Car rental in France at the best price

As one of the main global tourist destinations, France has plenty to offer. Unsurprisingly Paris is the main city to visit whilst holidaying in France. A city full of elegance, arts and great wine, Paris is known as the world’s fashion capital. Daily hordes of tourists come together to see some of France’s main attractions and monuments - from the iconic Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe. The country’s culture, history, cuisine, lavender fields and charm all congregate to make France a very appealing place for visitors.

Auto Europe with its trusted partners will find you the ideal car rental quotation. Partnering with local, domestic and international car rental suppliers has allowed us to provide a large selection of vehicles in which to choose from. With convenient pick-up points all over the country, collecting your car rental in France shouldn’t be a problem. Therefore, regardless if you are visiting France for work or pleasure, for added peace of mind, consider booking a car hire through us – it’ll more than likely save you time and money.

What are the most important driving rules in France?

Driving abroad can be both an exhilarating and challenging experience. Ultimately, we’re not only here to provide a great quotation, but also advise you on the road rules and regulations of the country you are visiting.

• Vehicles in France drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left
• Drink and driving is illegal. For drivers with licences less than two years, a blood alcohol limit of 0,2% is in force. Other drivers have a blood alcohol limit of 0,5%.
• Using a mobile phone whilst driving is prohibited, unless you use a hands-free kit
• Passengers must wear seatbelts at all times whilst the vehicle is running
• Numerous petrol stations within cities are open 24 hours and accept all cash and card payments. In rural areas you may come across petrol stations that only accept cash
• On-board breathalysers must be available and provided to police when requested
• Many city centres have dedicated environmental areas which can only be accessed by cars with the relevant sticker. These areas are sign posted well but for further information we would recommend installing the green zone app. All car hire vehicles come with the sticker but please confirm its presence before entering such a zone or you could be fined.

What to do in France

With so much to see and do in France, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do. After all you wouldn’t want to return home having missed something. We have therefore put together these recommendations for you:

• The Eiffel Tower: Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is now one of the most visited landmarks in the French capital. At the time of its construction it was the tallest man-made structure in the world, and allowed for uninterrupted views over the city. Luckily for us, it was not removed as planned 20 years after its completion. Don’t forgo the opportunity when in Paris to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower and take in some amazing views over the French capital.


• The Montmartre: This historic districted can be found in Northern Paris and is a picturesque labyrinth of Parisian courtyards, squares and streets. Its rise to fame started in the 12th Century, during the Belle Époque, when it became a central point for world renowned artists and studios. Nowadays, artists have been priced out of the area and it has become more touristic. However, don’t let this dishearten you; the area is still well worth a visit.


• The Arena of Nîmes: Only an hour’s drive from Montpellier and located in Nîmes you will discover a wonderfully preserved Roman Amphitheatre. Known as the Arena of Nîmes, this monument dates back to 70 AD and is still even to this day being used for events. The arena has been modernised to incorporate a heating system, retractable roof and seating for up to 24,000 guests.


• Camargue: Located within the Rhône River region, Camargue is a nature reserve near the Mediterranean Sea and a perfect place to take your car rental in France to. Covering 360 square miles and home to flamingos and wild-horses, this beautiful nature reserve park also contains lagoons, marshes and mesmerising coastlines.

Road trips with my car rental in France

With your car you can explore as far or near as you like. Being such a vast country means that numerous road trips are on offer – all of which are exceptional. To help you on your way, here are a few inspirational ideas

• The Island of Corsica: Located in the Mediterranean Sea, just south of the French mainland is the Island of Corsica. Home to idyllic seaside towns and plenty of history, this island is formed by at least 75% of mountains – allowing for ample hiking opportunities. The Island’s capital city of Ajaccio is the largest on the island and was once the birth place of Napoleon.


• Côte d'Azur (French Riviera): Luring an estimated 1 million tourists per year, the French Riviera is by far the most popular tourist region in the south of France. Stretching from the Italian border in the east, along the Mediterranean coastline to the city of Cassis in the west. Brimming with lively night clubs, casinos, restaurants and cafés, this region is known as the playground for the rich and famous – with St. Tropez being the most predominant. From stylish port towns to marinas packed with million dollar yachts, this is the perfect location to hire one of our luxury vehicles.


