Car hire Bordeaux

Our Bordeaux car rental services are located across the city. Find us at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport, as well as at Gare de Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station and in the city centre. Wherever you decide to collect your rental vehicle, our team will check you in quickly and efficiently so you can get on the road and enjoy your trip in the scenic southwest of France.

Our car rental agencies in Bordeaux offers a selection of vehicles suitable for city driving, business trips and longer journeys. You can choose a practical city car perfect for navigating city streets or narrow winding routes through pretty towns and villages, or for heading to the coast with friends and family, pick a comfortable sedan or an SUV offering more space. Additional equipment is also available including GPS, child seats plus additional driver options.

Ahead of your Avis car rental in Bordeaux, you can enjoy discounts of up to 10% on your booking plus fast-track service and exclusive offers when you join Avis Preferred, our free loyalty scheme.

Can I pick up my rental car in Bordeaux and return it to another location?
Yes. One-way car rental with Avis makes travel easy. You can collect your rental car in Bordeaux and return it to another Avis office depending on your travel plans.

What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Bordeaux?
The minimum age to rent a car in France is 21. A young driver surcharge may apply to drivers under 25, and certain premium vehicle groups may have higher age restrictions.

Is it worth hiring a car in Bordeaux?
Hiring a rental car in Bordeaux gives you complete freedom to explore the south west of France with its stunning coastal area with the chance to reach fascinating natural sites like the Dunes du Pilat and Arcachon Bay, plus historic villages like St Emillion or drive the massive Landes forest without relying on public transport.

What type of vehicle should I choose to get around Bordeaux? 
A compact car is generally suitable for navigating city streets and winding roads and parking in towns and villages. For greater comfort on longer journeys, a sedan or SUV may be more appropriate.

What is parking like in Bordeaux? 
Bordeaux has a good mix of parking from city centre car parks, metered on street parking and park and ride facilities on the edge of the city with direct connections to the city's tram network.

Which side of the road?
In France, please drive on the right side of the road. Other French road rules include:

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device. Do not use headphones or earpieces
• In towns and rural areas, on minor roads and where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right (“priorité a droite”)
• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles
• It is recommended that drivers use dipped headlights at all times

Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailer:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)
• 4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)
• Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint
• Children weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only

A drive around Bordeaux in your rental car provides great opportunities to see a number of attractions during your stay in the city. There are plenty of historical landmarks to see like the Victory Arch, Pey-Berland Tower and the Town Hall. Museums worth visiting during your city break include the Musée des Arts Deco and the Musée des Beaux Arts.

Bordeaux has many stunning squares. Place de la Bourse overlooks the Garonne River and is considered one of France’s most attractive areas. The heart of the city is Place Gambetta, which has beautiful landscaped gardens, numerous shops, and dining venues.
 

Driving out of Bordeaux provides scenic views of the beautiful south west of France. Whether you decide to head off on a road trip from Bordeaux to the coast or explore the region further inland, you'll discover plenty of charming spots.

Lacanau
A one hour drive to the west of Bordeaux is Lacanau. This is a laidback seaside resort that attracts families looking for a fun day out at the beach and surfers trying to catch some waves. As well as water sports, there are also facilities for golf, horse riding, cycling and tennis.

Arcachon
The coastal town of Arcachon is less than an hour by car from Bordeaux. Its  main attractions are the sandy beaches, such as Pereire, that stretch for miles. The town is divided into different parts, each named after a season. 

Saint-Émilion
Head west from Bordeaux and in less than an hour you'll reach the town of Saint-Émilion. This old town is made up of golden stone buildings, ancient walls and well-kept ramparts. The streets are filled with restaurants, cafes, bakeries and stores.