You’ve booked your vacation, so now it’s time to find the BEST Car Rental in France.
France is the perfect country for a road trip, and unless you’re coming across the channel from the UK with your own car, you’ll need to rent one.
Finding the best car rentals in France isn’t always easy. Knowing what you can and can’t do when driving here is often confusing, especially if your French is a little rusty.
And although I live in France, I don’t always take my own car. Sometimes, it’s just too far to drive, so I fly instead. Or I take the train to enjoy the scenery.
Either way, I often need a car to get around the French countryside, and you will too.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the entire French car rental process — and have advice based on my own experience of renting cars in numerous cities in France.
First things first, most people want to know about the best place to rent a car in France. I recommend and always use Discover Cars, and you’re about to see why in this article.
BEST FRANCE CAR RENTAL COMPANY
When booking car rentals online in France, I use Discover Cars. You’ll get the best deal — and have FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your rental.
Finding the BEST Car Rentals in France with Discover Cars
As we know, in our post-Covid world, plans can change quickly. One of the things I love about Discover Cars, apart from how good the deals are, is their cancellation policy.
You can cancel up to 48 hours before your rental period starts, and there is NO FEE to cancel.
The price of car hire has shot up recently, but every time I look, I get the best-discounted price from Discover Cars – leaving me more of my budget to spend on the fun parts of my vacation.
STEP 1 – Reserve your Car Online at the Discover Cars Website
If you use this link, it will already have France preset as the country. Enter your location and dates of hire, which will usually be the location of the airport you’re flying into, and this will load up your option of car rental companies.
My advice is to then filter by Supplier Rating in the right-hand corner. It will automatically filter by price, but for peace of mind, I also want to make sure I know what others have thought of the rental company too.
STEP 2 – Get Full Coverage Insurance with Discover Cars
The best option from an insurance point of view is to opt for the full coverage that Discover Cars has.
For a start, it’s cheaper than anything the car rental agencies will offer when they ask you to upgrade at the desk.
And secondly, they cover all exterior parts of the vehicle, with no exceptions, which many car rental companies don’t.
I always opt for their full protection cover when I rent with them as I know I don’t have to worry if something out of my control happens.
Check Rates & Availability With Discover Cars
What do Discover Cars cover, and what don’t they cover
One thing to remember is when you decline the car rental company’s insurance, you will have to give them a holding deposit for damages. The amount will change depending on who you have used. It’s usually between €250 – €500.
If you return the car without any damages, the deposit is refunded. If, however, there are damages, the cost of the damage is then taken from your deposit.
Of course, you don’t have to take their protection cover.
You can still rent from Discover Cars, take advantage of their great rates and NO FEE cancellation policy, without taking out the cover.
Check Rates & Availability With Discover Cars
DISCLAIMER
This is my experience only from having used Discover Cars in France when I needed to rent a car. Unfortunately, I have no way of predicting what your experience will be. If in doubt, I recommend taking a look at their 131K+ Reviews on Trust Pilot.
When is the most expensive month to rent a car in France?
July and August, are the expensive months, but the cheapest time to rent a car in France is in January, although not necessarily in the French Alps.
The snow pulls in the visitors, and January, although quieter than December, February and March, can still be busy.
The graph below from Discover Cars gives you a great snapshot of the weekly rates for car rentals throughout the year.
What are reputable Car Rental Companies in France?
There are plenty of car rental companies to choose from in France, but the top ten in 2023 are:
SIXT
- Excellent 8.9 / 1024 reviews
- 154 locations
- € 27 – € 327
Europcar
- Excellent 8.8 / 538 reviews
- 298 locations
- € 30 – € 456
Alamo
- Excellent 8.7 / 1560 reviews
- 77 locations
- € 27 – € 272
Keddy
- Excellent 8.7 / 1483 reviews
- 188 locations
- € 26 – € 100
Budget
- Excellent 8.7 / 199 reviews
- 70 locations
- € 30 – € 400
Enterprise
- Excellent 8.6 / 794 reviews
- 164 locations
- € 25 – € 280
Avis
- Excellent 8.6 / 279 reviews
- 205 locations
- € 22 – € 230
National
- Excellent 8.6 / 122 reviews
- 77 locations
- € 33 – € 300
Dollar
- Excellent 8.6 / 75 reviews
- 53 locations
- € 30 – € 92
Hertz
- Excellent 8.3 / 246 reviews
- 85 locations
- € 29 – € 279
Check Rates & Availability With Discover Cars
How to Rent a Car in France as a Tourist
Once you have your flights and accommodation booked don’t leave it too long before booking your car rental.
Things get booked up fast, especially during the high season, and if you’re looking for lower rates on rental prices.
The best way to rent a car in France is to reserve your car online before you arrive in France.
If possible, choose rental locations such as a major airport or train station, as it’s easier and doesn’t involve trying to get to difficult locations to pick up your car.
What age do you need to be to Rent a Car in France?
Anyone who wants to rent a car in France must be over 18 and hold a valid driver’s license. However, sometimes the requirement is 21 or over, and in other cases, it can be 25 or over.
When my daughter came to visit a couple of years ago with her boyfriend at the time, they had rented a car from Limoges airport.
Luckily, her boyfriend was 25 years old, as the car hire company wouldn’t accept anyone younger. It ruled out my daughter though, as she was only 22 at the time.
