies.
I have compiled all these sites on this page. The Francophile's toolbox And I highly recommend going to each of these sites and checking, because there are often differences between the prices you get on each site.
Some tips for driving in Nantes
You decided to go into the city anyway. Nantes Itself? Here are some things that are important to know.
- Prepare to drive on highways and small roads: Nantes is well connected to France with motorways, but in and around the city center there are narrow roads, cycle paths, and numerous pedestrian areas. Avoid driving in the busy historic center - it is recommended to park and explore on foot.
- Parking in the centre of Nantes can be limited and expensive. It is recommended to use the P+R (Park and Ride) car parks, which are located on the outskirts of the city and offer free or low-cost parking and include a shuttle service to the city centre. Zola and Feydeau car parks are excellent if you want to be close to the centre.
- France Known for its toll roads, but not everywhere accepts cash payments. Use apps like Ulys or Bip&Go, which allow for quick payment on toll roads. It is also recommended to use parking apps like Flowbird, which makes payments easier and helps you find nearby parking.
- Pay attention to travel time to avoid rush hour.: Nantes is a large city, and the main roads can be busy, especially in the morning (08:00-09:30) and afternoon (17:00-19:00). Planning your trip around peak times can save time and avoid unnecessary stress. If possible, try to leave early in the morning to get to your destination before the traffic jams.
- Check if there are any traffic restrictions around events and festivals.: Nantes hosts festivals and events throughout the year, which may affect access by car. For example, the city's major music festival may close some roads. It is recommended to check the Nantes tourism website in advance for the dates of the main events and adjust your itinerary.