Car Hire in Nantes

About Nantes

Nantes is the sixth-largest city in France and is located in Loire-Atlantique on the Loire River in the Pays de la Loire region of western France. Nantes has a very rich and turbulent past, with many wars, but also many periods of growth culturally, financially, and architecturally.

Today, Nantes is considered a city with many opportunities. Many large French companies have their offices here. The city is very lively and constantly evolving. In 2004, Time Magazine named Nantes the 'most liveable city in Europe', and in 2013 it was awarded the title of European Green Capital.

Nantes has an excellent public transport network. There are many ways to get around the city. You can use electric trams, bicycles or busses. There is also a taxi service, but the city centre is closed to cars.

Also, Nantes has a rich royal history that is reflected in the architecture, especially along the river where you can admire castles and other medieval remains. The art scene is also worth a visit. You can also visit many museums and exhibitions, so you certainly will not get bored in Nantes.

Basic info and car hire in Nantes

• Location: Pays de la Loire Region, France
• Population: 314,138
• Official language: French
• Currency: Euro
• Weather:   Nantes has an oceanic climate
• Holidays in Nantes:   For public holidays in Nantes follow this link
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Nantes are in good condition.
• Car hire in Nantes:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Nantes is at Nantes airport and Nantes Railway Station. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Nantes!

 Driving in Nantes

If you are taking a road trip through France and have decided to visit Nantes, it's best to park your car in one of the city's many car parks and use public transport. You should not drive into the city centre, as it is pedestrian-only and there are many attractions in the centre. But if you want to explore the surroundings of Nantes, the car is a good solution. The roads here are in very good condition and you will enjoy the drive through this wonderful country with its breathtaking views.

If you are driving into the city, make sure that you follow the signs on the road carefully. The police here are very strict and if you break the rules, you will hardly avoid punishment.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in France is 18 years.
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passports for all people in the car), the car's registration certificate, and your M.O.T. certificate (for cars over three years old, proving the vehicle meets environmental and road safety standards), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire agency in case your policy doesn't cover you while driving in France)
• Additional requirements:  High-visibility, reflective vest for every person in the car, Warning triangle, Full set of replacement bulbs for head and taillights, Spare pair of glasses, Headlight converters (required if driving from, "Crit'Air" badge (required in central Paris), Breathalyzer.
• Children in the car:  Children under 13 must be in car seats or wearing seat belts appropriate for their age and height. Babies and infants about a year old or under should always be positioned in rear-facing car seats.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: There is a variable maximum speed on French roads, depending on weather conditions. In dry weather, 2- or 3-lane rural roads are limited to 80 km/h, 4-lane expressways (in rural areas) are limited to 110 km/h, and motorways (in rural areas if classified as highways) are limited to 130 km/h. In rainy conditions, the limits are lowered to 80, 100, and 110 km/h respectively. The 50 km/h speed limit in cities is independent of weather conditions. The general speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on all roads in fog or other poor visibility conditions when visibility is less than 50 meters.
• Parking suggestions: In the city area, you must pay for all street parking from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am-8:00 pm, and you pay per hour. Parking is free on Sundays and holidays. Generally, you can park for up to 6 hours at a time if you do not have a resident's permit, and up to a week at a time with a permit.

What to see in Nantes

Les Machines de l'Ile

This is the result of an artistic project in which two artists, François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice, collected objects in the area to create large machine-like sculptures. Today there is a park with these works of art and is one of the places you should not miss when visiting Nantes.

Jardin des Plantes

This large botanical garden has been in existence for more than 300 years. Walking through this garden, you can relax and admire more than 500 species of flowers.

Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne

This magnificent chateau stands in the middle of the city and represents the splendour and power of the French aristocracy in the past. Today, this monumental building houses the Nantes History Museum with a large collection of works of art from the region. It is also a special experience to visit the castle in the evening when the lights around it highlight the power of this architectural masterpiece.

Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul

This large cathedral stands in the centre of the city. It has a very turbulent past, having been damaged several times. The last two were during the bombing in World War II and when it was devastated by fire in the 1970s. However, today you can visit this cathedral and explore its interesting interior. 

Graslin Theatre

This famous Italian-style opera house is one of the best opera houses in the area. It is also very popular with the locals and there are some performances for which you can hardly get a ticket.

Best restaurants in Nantes

Art’Nblum

Imagine

Le Bistro des Enfants Nantais

L’Amenite

The Frenchie

Restaurant ICI