Convertible rentals in Nice run €40 to €150 per day depending on the car model and season

Renting a cabriolet (convertible) in Nice is straightforward if you know what rental companies operate there, what documents you need, and what the actual costs are. The main rental agencies — Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar — all have desks at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and in the city centre. Local companies like Sixt and smaller operators also rent convertibles, sometimes at lower rates for short-term bookings.

Prices vary by season. Summer (June through September) is peak, and a basic convertible like a Fiat 500C or Peugeot 308 CC costs €80 to €150 per day. Spring and autumn bring rates down to €50 to €100. Winter rates drop to €40 to €70, though fewer convertible models are available. These are daily rates before insurance, fuel, and any local taxes.

The rental period matters. A one-week rental usually costs less per day than a single day. A three-day weekend rental typically falls between the two. Most companies charge a one-time booking fee (€5 to €15) and require you to return the car with a full fuel tank or pay their refill rate, which is higher than station prices.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license held for at least one year, a passport or ID card, and a credit card in your name to rent a convertible in Nice.
  • Collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance is optional but strongly recommended; it costs €10 to €20 per day and reduces your liability if the car is damaged.
  • Airport rentals are convenient but often cost €10 to €20 more per day than city-centre locations because of airport fees.
  • Booking online in advance usually saves 20 to 30 percent compared to walk-up rates, and you can compare prices across companies in one search.
  • Return the car with a full tank of fuel and document any existing damage with photos before you drive away, because rental companies charge for fuel refills and may dispute damage claims without evidence.

What documents and age requirements you need

You must be at least 21 years old to rent a convertible in Nice. Most companies require you to be 25 to avoid a young-driver surcharge (€15 to €25 per day for drivers aged 21 to 24). Drivers under 21 cannot rent at all.

Bring your original driver's license, a passport or national ID card, and a credit card in your own name. The credit card is used to hold a security deposit, typically €500 to €1,500 depending on the car. The company does not charge this amount unless you damage the car or incur other fees; it is released when you return the vehicle undamaged. Some companies accept debit cards, but credit cards are preferred because they offer stronger fraud protection.

If you are renting under an international driver's license, carry your home country's license as well. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not legally required in France if you hold a valid EU, US, Canadian, or Australian license, but some rental companies ask for one anyway. Obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association before you travel if you want to avoid this friction.

Airport versus city-centre rental locations

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has rental desks for all major companies in the arrivals hall. The advantage is convenience — you land and pick up the car when ready. The disadvantage is cost: airport rentals include a 10 percent airport tax plus a facility fee, adding €10 to €20 per day to the base rate. If you are staying in Nice for several days before driving, returning the car to the airport at the end costs extra because you have to drive back.

City-centre locations in Nice (Rue Gioffredo, near the train station, or Promenade des Anglais) have no airport surcharge and are cheaper by €10 to €20 per day. You can walk to them from your hotel or take a taxi for €15 to €25 from the airport. The trade-off is that you do not have the car when ready upon arrival, but if you are spending a day or two in Nice before driving elsewhere, this delay does not matter.

Compare both options when you book. Some companies offer a discount if you pick up at the airport and return at a city location (or vice versa), which can offset the airport fee if your itinerary suits it.

Insurance options and what they actually cover

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance is the main product offered. It costs €10 to €20 per day and reduces your liability if the car is damaged in an accident from the full security deposit (€500 to €1,500) down to a small excess (€0 to €300). Without CDW, you are responsible for the full repair cost if there is damage.

Theft protection is usually bundled with CDW. Personal effects coverage (for items left in the car) is optional and rarely worth buying — your travel insurance or home insurance usually covers this already. Windscreen and tyre coverage is also optional; it costs €3 to €5 per day and covers repairs to the windscreen or tyres that would otherwise be your responsibility.

Check whether your personal travel insurance or credit card already covers rental car damage. Many travel policies and premium credit cards include rental car coverage, which means you do not need to buy CDW from the rental company. Read your policy documents before you book, because if you buy duplicate coverage, you are paying twice.

One-way rentals (picking up in Nice and returning elsewhere) usually cost €50 to €200 extra depending on the distance. Some companies waive this fee if you book online in advance. Ask explicitly when you compare quotes.

How to book and what to expect on pickup day

Book online through the rental company's website or through a comparison site like Rentalcars.com, Kayak, or Costco Travel (if you are a member). Online bookings lock in the rate and let you compare insurance options before you commit. Walk-up rates at the desk are typically 20 to 30 percent higher.

