Car rental in Saint Gilles Reunion - Thrifty Reunion agency

A Branch Just Steps from the Seaside

Our brand-new car rental agency in Saint-Gilles welcomes you from Monday to Friday, offering a wide selection of rental vehicles. Saint-Gilles is undoubtedly a top tourist destination, with its sandy beaches, numerous hotels and restaurants, and the charming Saint-Paul district. Staying in Saint-Gilles, you are guaranteed never to be bored.

The town also hosts the annual Grand Boucan Carnival, promising a festive and lively atmosphere. Rent your vehicle in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and explore Réunion while following the coastline.

And if you wish to return your car just before catching your flight, you can conveniently choose the airport as your drop-off location when booking.

Where is Saint-Gilles-les-Bains?

Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, or simply Saint-Gilles (postal code 97434), is a town on the west coast of Réunion. This seaside resort lies south of the Saint-Paul coastline and is home to some of the island’s most famous and beautiful beaches. Once a small village of farmers and fishermen, Saint-Gilles has grown into one of Réunion’s top tourist destinations, offering a lively atmosphere with numerous shops, boutiques, bars, and nightclubs. Today, the town has a population of over 5,800 residents.

Saint-Gilles is located 35 kilometers by car from Saint-Denis, the island’s capital. The town is mainly accessible via the N1 highway connecting Saint-Denis to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, with a drive of around 30 minutes.

Where is the Thrifty Agency in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains?

Our car rental agency in Saint-Gilles is located along the coastline and is easily accessible via the N1A towards Saint-Leu. Our team is available seven days a week, from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, to assist you with pick-up or return of your vehicle.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented strict safety measures for both our premises and rental vehicles, including:

• Cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, keys, pens, and payment terminals after each use

• Providing hand sanitizer and Plexiglass protective screens at the counters

• Requiring staff and clients to wear masks and maintain social distancing

Which Cars to Choose in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains?

Several types of vehicles are ideal for driving around Saint-Gilles:

• SUVs and Crossovers: Perfect for inland roads, these vehicles handle steep, winding, and mountainous routes with ease.

• City Cars: Ideal for urban driving or cruising along the coast, they are easy to park, maneuverable, and fuel-efficient, perfect for trips to the beach, shopping, or sightseeing.

• Hybrid or Eco-Friendly Cars (Green Collection): Environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient, these cars can be recharged at nearly 50 stations across the island and are perfect for primarily urban travel.

Requirements to Rent a Car in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains

To rent a car at Thrifty Saint-Gilles:

• Hold a valid driving license for at least one year and be at least 21 years old. Some vehicles may require a higher minimum age or longer driving experience.

• Present a valid ID or passport for all drivers

• Provide a credit or debit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit

For any questions about booking a vehicle, please contact us.

Services at the Thrifty Agency in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains

Our Saint-Gilles agency offers modern, clean, and secure vehicles, with a large fleet ensuring the best value for money on the island. All rentals include, unless otherwise stated:

• Unlimited mileage

• Air conditioning

• Radio / audio system

Payment options:

• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx)

• Holiday vouchers (ANCV)

• Cash (up to €1000)

Additional options:

• GPS for vehicles without built-in navigation

• Additional drivers (up to 5)

• Baby seats

• Booster seats (for children up to 10 years old)

• Late arrivals (after 9:00 PM)

Why Rent a Car in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains?

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Réunion. Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is rich in attractions and offers numerous activities for leisure, relaxation, and entertainment. With shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs close to the seaside, it’s perfect for shopping and nightlife enthusiasts. A compact city car is ideal for tourists and water sports lovers, easy to navigate through traffic and perfect for getting around town.

The 3 Most Beautiful Beaches in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains

L’Hermitage Beach

The longest beach on Réunion, stretching 7 kilometers, is just a 10-minute drive from Saint-Gilles. White sand, crystal-clear water, and a coral reef make it a paradise for paddleboarding and snorkeling. The filaos trees provide shaded picnic areas.

Boucan-Canot Beach

Located in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, this popular beach is famous for surfing and its natural swimming pool formed by volcanic rocks. Parking is free nearby, although street parking along the beach is restricted.

Roches Noires Beach

A 2-kilometer white sand beach near the town center, perfect for walking, swimming, and surfing, offering a lively seaside promenade.

Top 5 Things to See in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains

Eden Garden

A true paradise with native flora and fauna, located 10 minutes by car via N1A and 20 minutes’ walk from L’Hermitage Beach

Aigrettes and Cormoran Pools

15 minutes by car from Saint-Gilles, offering stunning waterfalls and scenic spots. Wear comfortable shoes for walking

Saint-Gilles Port

Just 20 minutes’ walk from the town center, featuring the Réunion Aquarium, restaurants, bars, and water activities like diving and fishing.

Réunion Aquarium

Discover over 700 fish across 180 species in a family-friendly and educational environment.

Bazaltik Lava Tunnels

Unique geological formations providing a fun, educational, and unforgettable experience exploring Réunion’s volcanic heritage.