Car rental in Paris at the best prices

Home to the world renowned Eiffel Tower, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. A culturally rich city, Paris is steeped in history, architectural splendour, culinary delights and numerous tourist attractions. A treasure trove of sights, its suburbs are equally as attractive and more than worth a visit. Trocadéro, Belleville, Montmartre and the Latin Quarter are all quaint Parisian neighbourhoods worth visiting.

Few places seamlessly combine vibrant restaurants, cafés, historical monuments and splendid tree-lined avenues as successfully as Paris. An attractive place throughout the centuries for writers, artists and the rich and wealthy, you’ll no doubt leave Paris with a yearning to return for more.

Through Auto Europe you can search, compare and book your car rental in Paris in just a few easy steps. We provide great deals from a large selection of vehicles across lots of global locations. Our long-lasting partnerships with local, national and international car suppliers, allows us to provide exceptional customer service along with competitive quotes. To place a reservation either use our secure online booking engine or call one of our agents on +44 123 3225 114. Visit our Paris car rental reviews page and check the latest opinions of our clients about our services

How's the traffic in Paris?

If driving in Paris it is best to avoid rush hour due to high levels of congestion, especially around the city centre. Within central Paris three ring roads exist, with Périphérique being the most central located. Make sure you pay particular attention to pedestrian crossings, because Parisians tend to cross the road even when there is a red pedestrian man showing. The Francilienne is located in the outer suburbs, whilst the A86 allows for access to inner suburbs.

France’s motorway network - although quite expensive - is well maintained and can get you around France quickly and efficiently. If you’d like to view more of France, you can hire a car in Paris and head to neighbouring cities. Nantes is located on the west coast, whilst Lyon is towards the east. Alternatively, if you’re looking for sunshine and warmer weather, then head south towards Nice – the French Riviera.

Where can I park my car hire in Paris?

Looking for parking in central Paris can be very tricky. We therefore advise, if you are staying at a centrally located hotel, to leave your car in the hotel car park and instead catch the efficient local public transport. If you are determined to drive, you can make an online booking to reserve a parking space in any of the city’s underground car parks. Although underground car parks are quite convenient, they can become full easily, especially the underground car park located at Notre Dame and Quai Branly-Eiffel Tower.

On-street parking exists and is metered from Monday to Saturday, 09.00 to 20.00. It is free during the night and on Sundays. Not all on-street parking is free during public holidays, therefore make sure you confirm times of operation on the road sign. Please note, that a yellow sticker on the meter indicates that the parking space isn’t free on public holidays. Meters do not accept cash, therefore if you wish to park at a meter you will have to purchase a Paris Carte from any newsagent.

The Paris Carte is a parking permit to be inserted into the meter machine. Once done, a printed out ticket will be provided by the machine to be displayed clearly on the vehicles windscreen. Alternatively, you can pay to park using a credit card or through the Pay-by-Phone app. A maximum limit of 2 hours is allowed for parking on-street. It is also good to note that the closer to the city centre you are, the more expensive parking is and the less parking is available.

Paris Airports

Paris has a total of three international airports. Orly Airport is located 9 miles south of the city, Beauvais-Tillé Airport is 55 miles north of Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport is around 16 miles north of Paris. Orly Airport was opened in 1932 and consists of two terminals. Beauvais-Tillé Airport was opened in the 1930s and also consists of two terminals. Paris’s and Frances main airport is Charles de Gaulle Airport. Opened in 1974, it consists of three terminals catering to major airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, China Southern Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways and United Airlines.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Telephone: +33 1 70 36 39 50
Website: www.parisaeroport.fr
Address: 95700 Roissy-en-France, France

Paris Orly (ORY)
Telephone: +33 892 56 39 50
Website: www.parisaeroport.fr
Address: 94390 Orly, France

Beauvais-Tillé (BVA)
Telephone: +33 892 68 20 66
Website: www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com
Address: Route de l'aéroport, 60000 Tillé, France

What to do in Paris

For centuries, Paris has been the beacon for innovation and European culture. Its arts, fashion, great food and literature have been at the forefront of influence throughout the European continent. A vibrant city with so much to offer, Paris provides top tourist attractions and entertainment for the visitor. These are our top recommendations:

• The Louvre: This 12th century fortress is located along the Seine river banks. Comprising of around 35,000 pieces, the Louvre is the world’s largest art museum. Here you’ll find such masterpieces as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.


• Eiffel Tower: As one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and is a great example of art nouveau architecture. Rising up an 900 feet, the tower provides multiple viewing platforms to allow for great views over the city of Paris.


• Pompidou Centre: Within this centres lively Piazza you’ll come across numerous street entertainers and food outlets. As the city’s main cultural centre, depending on the time of year you’ll come across rare pieces of art from Miró, Pollock and Picasso. At location you’ll also find the Musée National d’Art Moderne – a great place to spend the day.


• Arc de Triomphe: Rising up 164 feet, this wonderful centrepiece was completed in 1836 to celebrate Napoléon’s victory in Austerlitz. The monument encompasses various sculptures that portray past French glories. The arch is located at Place Charles de Gaulle and is presently the world’s largest.


