Car hire in
La Rochelle

Both of our car hire in La Rochelle branches have fleets of premium rental cars supplied by names you can trust like BMW, Jaguar, Audi or Mercedes-Benz. Affordable saloons and family-sized estate cars are perfect for driving the narrow streets of the city while rugged 4x4s take you into the Charente-Maritime countryside in comfort. Or, why not enjoy driving along the Atlantic coastline or crossing to the pretty Ile de Ré in luxurious open-top sports cars or convertibles? Our fleet also contains a selection of vehicles adapted for different mobility needs. Our attractive range of optional extras is designed to enhance your business or leisure driving in La Rochelle and includes Sat Navs and baby or booster seats. We have good deals on additional drivers, unlimited mileage options and any extra insurance you may require while younger drivers under 25 are always welcome.

At La Rochelle Airport our desk is clearly signposted in the car rentals building and once your paperwork is completed the drive into the city centre takes just 15 minutes on the N237 road. At La Rochelle Station our branch is on the Avenue Du General De Gaulle just a short walk from the concourse entrance. The station is within easy walking distance of the historic town centre.

Driving in La Rochelle is fairly straightforward and having a Sat Nav makes sure you do not get lost in the narrow streets and confusing one-way systems of the old city. Driving away from the town is a pleasure whether you use the well-maintained motorway network or enjoy the scenic views and slower pace of life on country roads. Remember to have your driving licence and vehicle documents with you at all times.

There are several underground parking areas on the outskirts of La Rochelle and two types of metered street parking. Cheaper street parking is found on the outskirts while it is more expensive in the city centre where a two-hour limit is imposed.

With your rental vehicle in La Rochelle you will soon find your way around its three distinct areas. These are the port, the old town and the historic centre and if you take the short drive across the water to the nearby Ile de Ré you will discover its long sandy beaches. The naval history of La Rochelle goes back to the 14th-century and earlier. This can be explored in the three imposing towers that loom over the harbour. Climb the labyrinthine passages of the Tours de la Chaine, de la Lanterne and St Nicolas to enjoy views from their parapets and discover secrets from the city's dark past. Take some time to wander through the narrow streets of the old town with its quaint buildings and around the Port des Minimes where you can window shop for a luxury yacht before heading to La Rochelle Aquarium. This huge modern glass vessel houses over 12,000 examples of fascinating marine life as well as lots of interactive and educational activities for all ages.

La Rochelle is a superb destination for water activities from the gentle to the thrilling. Try your hand at futuristic flyboarding at Minimes Beach where with an aquatic jet park you zoom through the water at sci-fi speeds. Take a catamaran trip out to sea and see the sights of La Rochelle from a different perspective before enjoying a sunset dinner or make the 20-minute drive along the coast to Plage de Chatelaillon for some kitesurfing. Its micro-climate and reliable wind draw enthusiasts from all over Europe. Or, simply drive over the bridge to the beautiful Ile de Ré with its family-friendly beaches where you can sunbathe and swim to your heart's content.

Along the coast the water theme continues at Marais Poitevin or Green Venice where hundreds of channels and canals criss-cross a huge marshland. It is the perfect place to get in touch with the native wildlife.

Distances to Marais Poitevin

• From La Rochelle Airport: 30 miles, about 40 minutes
• From La Rochelle Station: 26 miles, about 40 minutes

La Palmyre Zoo is set in lush pine forests and is home to big cats, apes and penguins as well as having lots of hands-on experiences for young children. The surrounding area is perfect for long forest hikes.

Distances to La Palmyre Zoo

• From La Rochelle Airport: 51.5 miles, about 1 hour 10 minutes
• From La Rochelle Station: 48 miles, about 1 hour

Delve into the area's military and maritime past at Rochefort's Corderie Royale, the old naval arsenal and rope-making works. Explore the exhibits before taking part in an action-packed and interactive pirate adventure.

Distances to Rochefort

• From La Rochelle Airport: 25 miles, about 30 minutes
• From La Rochelle Station: 20 miles, about 30 minutes

Salt production along with maritime commerce and trade were for centuries the main economic activities of La Rochelle. Today tourism, fishing and port activities make up its economy. The Espace Encan, a former fish market and the smaller Forum des Perthuis contain high-performance facilities for conferences, exhibitions and entertainment.

• From La Rochelle Airport: 6 miles, about 20 minutes
• From La Rochelle Station: 0.5 miles, about 10 minutes