We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in La Rochelle. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Rental in La Rochelle in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in La Rochelle and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in La Rochelle and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in La Rochelle so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in La Rochelle?

Renting a car in La Rochelle offers the freedom to explore the city's rich maritime heritage, historic architecture, and vibrant markets at your own pace. With a vehicle, you can easily access nearby attractions such as the Île de Ré, renowned for its charming villages and scenic cycling routes, or venture further to discover the picturesque landscapes of the Charente-Maritime region.

Having a car also allows for spontaneous detours to lesser-known sites, coastal drives along the Atlantic, and the convenience of transporting any local goods or souvenirs you may acquire during your travels. This flexibility enhances your overall experience, making your visit to La Rochelle and its surroundings both comfortable and memorable.

Car rental tips for La Rochelle

  • La Rochelle's Old Town features narrow, cobblestone streets and limited parking spaces, making a compact car ideal for maneuverability and ease of parking.
  • If you plan to visit Île de Ré, be aware that a toll is required to cross the bridge connecting the island to the mainland. Having a rental car allows you to explore the island's various villages and beaches at your own pace.
  • During peak tourist seasons, parking in La Rochelle can be challenging. Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city to avoid congestion and parking difficulties in the city center.
  • Familiarize yourself with French road signs and driving regulations before your trip. For example, priority is generally given to vehicles coming from the right at intersections unless otherwise indicated.

FAQs about renting a car in La Rochelle

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is recommended for navigating La Rochelle's narrow streets and for ease of parking. If planning trips to nearby islands or rural areas, a vehicle with good fuel efficiency and comfortable seating is advisable for longer drives.

What are the parking options?

La Rochelle offers several parking options, including on-street parking and public parking lots. The city center has metered parking zones, and it's advisable to check for any parking restrictions or fees. During peak tourist seasons, parking can be limited, so arriving early or using park-and-ride facilities may be beneficial.

What's the speed limit?

In France, the general speed limits are 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways, 110 km/h (68 mph) on dual carriageways, 90 km/h (56 mph) on other roads outside built-up areas, and 50 km/h (31 mph) within city limits. Always adhere to posted speed limits and be aware of any local variations.

Popular attractions

  • Saint Nicolas Tower: A 14th-century pentagonal stone tower that once served as a defensive structure for the Old Port, offering panoramic views of the city and harbor.
  • Lantern Tower: The oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast, this medieval tower also functioned as a prison and provides insights into La Rochelle's maritime history.
  • Aquarium de La Rochelle: One of Europe's largest private aquariums, home to over 12,000 marine animals across 600 species, including a notable shark tank and a 360° underwater tunnel.
  • La Rochelle Old Town: A charming area filled with medieval and Renaissance architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and lively squares like Place de Verdun, perfect for leisurely exploration.
  • Parc Charruyer: A 40-hectare urban park built on former fortifications, featuring walking paths, waterways, and a small animal park, ideal for family outings.

More places to visit

  • Île de Ré: A picturesque island accessible via a bridge from La Rochelle, known for its sandy beaches, charming villages, and extensive cycling routes.
  • Fort Boyard: A historic sea fort located between the Île d'Aix and Île d'Oléron, famous for its appearance in the TV game show and accessible by boat tours.
  • Maritime Museum (Musée Maritime): Located in the historic dockyard, this museum showcases La Rochelle's rich naval history through exhibits on maritime life and old ships.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Rental Brands in La Rochelle

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

10 / 10

AVIS Car Rental

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10 / 10

Alamo Car Rental

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9.17 / 10

SIXT Car Rental

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8.81 / 10

Europcar Car Rental

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8.61 / 10

DOODOO Car Rental

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National Car Rental

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Enterprise Car Rental

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Budget Car Rental

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Hertz Car Rental

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Keddy Car Rental

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Thrifty Car Rental

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Firefly Car Rental

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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La Rochelle: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


*Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.