Car hire Rennes

Cheap Car Hire Rennes

Rennes is the capital of the region of Brittany in northwestern France and is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history going back over 2,000 years. It is a quiet city with a population of around 340,000 people.

The easiest way to explore Rennes is by car. Whether you want to traverse the city’s winding streets for some hidden gems or explore the wider area of Brittany, hiring a car is the ultimate way to experience life in and around Rennes. Consider hiring a vehicle to make the most of your trip to Rennes.

How to Drive in Rennes

It is important to obey the following rules of the road when hiring a car to drive in and around Rennes. While it can be tempting to set off and explore the beauty of the French countryside and the rich history that Rennes is known for, you should first familiarise yourself with these rules and regulations about driving in the area. 

• Drivers must have held their driving licence for at least one year before being eligible to hire a car in France.
• Drivers must be aged 18 or over to hire a car.
• Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left-hand side of the road. This is the same as the majority of Europe and the US, but opposite to the UK.
• You need to have a credit card in your name to hire a car in France.
• Speed limit signs are displayed in km/h (kilometres per hour), not mph (miles per hour).
• It is compulsory to wear a seatbelt at all times when the car is moving.

What to see in Rennes

There is a lot to do in and around Rennes, and in the city itself, you are truly spoiled for choice. St Peter’s Cathedral is well worth a visit, and it is free of charge to enter. This cathedral dates back hundreds of years and was rebuilt after the French Revolution.

The Parliament Buildings of Brittany are also another thing to do in Rennes – these help to govern the region and are historically significant.

For those looking to do other things, Rennes is known for its art, and there are many galleries in the city (the majority of which are free to enter) showcasing the work of local and international artists.

There are also lots of bars and restaurants in Rennes, which help to promote its status as a student-friendly city. Enjoy a glass of French red at one of the city’s many bars, or indulge in some escargot at a traditional French bistro to really feel that authentic connection to the city.

Best road trips from Rennes city

The French capital, Paris, is around a four-hour drive away from Rennes, which makes it doable in a day – and this also makes for an excellent road trip along the way, especially when you can see all of the beautiful French countryside.

Additionally, the Loire Valley – arguably the most famous wine region in Europe – is around two and a half hours from Rennes, and this again is another scenic route which lets you see some of the best that the French countryside has to offer.

Other French cities like Caen, Angers and Nantes can be reached in less than a two-hour drive from Rennes, which makes it a fantastic place to base yourself from if you want to do some city-hopping without having to rely on public transport.

Range of Car Types in Rennes

There are also many different cars you can hire when you visit Rennes. These range from small and compact models such as the Renault Twingo, Opel Corsa and Fiat 500 to larger vehicles like the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008 and Volvo XC40. The majority of these vehicles are available in both automatic transmission or manual.

Car Hire Suppliers in Rennes

There is also a large range of car hire suppliers to choose from in Rennes. These include Alamo, Europcar, Enterprise, National and Sixt.