Car Rental - La Rochelle

Car rental in La Rochelle opens up a European destination rich in both history and traditional charm. If you like the sound of exploring the sights of a beautiful coastal city while sampling delicious pastries, then La Rochelle is the place to do it.

With a stunning harbor, a plethora of cafes and a cultured city center boasting medieval landmarks, you’re bound to fall in love with this glamorous corner of France.

To explore the local attractions and wider region in comfort and style, a rental car from La Rochelle is an ideal choice. We have a range of convenient locations where you can pick up your vehicle, including the train station and airport.

Simply reserve your choice of car direct with us in advance and choose a date that is convenient for you. We’ll aim to have your La Rochelle rental car ready and waiting when you arrive – ready to begin your adventure.

With its wealth of historic monuments, beautiful sea views and charming coastal cafes, La Rochelle is a great place to travel to.

Nicknamed ‘La Ville Blanche’ – or the White City – due to its quirky limestone buildings, the city appears almost luminous during the summer months, which only adds to the sense of glamour.

Immerse yourself in traditional French culture, enjoy wandering through cobbled streets and exploring the architectural masterpieces, and sip on French coffee as you watch the world go by. And don’t forget to venture further in your La Rochelle car rental for more hidden gems.

A trip to La Rochelle wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Port Des Minimes. As one of the foremost marinas in Europe, it offers an incredible view of glistening blue water lined with boats of all sizes.

Go for an evening stroll and watch the sunset – the sight of it touching the water is breathtaking. Once you’ve finished your walk, head to one of the many bars and restaurants located just minutes away for a delicious seafood dinner.

Situated by the pretty harbor, Aquarium La Rochelle is home to more than 12,000 marine animals from hundreds of different species.

This state-of-the-art attraction has a range of rooms each dedicated to different creatures and habitats, allowing you to learn more about the wonders of the water.

Observe sharks in their tiered room before heading to the jellyfish area, to watch these fascinating beings dance through the water gracefully. There is also an open-ocean aquarium featuring stingrays, as well as a jungle area that gives you an insight into the life of piranhas and turtles.

Immerse yourself in the history of La Rochelle by visiting the three towers, namely the Tour Saint-Nicolas, the Tour de la Chaîne and the Tour de la Lanterne. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, there’s so much history to soak in.

You can see the graffiti drawn by inmates in the Tour de la Lanterne’s atmospheric prison, before heading to the outdoor gallery located 125 feet above the ground. The other two towers are equally as interesting, looming over the historic port, and you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from the iconic structures as you learn all about their eventful past.

Even if you aren’t a history enthusiast, it’s worth heading to at least one of the three towers to simply experience the fantastic views from the top. As the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast, the Tour de la Lanterne is highly popular if you can only visit one.

With worn cobblestone paths and rows of charming 17th-century houses, the Old Town of La Rochelle is simply enchanting.

Transport yourself back in time by taking a stroll through the central square, where you’ll find a magnificent statue of Jean Guiton, who was the mayor during the city’s siege by Louis XIII. Cafes and restaurants are dotted all around the area, giving you the perfect opportunity to grab a traditional French pastry.

With car rental in La Rochelle, all these local sights and charming attractions further afield are at your fingertips. 

Driving your La Rochelle car rental around the city is relatively straightforward, though there are a few key rules of the road to bear in mind in France.

It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving, even with a hands-free device, while speed limits are indicated here in kilometers per hour (km/h).

These are typically 50km/h (30mph) in towns and cities, 80km/h on single-carriageway roads in rural areas, 110km/h on dual-carriageway highways and 130km/h (80mph) on major freeways known as ‘autoroutes’, but always check signs as these can vary. Out-of-town roads also have lower limits in wet weather.

The main road leading into La Rochelle is the N237, which then branches off to the N537. The latter is a short road framed by trees and leads to the main parts of the city, making for a simple and easy drive. Both of these roads are well signposted and easy to navigate, with paid parking available nearby if you wish to explore on foot.

If you’re looking for day trips in the vicinity, take your La Rochelle rental car two hours north to medieval Nantes and cultured Tours. The major city of Bordeaux is also a similar distance to the south.