Car Hire Nantes

Our Avis Nantes Railway Station (Gare de Nantes) branch is centrally located, making it the ideal starting point for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Loire Valley and the rugged Brittany coastline by hire car. If you are flying in you can access our Avis branch at Nantes Airport. Nantes Atlantique Airport lies just 8km south west of the city and is a destination for international airlines from across the UK and Europe. 

Our car rental offices in Nantes offer a wide wide selection of vehicles from a quality fleet tailored for exploring western France with ease, wherever you plan to escape – from city breaks to coastal road trips. You can choose a practical, compact city car ideal for navigating Nantes' historic quarters, a comfortable sedan for longer journeys along the Loire, or a spacious SUV for family adventures. To get ready for your road trip, just add all the extras you need during booking, including GPS navigation systems. 

Ahead of your Avis car rental in Nantes, 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 drop off my rental car after hours in Nantes?
Yes, there is 24-hour drop-off available at our Nantes car rental locations at Nantes Railway Station at at Nantes Atlantique Airport using the secured Avis key drop.

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

What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Nantes?
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 Nantes?
Collecting a rental car in Nantes gives you complete freedom to explore Western France with its stunning coastline and with the Loire Valley within easy reach without relying on public transport.

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

Nantes features an excellent network of roads linking the city centre to major regional towns, offering scenic drives from Nantes to Clisson, Pornic, Angers, and the wider Brittany coast.  

If you have not driven in Nantes before, please remember that you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road, as in the rest of France and mainland Europe. It may be helpful to familiarise yourself with the French road rules before you pick up your Avis hire car. 

Please note that Nantes operates a Zone à Faibles Émissions (ZFE), a low-emission zone that restricts the most polluting vehicles during weekday rush hours (Monday to Friday, 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–19:00). To drive or park within the zone during these active windows, all vehicles must display a Crit'Air clean-air sticker on the windscreen. 

You will find parking easy to find across the city. Nantes offers a mix of on-street pay zones (parking meters) alongside secure municipal multi-storey car parks near the city centre, as well as a network of Park & Ride (Parking Relais) sites on the outskirts where you can park and take the tram into the centre. 

With centuries of history and an abundance of cultural attractions, Nantes – the birthplace of Jules Verne, the prolific author famed for Around the World in Eighty Days  – is easy to explore on foot  

Start off in the historic Bouffay district, a labyrinth ofwinding streets, bustling markets, cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a medieval fortress and ducal palace that now houses the city's museum. 

On rhe other side of the Île de Nantes, you’ll discover a cultural enclave built on the city's former shipyards.featuring Les Machines de l'Île and the spectacular Grand Éléphant, a 12-metre-tall walking mechanical model.  

With its grand river vistas, rolling hills and historic coastal ports, western France is a perfect destination for a road trip. Picking up a car in Nantes puts some of the region’s most spectacular highlights just a short drive away. 

Nantes to Clisson ("Little Tuscany") 
A drive of around 45 minutes south of Nantes along the scenic N249 takes you to Clisson. Famously referred to as "Little Tuscany" due to its distinct Italianate brick architecture, Romanesque tile roofs, and medieval bridges, this enchanting town is also home to a dramatic 12th-century castle.  

Nantes to Pornic and the Jade Coast 
A 1-hr drive west of Nantes takes you to the Atlantic coast and the picturesque port town of Pornic. With a 13th-century castle rising above the town, Pornic features a charming fishing harbour, historic seaside villas, and rugged coastal paths. You can spend the day exploring hidden sandy coves along the Jade Coast, named for the deep green colour of this 43km stretch of ocean, or enjoying fresh seafood looking out over the ocean. 

Avis offers a rental experience designed to make your travels easier from the moment you arrive in Nantes. Our Nantes rental location offers quick vehicle collection so you can continue your journey without delay.

• Fully flexible
  Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.

• Savings on coverage
  When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.

• Loyalty benefits
  Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.

• Faster collection
  Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.

• VIP treatment
  Get priority counter service on collection with Avis Preferred. At our larger locations you can use our Avis app to go straight to your car where the keys will be waiting for you.