How to find a cheap car hire deal in Bordeaux
Searching for a cheap rental car in Bordeaux? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging R 1,533 a day, we compare the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and feel good about what you paid.
R 534 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Bordeaux.
Planning an extended stay and want to go further than the usual stops? R 2,379 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Bordeaux car hire. Try booking around three weeks before your departure date.
Grab your wheels from Rentscape, Loca Malin or Goldcar. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
The coverage Rentscape or another supplier includes with your Bordeaux car hire can vary, so be sure to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can snag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Bordeaux.
Save money on fuel by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore more without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at R 1,841 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,341, this provider is next in line.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly R 1,353 a day.
The Economy rental category is a reliable option if you're not sure which ride is right for you. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other in Bordeaux.
Flying to Bordeaux? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at Bordeaux Airport. If you're flying to Bordeaux through this airport, simply pick up your wheels after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 11 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Bordeaux
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Bordeaux is all about getting you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are perfect for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Bordeaux car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Bordeaux handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're tough, dependable, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Bordeaux car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Bordeaux.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in France is generally 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always double-check your rental company's policy to know where you stand.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat regulations vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Make sure you add the right one to your Bordeaux car hire booking.
Come prepared and save time at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no copies) plus another photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in France might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 45kph in urban areas and 125kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in France. The safest way to stay legal to drive is to avoid drinking altogether.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and excursions. Pay with your card where you can, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.
The language most commonly spoken in this country is French.
Best hotels in Bordeaux for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time relaxing at Ibis Bordeaux Lac. Around 6 kilometres from central Bordeaux, it comes with parking, Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.
KYRIAD Bordeaux SUD - Villenave d'Ornon keeps guests happy with parking and features like luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Want more inspiration? Browse through the full list of hotels in Bordeaux. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Bordeaux and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to explore first. Get things started with major attractions such as Grand Theatre - Opera National de Bordeaux, Wine Corner and Museum de Bordeaux.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Bordeaux
Bergerac should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit Vieille ville Bergerac and Eglise Notre-Dame. This city is about 80 kilometres east of central Bordeaux.
Hotel le Gambetta and Hôtel Le Roxane are popular accommodation options with parking in Bergerac.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Bordeaux and head roughly 48 kilometres southwest to La Teste-de-Buch. Featuring Dune du Pilat and Stairs for the Dune du Pilat, its highlights live up to the hype.
Unwind after a big day out in La Teste-de-Buch at All Suites Hotel Le Teich or B&B Hotel Arcachon Gujan-Mestras. These hotels have arrangements for guests with cars.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Angers, roughly 290 kilometres north of Bordeaux. First, visit La Tapisserie De L'Apocalypse, then spend some time at Castle d'Angers.
Book a room at Oceania Hôtel d'Anjou Angers or Campanile Angers Ouest - Beaucouzé. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Angers has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.
