La Rochelle car hire

However you choose to spend your time, when you arrange La Rochelle car hire via TravelSupermarket the best of France will be unveiled...

Sprawling around an attractive harbour, the city of La Rochelle is a visual feast for anyone interested in history and architecture. The past has been beautifully preserved here on the west coast of France.

Before you join the holidaymakers on the nearby shores or tour the wine lands in search of the ultimate tipple, though, spend some time in the welcoming arms of La Rochelle. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric city in which to simply stroll and get a feel for French life. Collect freshly baked bread and devil-red tomatoes at the markets; hire bikes and tour the old town; sit back with a latte as yacht rigging chatters in the marina; or take a break on a shady bench in a centuries-old park, such as the Allée du Mail.

These simple pleasures showcase the unique ambience of this part of France and you might find it hard to leave. Before you do travel elsewhere in your hire car, be sure to see the tourism highlights of the city, such as the Towers of La Rochelle, the Great Clock Tower, La Rochelle Cathédrale and the House of Henri II.

This is an easy city to get around, so renting a car in La Rochelle is a sound investment for getting to and from the airport and for seeing the sights, even if you don’t plan to travel much further. However, with car hire, La Rochelle makes an excellent base or starting point for adventures elsewhere.

Save money on car rental by booking in advance. You can collect your pre-booked vehicle at Ile de Ré Airport or a convenient location in downtown La Rochelle. 

So where will you drive to next? Book car hire and the open road will beckon you on through this fascinating part of France...

The nearby island of Ile de Ré further complements the tourism offering of La Rochelle, presenting long stretches of golden sands, upmarket towns and villages and a delightful network of cycle paths. It’s no wonder that rich Parisians break free from the oppressive heat of the city in summer and swarm towards this pretty island. The city is connected to Ile de Ré by a bridge. It takes around 30 minutes to drive between the centre of La Rochelle and central destinations on the island.

La Rochelle can also be used as a gateway into the undulant hills and verdant vineyards of regions such as Cognac and Bordeaux. The town of Cognac, famed for its brandy, is a 90-minute drive from La Rochelle. There are plenty of vineyards along the way if brandy doesn’t please your palate.

The UNESCO-listed city of Bordeaux lies around two hours south of La Rochelle by road. While day trips here might push your patience, it’s worth exploring this area and staying awhile to appreciate the wine, the architecture, the wine, the nearby beaches of Cap Ferret, the wine, the lively line up of annual events and, of course, a little more wine. It’s worth booking a hotel in Bordeaux so that you can ditch the car keys and sample some of France’s finest.

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.