• Notre-Dame: Taking around 200 years to finish, this riverside Cathedral is a splendid example of Gothic architecture. Inside the cathedral, visitors will be dazzled with the beautiful stained-glass windows. A spiral stair case also allows visitors to climb all the way to the top for some exceptional views over the city.


• Picasso Museum: Picasso’s world famous paintings, drawings and sculptures are housed in this 17th-century mansion house now turned museum. Picasso, who spent most of his time in France, sees much of his work housed here. From the 1923 Pipes of Pan painting to his earlier self-portrait paintings of the 1900s.

Best day trips with my car hire in Paris

There are lots to do with a car rental from Paris, with numerous points of interest easily accessible by car. The French motorways and national roads are well maintained and get you to your destination quickly and safely.

Versailles

With 700 rooms, the Versailles Palace is one of the worlds most splendid architectural gems. Only a quick drive from Paris, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a great day trip for the whole family. The exceptionally beautiful landscaped gardens, with its ponds, fountains, canals and lavish flowers, are a world in their own right. Don’t forget the Hall of Mirrors and the occasional musical fountain shows.

Disneyland Paris

The perfect day trip for the whole family, Disneyland Paris is only 20 miles east of the capital city. Opened in 1992, this amusement park has become one of the region’s main tourist attractions. Welcoming around 14.8 million tourists per year, the park contains several main rides, including, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Buzz Lighyear’s Astro Blaster and It’s a small world.

Fontainebleau

The iconic Château de Fontainebleau is located around 40 miles from the city of Paris in mature woodland. A royal residence between the 12th and 19th centuries, the Château’s design was inspired by Roman and Florence architecture. The residence houses the Napoleon Museum and a wonderful lush garden. The Jardim Anglais for example contains multiple rare species of plants and flora.

Reims

Only 80 miles north-east of Paris you’ll come across this famous Champagne region. Reims has its very own Notre-Dame dating back 800 years. This Gothic Cathedral has been the setting for many royal coronations – including that of King Charles VI. Another monument worthy of a mention is the 15th-century Salle du Tau hall with its rare ancient tapestries.

Geographic Information & History

Located on the River Seine you’ll find Paris, the capital city of France. The city covers a rough area of 35 square-miles and apart from some hills, it is relatively flat. Spreading over both banks of the river, the city’s centre point is that of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Being centrally located in France, with a car from Paris you can easily drive to any part of the country. From Paris you can head to Marseille in the south, Nantes in the west and Calais in the north.

From its humble beginnings as a fishing village, Paris was occupied by the Romans in 52 BC. Under Roman occupation, the town flourished and grew substantially in size and importance. During the Middle Ages, Paris became an important Catholic religious centre with many amazing buildings being built. Under Louis XIV, the city became a cultural hub and spread its influence across Europe and into European culture. Napoleon Bonaparte further expanded the city’s wealth and power, and even though he ultimately was defeated, the city still enjoys much of its status as a main world city till this day.

How to get around Paris

Paris has an efficient public transport infrastructure that serves the whole of Paris including much of its suburbs. The metro system was first opened in the 1900, and quickly became the most popular form of transport in the city. Presently, the metro serves around six million daily passengers and has excellent links with other transport options. The whole system is highly integrated, meaning that buses, trams and overhead trains connect seamlessly with the metro system.

Métro

With around 300 metro stations spread over 16 underground lines, the Paris Métro system is the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to move around the city. Entrance to the Métro system is sign posted with a letter ‘M’. With intervals of every two minutes, the metro system runs daily from 06.00 to 00.45 (Sun. – Thurs.) and 01.45 (Fri. – Sat.).

Bus

Generally running from 07.00 until 20.30, with some routes terminating at 00.30, the Paris bus network serves the whole city and surrounding suburbs. With several routes passing through the city and along the River Seine, buses also stop outside many Métro stations. Bus arrival times are indicator on an electronic display located on the bus stop. On boarding the bus, you must validate your ticket using the on-board machines. A night service also operates between 00.30 and 05.30. This service encompasses around fifty bus lines that spread out throughout the city.

Tram

Central Paris has four tram lines in operation. These eco-friendly trams will get you around the city centre with minimum stress and are a great way to travel and see Paris. Métro and RER overgound train tickets can be used on the tram system.

Train

Overhead trains, also known as RER, operate out of Paris to its surrounding suburbs and further afield. With five lines, timings are linked to the Métro system to allow for easy interchange for passengers. Tickets can be purchased from ticket machines and counters located at train and metro stations. Transilien regional trains set off from Nord, Lyon, Est, Montparnasse, Saint-Lazare and Austerlitz.

Taxi

Taxis operate throughout Paris and are a common form of travel within the city centre. A taxi is identified with a Taxi Parisien sign on its roof. Taxis can be hailed, pre-booked or picked up at a taxi rank. Available taxis will have their roof taxi sign lit in green.

Cycling

With around 450 miles of cycle lanes, Paris is the ideal city for cycling around. Its flat terrain lends itself well to cycling and with the added bonus of having traffic free zones on Sundays and public holidays, Paris is excellent for cycling. Cycle around La Roquette, Canal Saint-Martin and Luxemburg districts and enjoy these areas first hand. A bicycle sharing scheme exists in Paris and is a very cost-efficient form of travel. Bicycles are available 24 hours through this self-service facility.

Useful links

Paris Tourism