Touring France By Car
France is an amazing country and it’s no wonder it is the most visited country in the world. With less traffic on
the road than neighbouring countries, your hire car will give you a real feel for the true France with beautiful
countrysides filled with unparalleled cities, orchards, vineyards, fortified castles and tiny
cobblestone villages seemingly untouched by time.
Whether you want to get a convertible and cruise with the top down in Bordeaux, mix with the celebrities in St
Tropez, ski up to your chalet in the Alp’s, or just keep it simple and kayak around Corsica with the kids, whatever it is you would like to do we can help you get there and make your dream become a reality. This guide is
designed to help you plan your self drive holiday, with everything from choosing the right vehicle, road rules,
driving tips and ideas on routes to make the most of France’s diverse regions. There is endless
possibilities with the freedom of your car rental.
Tips on Driving In France
- Drive on the RIGHT hand side of the road. The driver sits on the left hand side of the car.
- If you park illegally you will receive a ticket. You can pay by buying a ‘ timbre fiscal’ (tax stamp) from a tobacconist, stick it on the ticket and mail it to the authorities.
- If you see the officer or warden you can pay them direct and keep the receipt.
- Car rental companies will bill you and apply a surcharge.
- On almost all motorways you will pay a toll, depending on the distance. Pick-up a machine-dispensed ticket upon entering the motorway, then pay on exit; don’t lose the ticket or you will have to pay the maximum fee.
- Choose your lane to pay by person or machine with a credit card.
- At roundabouts, signs will indicate that traffic on the roundabout has priority. If there is no sign then the traffic entering the roundabout has priority.
- Don’t drive in Paris. Make use of one of the world’s best metro systems, or even walk to get the true Parisian feel and see the famous sites on foot.
- When it comes time see to the countryside, then driving is definitely the best option, and you will see the true France.
Insurance
- Car Rental companies in France will normally include:
- Third Party insurance:
- Compulsory insurance and will be included in your car hire rate. This covers you for injuries to others and damage to their vehicle.
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): This limits your financial liability for damage to the rented vehicle, and is normally included in prepaid car hire rates. Rentals are normally subject to liability excess, which can be reduced at the time you collect your rental car.
- Theft Loss Cover: This limits your financial liability for the loss or theft of the rented vehicle and is generally included in prepaid car rental rates.
- Fire and Liability: This limits your financial liability for bodily injury or death, and is normally included in prepaid car hire rates.
- Personal Accident Insurance: This covers the driver for personal injuries and is generally not included in your car rental rates. It is considered an optional extra that you can take upon collection of the car.
Min & Max Age Requirements
- Min Driving Age: Usually 21; however for full size vehicles the minimum age is 23.
- Young Driver’s Surcharge: Drivers aged 21-24 years may be charged from €30 including tax per day.
- Max Driving Age: The majority of locations in France do not have a maximum driving age, however there may be restrictions for drivers aged 70-75 in some regions.
- In some cases, aged drivers may be required to hold a letter from their GP stating they are healthy and fit to drive.
Licence Requirements
- A full driving licence is required to drive in France. All drivers must have held a full valid driving licence for a
- minimum of one year.
- its a good idea to have an international drivers licence, this is strongly recommended since an international licence holds more credibility with the local traffic police than your home driving licence.
- Contact your local motoring association for further information.
- Carry your driver’s licence with you when you travel, as some authorities may not recognize the international driver’s license, and could ask for additional confirmation of your license.
