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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Saint-Étienne
Saint-Étienne
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Saint-Étienne
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Saint-Étienne
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Saint-Étienne
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Saint-Étienne?
Saint-Étienne, a city known for its industrial heritage and modern design, offers a diverse range of attractions both within and outside the city centre. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore the Loire Region. Renting a car allows you to easily visit nearby attractions, such as the Pilat Regional Natural Park or the charming villages of the Loire Valley, without being restricted by public transport schedules.
Visit the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain. With a rental car, accessing the museum, located slightly outside the city centre, is convenient and straightforward.
Day Trips to Lyon and Beyond. Saint-Étienne's central location makes day trips to Lyon and other nearby cities easy and accessible with your own vehicle.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Saint-Étienne
Before booking a rental car in Saint-Étienne, ensure you meet the age requirements, have a valid driver's licence, and understand the rental agreement's terms and conditions, including insurance, deposits, and mileage policies.
Area
79.97 square kilometres (30.88 square miles)
Population
Approximately 172,565 residents
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) during summer
Ideal for
Exploring the Loire region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Saint-Étienne is typically 21, but some rental companies may have higher age requirements or charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed if your licence is not in a language easily understood by local authorities. Always carry your passport or ID.
3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals usually include basic insurance, but you can opt for additional coverage. A security deposit is often required, typically held on a credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable for longer trips. Note the fuel policy and whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, late returns, or optional extras such as GPS navigation systems and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Saint-Étienne – How Much Does It Cost?
Car rental prices in Saint-Étienne vary depending on the season, the type of car, and how far in advance you book.
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £18 / $23 / €21
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts as rental companies try to attract customers during slower periods.
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Saint-Étienne?
Booking a car in Saint-Étienne involves several steps to ensure a smooth experience. From comparing prices to understanding the rental terms, careful planning is essential.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies based on your dates and car preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and the deposit policy.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure better prices and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Ensure you have all necessary documents, including your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card, when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Saint-Étienne
Saint-Étienne is a city with a rich industrial heritage, known for its design and football culture. Understanding the local traffic and parking regulations will make your visit more enjoyable, especially when driving outside the city centre.
Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Saint-Étienne offers a blend of urban and natural landscapes. While the city has public transport, renting a car is advantageous for exploring nearby areas like the Pilat Regional Natural Park or taking day trips to Lyon. Be aware of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and the availability of fuel stations to ensure a smooth driving experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain
One of France's leading modern art museums.
Cité du Design
A hub for design and innovation.
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
Home to AS Saint-Étienne, a legendary football club.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like Indigo or EFFIA for secure parking options in the city centre.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available, but restrictions and time limits apply.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts and taking public transport into the city centre.
Gas Stations in Saint-Étienne
Major Brands Available
Find stations from Total, Shell, and BP in and around Saint-Étienne.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations are readily accessible on major roads and highways, but plan refuelling stops if exploring remote areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help locate nearby fuel stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Saint-Étienne
Be Aware of Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits, typically 50 km/h in urban areas and higher on highways.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in pedestrianised zones and cycle lanes.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours to minimise traffic congestion.
Use GPS Navigation
A GPS navigation system can be helpful for navigating the city's streets and finding parking.
Key Transportation Hubs in Saint-Étienne
Railway Stations
Saint-Étienne Châteaucreux Station
The main railway station, providing connections to Lyon, Paris, and other major cities.
Saint-Étienne Bellevue Station
A smaller station serving regional destinations.
Airports
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
The nearest major international airport, located about 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Saint-Étienne.
Bus Stations
Saint-Étienne Bus Station
Provides regional bus services to various destinations.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Saint-Étienne?
Renting a car in Saint-Étienne is relatively straightforward, provided you meet certain requirements. Here's what you need to know:
You need a valid driver’s licence. If your licence is not in French, an International Driving Permit (IDP) might be required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit. Check if the rental company has specific card requirements.
A passport or national ID card is essential for verifying your identity and residency.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Saint-Étienne as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Saint-Étienne was lovely! Getting around with a rental car was so easy, and I explored so much. Highly recommend!
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 19.01.2025
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
Saint-Étienne surprised me! Having a car made exploring the hills and charming villages so convenient.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 08.08.2025
Such a pleasant stopover! Having a car allowed us to easily explore the surrounding countryside. Beautiful scenery and charming towns.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Summer in Saint-Étienne was fantastic! Exploring the region by car was effortless and enjoyable.
Ethan Miller
Reviewed: 16.08.2024
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Exploring the area by car was incredibly easy and fun.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 26.07.2025