How to find a cheap car hire deal in Saintes
Whether you need a small car for scooting around the city or an SUV for a road trip, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Saintes. Choose from options averaging $310 a day and get going for less.
Daily home prices in Saintes start from just $62.
For longer trips, book a weekly home from $429 and fit more into your itinerary.
To score the best price on a Saintes car hire, it's smart to book in advance. Rates tend to climb as your travel dates get closer, and leaving it too late could mean missing out.
Get behind the wheel with Europcar, Avis or Free2move. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Saintes car hire policy, whether with Europcar or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can score some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Saintes.
Spend less on fuel by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of $88 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $181, this provider comes in next.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Ride away in one of their homes for roughly $92 a day.
The Luxury home category is a reliable choice if you can't decide what kind of wheels you need. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Saintes.
Compare car hire types in Saintes
Small: These cheap rental cars in Saintes may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the home that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Saintes car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're winding through tough terrain or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Saintes that makes light work of heavy loads. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Saintes car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Saintes by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in France is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always double-check your home company's terms to see what applies to you.
If you've got the kids in tow, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Saintes car rental booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's license, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
If you're new to driving in France, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 45kph in built-up areas and 125kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in France is 0.05%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. In addition to your credit and debit cards, have some cash handy for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Saintes for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time settling into the comfort of Auberge de Jeunesse de Saintes. About 0.97 kilometres from central Saintes, it comes with parking, a laundry and internet access.
Or take advantage of the accessible parking at Contact Hôtel O'Nice Saintes. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this stay, which also features internet access and Wi-Fi.
Explore the full range of hotels in Saintes and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Saintes and the right hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to go first. Kick things off with must-see attractions such as Amphithéâtre de Saintes, Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and Museum D'archeologie.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Saintes
Around 64 kilometres northwest of central Saintes, La Rochelle deserves a spot on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Vieux port and Aquarium de La Rochelle.
Hôtel Inn Design La Rochelle and Kyriad Direct la Rochelle Sud - Aytré are recommended accommodation options with parking in La Rochelle.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Saintes and then take off to Niort. Around 64 kilometres north of Saintes, Chateau de Coudray-Salbart and Eglise Saint André are top attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
Kick back after a day of exploring Niort at Hôtel Mercure Niort Marais Poitevin or Contact Hôtel Solana, Niort MendesFrance. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Not done driving yet? Bordeaux is a popular road trip destination that's around 105 kilometres south of Saintes. Consider making a few pit stops at National Opera of Bordeaux and Museum de Bordeaux.
Check out the room availability at Novotel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean or Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre - Gare Saint Jean. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Bordeaux has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.
