Car hire in France

Vineyards, Mediterranean resorts and the romantic allure of Paris are just a taste of what France has to offer. Getting off the beaten path is the best way to experience the gastronomic, historical and cultural treasures this country possesses, and a rental car is more than up to the task. Low rates and special deals are common in France from Hertz, Alamo, National and other firms whose current rates can be compared here. CarRentals aims to find you cheap car hire in France. Hiring a car in France will be your best bet to seeing the sites and getting around in your own free time.  You will see far more in a rental car than paying high prices for excursions and not having the control when you would like to stop and take photo's. France car hire depots will be scattered throughout the majority of it's towns and cities as well as it's major airports.

Car hire driving tips in France

France’s high-speed train network is the envy of many nations, but it only gets you from point A to point B. Much of this country’s charm lies in its hidden countryside attractions, requiring expensive taxi rides from city centres that restrict both time and one’s flexibility. When you compare car hire to taxi fares and train tickets, it almost always proves good value in a destination like France. Using a car hire France comparison search engine, such as CarRentals, you know you are getting the best deal possible across the market.

Need to know essentials

Driving licences: EU and foreign licenses are accepted by French police as long as they have been issued at least one year prior and are written in the Romanised alphabet. Nationals of non-EU countries must get an International Driving Permit.

Which side does France drives on: the right.

Speed limits:

Highways and dual carriageways (outside urban areas): 130kph

National or provincial roads: 110kph

Local roads: 80kph

Urban roads: 50kph

Alcohol limits: 0.05 per cent or 50mg/100ml. Drink driving is a serious offense in France, resulting in a steep fine and the possibility of license suspension and up to two years in jail.

Driving age: 18 years to drive but 20 years to rent a car. Drivers must have held their license for at least one year.

Compulsory items: a warning triangle and a spare set of light bulbs must be inside every car in France.

Seatbelts: all passengers are required to wear a seatbelt. Children less than 10 years old must sit in the rear only. Police frequently check these regulations are obeyed and issue fines to drivers who ignore them.

Mobile phones and GPS: driving while using a mobile device is illegal. Radar detectors are forbidden; drivers who ignore this rule may face a substantial fine. GPS is legal and often a good idea since many rural road signs in France are in French only. If you obtain car rental in France with us you will be given the oportunity to purchase GPS as an added extra.

Cost of fuel in France: unleaded petrol and diesel are expensive in France, though comparable or cheaper than in the UK.

Car hire and fuel payment: a major credit card is required as a damage deposit by car hire companies before the hirer can pick up a vehicle. Many petrol stations are self service and accept credit cards. Make note of this if you decide to reserve French car hire.

Insurance: French law requires car rental firms to provide liability coverage with every rental. Additional collision insurance is often minimal in cost so it is suggested car hirers purchase this extra cover for common trouble areas like cracked windscreens and flat tyres.

Traffic and parking: parking in urban areas of France is highly regulated and only allowed in spaces that are painted white. Yellow spaces are reserved for government and commercial vehicles. A yellow curb indicates dropping off and picking up passengers is allowed, but not parking. If your vehicle is gone, chances are it was towed. Be prepared to pay a hefty fine to get it back. Traffic is only an issue in France’s major urban centres like Paris.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives

French Alps – from lakeside Evian to the Mediterranean resort of Nice, the 740kms of winding road through the Alps are among Western Europe’s most spectacular and can be completed in three to seven days, preferably in the summer.

Crest Road – the Vosges is one of France’s oldest mountain ranges, and this meandering cruise provides countless places to pull off for a hike or grab some cheese in Munster or an espresso in Col de la Schlucht. 

Route des Grand Crus – it is only 60kms in length, but this scenic drive through Burgundy’s wine country passes dozens of legendary wineries that provide the perfect excuse for a stop and a thirst quencher. 

Gorges of the Ardeche – following the Ardeche River through the Rhone Valley, this road passes through epochs of geological magic, showcasing France’s finest canyons, caves and alien rock formations.

France travel tips 

Despite what they say, the French aren’t adverse to their guests, and their country is indisputably one of Europe’s most charming and scenic travel destinations. Being just across the Channel from the UK, France is the easiest driving destination on the continent and offers excellent travel facilities in all of its diverse and alluring provinces.

France weather and tourist seasons

The climate in France covers the full spectrum, from temperate conditions in the north to Mediterranean weather throughout the south and its popular coast. The mountainous west has a typical alpine climate, while the western coastline is much more temperate. The bulk of France experiences continental weather, with cold, snowy winters from October to February and hot, humid summers spanning June to August. In the southern regions, winters can be pleasantly mild, yet skiers can quickly escape to enjoy the snowy resorts of the Alps.

France contact numbers (+33)

Emergency services – 112

Emergency medical services – 15 (from mobile)

Emergency police – 17 (from mobile)

Emergency fire – 18 (from mobile)

Traffic news/weather/road accident – 33 48 94 33 33

British Consular Emergency Services – 33 1 44 51 31 00

British Embassy – 33 1 44 51 31 00

US Embassy – 33 1 43 12 22 22

Irish Embassy – 33 1 44 17 67 00

Canadian Embassy – 33 1 44 43 29 02

Australian Embassy – 33 1 40 59 33 00

Holidays and festivals

France is a country that truly respects the value of a holiday. By law, every French citizen gets five weeks of vacation each year, usually in July and August when the entire nation seems to make an exodus. France also enjoys a festive mix of religious, historic and cultural holidays that covers most of the annual calendar as well as a world-class roster of music, wine, food and sports festivals. All six movable feast religious days are national holidays as well as the usual European dates like New Year’s Day (1 January), Labour Day (1 May) and Christmas (25 December).

Money matters

France uses the euro as its currency. Exchange offices are commonly located in banks, post offices, train and bus stations, airports and near major tourist sites. French law forbids exchanging money in hotels or shops, but travellers cheques are accepted virtually everywhere. Banks open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, with a two-hour break from 13:00 to 15:00.

Health and safety

Except for the threat of hepatitis, which is an issue in even the cleanest countries, there are no major health concerns in France. The water is potable in all towns and cities though it is usually a good idea to stick to bottled water to avoid foreign microbes. All EU citizens are entitled to free or discounted healthcare in France in the case of sudden illness. Be sure to carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.

Fitting in…

The French are famous for their devotion to their art, food, wine, fashion and culture, and they expect visitors to appreciate it as well. Smart dress is an important aspect of French society, even though it can often be casual wear. The French often pretend they don’t understand English, so learning a few French phrases can go a long way to breaking the ice. If they sometimes appear impolite, don’t take it personally.

Visas for France

Citizens of the UK, Australia, Canada and the USA can enter without a visa for a stay of up to three months as long as they show a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry. Travellers from other countries should check with their local French embassy for visa details. A Schengen visa is issued, valid in several European countries.

Electricity

The voltage in France is 220-240 Volts, 50 Hertz, and most outlets use round, two-pin plugs. It is suggested that travellers bring a universal plug adapter kit.

Business hours
Oh those lucky French! France enjoys a 35-hour work week by law. Most businesses are open from 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, with a long lunch break. Department stores open on Saturdays as well, but small provincial shops often close all day on Mondays.

Helpful phrases

Bonjour - Hello

Au revoir – Goodbye

Comment allez-vous? – How are you?

Combien? – How much?

Désolé – I’m sorry

Excusez-moi – Excuse me

Je ne comprends pas – I don’t understand

Non merci – No thank you

Très bien – Very well

Resources online

www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/

www.wikitravel.org/en/France