• Loire Valley: If you’re looking for an area with an abundance of French culture and history then the Loire Valley is the ideal place. A UNESCO world heritage site, this area has an estimated 300 renaissance palaces, castles and manor houses – all of which are scattered along the river bank. This historic region is located in central France, and is a pleasant landscape full of vineyards and traditional places in which to eat typical French food.

How old do I have to be to rent a car in France?

Drivers in France must have a minimum of 18 years of age to be legally allowed to drive. However, individual car hire suppliers can impose their own age restrictions. In general, drivers less than 24 years of age will have to pay an additional “Young Driver Fee” upon collecting the vehicle. Please refer to your booking voucher for more in-depth information on amount and other requirements.

Do I need to pay tolls when driving my car rental in France?

France has an extensive toll network which covers nearly all motorways. Known locally as a Autoroute, you pay per distance travelled. Different vehicle classes exist and are charged at different rates. Consult our fleet guide to find out what type of vehicles we offer. You collect your ticket from the toll booth before entering the motorway. Then when you exit you hand over the ticket to the toll booth and pay the requested amount.

French motorways can be costly, as an example you can expect to pay 55 euros from Paris to Bordeaux. Toll booths accept Mastercard, Visa and cash. Different lanes exist for different payment options, so make sure you get into the right lane when you approach the booth.

A lane with a credit card sign on will only allow for card payments. A lane with a person sign will allow for all payment types and a lane with a télépéage notice will allow you to use an electronic transponder for auto payments. Please discuss obtaining an electronic transponder with your car hire supplier locally. For further toll information consult the tolls in France page.

A Bit of History

France is one of the oldest countries in Europe and as such has a long and rich history. Its culture and cuisine has throughout the centuries had a profound impact on the European stage. World renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, writers such a Marcel Proust, Victor Hugo and composers such as Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Georges Bizet, have all contributed significantly to European culture.

France was a colonial empire with territories across Africa, Asia, Oceania, Antarctica and the Americas – even till this day 29 countries have French as their official language. Throughout, various stages in its history France have been at war with its neighbours and beyond - more notably during the Napoleonic Era and during the two World Wars. French revolutions saw the implementation of the French Republic. France was an allied power during the First and Second World War and saw significant damage to its cities due to it being the main battle front during both wars.

France is now a member of the Eurozone and the largest country in the European Union, having helped establish it in 1957 (then known as the European Economic Community (EEC)). It has the fourth largest number of UNESCO sites which reinforces the impact it has had on European culture. France is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a member of NATO, G7, WTO and a nuclear power.

What is the currency in France?

France has had the Euro since January 1999, which replaced the French Franc. Bank accounts with a different currency may be charged fees and conversion rates when being used within the Eurozone. It is therefore recommended to advise your bank beforehand and obtain information to minimise these charges. Bank branches and ATM machines can be found throughout French towns and cities, and to a lesser extend in rural areas – making withdrawing cash easier.

What time zone is France in?

France is on Central European Time (CET). This means that it is one hour ahead of the United Kingdom. Daylight Saving is observed from March until October. During this period the clocks will go back an hour.

Which are the most common phrases in French?

If you are staying in France for a few days, we would recommend you learn a few basic words to help during your stay. The effort will be well received by the locals.

Hello - Salut
Good morning - Bonjour
Good afternoon - Bon après-midi
Good evening - Bonsoir
Where is the closest police station? - Où se trouve le poste de police le plus proche?
Where is the closest hospital? - Où se trouve l'hôpital le plus proche?
Where is the closest ATM machine? - Où se trouve le guichet automatique le plus proche?
Can I pay by credit card? - Puis-je payer par carte de crédit?
Can I pay by debit card? - Puis-je payer par carte de débit immédiat?
How much does this cost? - Combien ça coûte?
Thank you - Merci
Keep the change - Gardez la monnaie

Electricity - Do I need a power adapter in France?

The current French voltage is 220 – 240 volts. The most common electrical sockets in France are the Type C Europlug, Type E and Type F Schuko plugs. Adapters can be bought at numerous airports or sea port terminals.

Do I need a visa to travel to France?

Citizens from other EU countries do not require a visa to visit France, however you will require a valid passport on your person at all times. A driving licence is not accepted as a form of identification. Consular help if needed can be obtained from your countries embassy or consulate. Please contact your countries consulate before arriving to confirm whether or not a visa is required.

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