When you arrive for pickup, the agent will ask you to inspect the car with them. Walk around the vehicle, check for dents, scratches, and interior damage, and point out anything you see. The agent will document this on the rental agreement. Take photos of the car's condition yourself with your phone — this protects you if the company later claims you caused damage you did not. Do not sign the agreement until you are satisfied with the damage assessment.

The agent will explain the fuel policy. Most companies require you to return the car with a full tank. Some offer a pre-purchase option where you pay for a full tank upfront (usually €60 to €80) and return the car empty; this is only worth it if you know you will use most of the fuel. If you return the car with less than a full tank, the company charges you for refill at a rate of €1.50 to €2.00 per litre — significantly more than station prices.

Ask about the mileage limit. Most convertible rentals in Nice are unlimited mileage, but some budget companies cap it at 100 to 200 kilometres per day and charge €0.25 to €0.50 per extra kilometre. Confirm this before you drive away.

Convertible models available and what they cost

The most common convertibles in Nice are the Fiat 500C (two-seater, €40 to €70 per day), Peugeot 308 CC (four-seater, €60 to €100 per day), and Renault Megane Cabriolet (four-seater, €70 to €110 per day). These are reliable, fuel-efficient, and suitable for coastal driving. Larger convertibles like the BMW 4 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet cost €120 to €200 per day and are less common in Nice.

Convertible tops are electric on all modern rentals — you press a button and the roof opens or closes in 15 to 20 seconds. There are no manual tops. All models have air conditioning, which you will need on hot days when the roof is up. Fuel consumption for a Fiat 500C is around 5 to 6 litres per 100 kilometres; for larger models, expect 7 to 8 litres per 100 kilometres.

Book the specific model you want if it matters to you, because availability varies by season. In summer, smaller convertibles like the Fiat 500C sell out quickly, and you may be offered an upgrade to a larger (and more expensive) model. If you book in advance, the company will hold your chosen model.

Driving a convertible on the French Riviera and returning the car

Convertibles are common on the Côte d'Azur, and roads are well-maintained. The Corniche roads between Nice, Cannes, and Monaco are scenic but narrow and winding — drive carefully, especially in summer when traffic is heavy. Parking in Nice city centre is tight; convertibles are no harder to park than regular cars, but theft is a concern. Use a find car park (parkings gardés) rather than street parking if you are leaving the car unattended.

Return the car on time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate (€40 to €150 per day depending on the model) or sometimes at an hourly rate if you are only a few hours late. Fill the fuel tank completely before you return it — the gauge should read full. If you return it with less fuel, the company charges you for the shortfall at their refill rate.

Return the car to the same location you picked it up from unless you booked a one-way rental. Bring your rental agreement and keys. The agent will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level, and review the mileage. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If there is no damage and the fuel is full, you are done — the security deposit is released to your credit card within 3 to 7 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a convertible in Nice?

No, if you hold a valid US, Canadian, Australian, or EU driver's license. France recognizes these licenses for up to one year. An International Driving Permit is not legally required, but some rental companies ask for one anyway. If you want to avoid this, obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association before you travel.

What happens if I damage the convertible roof?

Roof damage is covered under Collision Damage Waiver insurance if you purchase it. Without CDW, you pay the full repair cost, which can be €1,000 to €3,000 for a convertible top. Roof damage is common enough that CDW is worth the €10 to €20 per day cost. Document the roof's condition with photos before you drive away.

Can I rent a convertible if I am under 25?

Yes, if you are at least 21. Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a young-driver surcharge of €15 to €25 per day. Some companies require an additional security deposit for drivers under 25. Check the rental company's policy when you book.

Is it cheaper to book through a comparison site or directly with the rental company?

Comparison sites like Rentalcars.com and Kayak usually show the same rates as the company's website, but occasionally one site has a promotional code the others do not. Book whichever shows the lowest total price. Always read the cancellation policy — some comparison sites have stricter terms than the company's direct website.

What should I do if the rental company claims I damaged the car after I returned it?

Request a copy of the damage photos and the repair invoice. If you took photos of the car's condition before you drove away, compare them to the company's photos. If the damage is not visible in your photos, dispute the charge with your credit card company — they will investigate. Keep all rental paperwork and photos for at least 30 days after you return the car.