Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Saint-Nazaire
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Saint-Nazaire
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Saint-Nazaire
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Saint-Nazaire
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.
Saint-Nazaire is a vibrant coastal city with plenty to offer, from its historic port and shipbuilding heritage to its beautiful beaches and surrounding countryside. While public transportation is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore the Coastline: Saint-Nazaire is situated on the Atlantic coast, offering stunning beaches and scenic drives. A rental car allows you to easily access the various coastal attractions, from the charming town of Pornichet to the wild beauty of the Côte Sauvage.
Discover Shipbuilding Heritage: Saint-Nazaire is renowned for its shipbuilding industry. With a car, you can visit the Escal'Atlantic, a unique museum recreating the experience of ocean liner travel, and explore the harbour's historical landmarks.
Venture into the Countryside: Beyond the city, the Loire-Atlantique region boasts picturesque villages, vineyards, and natural parks. A car provides the flexibility to discover these hidden gems and enjoy the region's natural beauty.
Before renting a car in Saint-Nazaire, it's essential to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
46.79 square kilometres (18.07 square miles)
Population
Approximately 71,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Ideal for
Coastal exploration and regional travel
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Saint-Nazaire is typically 21, but some companies may have higher age restrictions for certain vehicle categories. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. EU citizens can use their national license, while non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection. A security deposit is usually required, held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can be either unlimited or limited, with extra charges for exceeding the limit. Fuel policies vary; some require you to return the car with a full tank, while others offer a prepaid fuel option.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras like GPS navigation, child seats, additional drivers, or out-of-hours pickups and drop-offs.
Car rental prices in Saint-Nazaire can vary depending on the season, vehicle type, and rental duration.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Peak season (July to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (October to March): Often comes with discounts and better deals.
Prices fluctuate depending on the time of year.
Booking a car in Saint-Nazaire is easy if you follow these steps:
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and luggage capacity.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting your car, bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card for the security deposit.
Saint-Nazaire is a port city located in the Loire-Atlantique department of western France.
Driving in Saint-Nazaire is generally straightforward, but it's important to be aware of local traffic regulations and road conditions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Escal'Atlantic
An immersive museum recreating the experience of ocean liner travel.
Saint-Nazaire Submarine Base
A massive concrete structure built during World War II.
Beach of Saint-Nazaire
A sandy beach offering views of the harbour and the Atlantic Ocean.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available in the city centre, offering secure and convenient parking.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available, but it can be limited, especially during peak hours. Check for parking meters and time restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city and taking public transport to the centre.
Gas Stations in Saint-Nazaire
Major Brands
You'll find major fuel chains like Total, Shell, and Esso in and around Saint-Nazaire.
Location
Gas stations are readily available along major roads and highways.
Payment
Most gas stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Saint-Nazaire
Plan for Traffic
During rush hours, expect some traffic congestion, especially around the city centre.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic delays.
Be Aware of Speed Limits
Observe the speed limits, which are typically 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on rural roads.
Check Road Conditions
Pay attention to road signs and be aware of any roadworks or closures.
Major Bus Stations
Saint-Nazaire Bus Station
Located near the city centre, it provides connections to regional destinations.
Railway Stations
Saint-Nazaire Railway Station
Offers train services to major cities like Nantes and Paris.
Airports
Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)
Located approximately 60 km from Saint-Nazaire, it serves domestic and international flights.
To rent a car in Saint-Nazaire, you'll need to meet a few essential requirements.
You'll need a valid driver's license. If your license is not in a Roman alphabet language, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
The minimum age is typically 21, but some companies may have restrictions or surcharges for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit.
You'll need to provide a passport or other form of official identification.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Saint-Nazaire 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.
Pretty chill, really.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 09.11.2024
Wonderful coastal escape! Having a car made exploring Saint-Nazaire so easy and relaxing.
Isabelle Dupont
Reviewed: 17.08.2025
Saint-Nazaire was interesting. The submarine base was fascinating, but the beaches were a bit underwhelming.
Benjamin Lee
Reviewed: 22.04.2025
So glad I returned to Saint-Nazaire after all these years! Having a car made exploring so much easier. Beautiful.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 05.08.2025
Saint-Nazaire was fantastic! Exploring the coast with my family was so much fun, and having a car made it incredibly convenient. We loved it.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 14.10.2024
Pretty relaxed vibe
Liam Jones
Reviewed: 06.07.2025
Saint-Nazaire was lovely! Family vacation was perfect, exploring easily with our rental.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Heard great things, and Saint-Nazaire lived up to the hype! Getting around was a breeze; so much to see.
Mia Davis
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
© 2025 RentyCars. All rights reserved.
Okay, I guess.
Alex Smith
Reviewed: 20.02.2025