Check Rates & Availability With Discover Cars
Renting a Car in France as an American
My recommendation would be to get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), as it makes things easier.
You can drive on a US Driver’s License if your trip is under 90 days, but only if there is a notarized translation in French.
You can get an IDP from the American Automobile Association here >>>
Can you use an International Driving License in France?
Yes, you can use an International Driving License in France if you are in the EU. However, if you’re a non-EU license holder, and your license isn’t in French, you will need to have an International Driver’s Permit.
Find out more about the IDP requirements here >>>
What insurance do you need with a car rental in France?
As a minimum, you will need third-party liability insurance, which, is normally included as standard with your car rental.
At the very least, I recommend adding cover for theft and collision damage waiver (CDW).
As I mentioned above, all this and more is covered in the Protection Cover with Discover Cars, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Top Tips for Car Rentals in France
Book early for the best deals
A little obvious, I know, but all the best deals happen in advance. As the date of your trip gets nearer, availability goes down, and the price for small rentals and luxury rentals goes up. In this case, playing the waiting game doesn’t work.
If you’re looking for cheap car rentals make sure you get your booking squared away early.
Plus, if you prefer driving an automatic transmission, then you’ll definitely want to book early. In France, manual transmission cars are the norm not automatic.
So if you leave it too long before booking, you may be stuck with a manual.
Have the right equipment
Don’t get caught out on this one. There are certain requirements in France when it comes to what you MUST carry in your car.
Compulsory car equipment in France
Every car must have a red emergency triangle to be used if the car breaks down, letting other drivers know something has happened.
You also need to make sure there are enough yellow vests for every passenger in the car.
And finally, some spare brake lights. I have no idea why, but ours is not to question ours is to do and take notice.
Travelling in areas where there is snow
If you’re planning a trip to the snow, you’ll probably need either snow tyres or chains. These are mandatory and come into force from November 1st to March 31st.
Get the right cover with Travel Insurance
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and I never go anywhere without travel insurance. You just never know what might happen from lost luggage to hospital visits it can run into the thousands.
Personally, I use SafetyWing as they cover everything, even the things you don’t think of, for as long or shorter periods as you want. I have an article on why you need travel insurance here if you want to find out more.
Is it a good idea to Rent a Car in France?
It depends on your travel plans as to whether or not it’s a good idea to rent a car in France. France is a big country, and once you get out of the small towns and into the country, you’ll need a car.
I live in a rural part of the Charente and wouldn’t survive without a car. If you’re planning to explore the southwest of France and travel through the different departments, a car will be a priority.
Plus, it would be a sin to miss out on all those pretty French villages that have won awards for their beauty, such as Brantome and Aubeterre-sur-Dronne.
And there is no such thing as Uber in many parts of France, or any taxi service if you’re rural like me.
However, if you’re planning to spend most of your time in major cities like Paris or Bordeaux without going further afield, probably not.
Whenever I go to Bordeaux, I leave the car at home and enjoy walking around the city or using the City Pass for the trams and public transport.
Check Rates & Availability With Discover Cars
Driving in France
The roads in France are pretty good and, in general, well-maintained. It’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the roads when going to a different country.
Hubby and I always divide and conquer. He hates driving in cities, especially if he’s never been there before, but it doesn’t bother me in the slightest. I learnt to drive in London so cities don’t scare me.
However, I hate the long, boring drives on the motorways and prefer to work on my laptop while he drives.
So he does the long stretches, and I do the more intense, shorter city driving.
One of the things I love about living in France is that traffic isn’t really an issue. Now, if you’re driving in Paris, that’s a whole other ball game.
But generally, France doesn’t have the huge amounts of traffic you’d see somewhere like London on the M25 or LA on the I15.
If it says it’s going to take an hour to get somewhere, it takes an hour.
Types of Roads in France
Autoroutes (A-Roads): These are the high-speed toll highways in France. They are well-maintained and efficient for long-distance travel, often marked with blue signs. You’ll need to pay tolls to use these roads.
Routes Nationales (N-Roads): National roads are typically free to use and are a good option for shorter distances or when you want to explore smaller towns.
Routes Départementales (D-Roads): Departmental roads are local roads that may vary in quality. They are often used for accessing smaller villages and scenic routes.
Tolls (Péages) in France
France has an extensive network of toll roads. Toll rates vary depending on the distance and type of vehicle. Toll booths accept cash, credit cards, and some may have automated payment lanes.
Major toll road operators include Vinci Autoroutes, APRR (Autoroutes Paris-Rhin-Rhône), and SANEF (Société des Autoroutes du Nord et de l’Est de la France).
Some rental cars come equipped with electronic toll tags for convenience.
Speed Limits in France
Speed limits in France are typically signposted and are as follows:
- Autoroutes: 130 km/h (80 mph), in good weather; 110 km/h (68 mph) in wet weather.
- National Roads: 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph).
- Urban Areas: 50 km/h (31 mph).
Road Signs in France
Familiarise yourself with French road signs and symbols, as they may differ from those in your home country.
Key signs include stop signs (STOP), yield signs (CEDEZ LE PASSAGE), and no entry signs (INTERDIT).
Priorité à droite is a rule that most tourists don’t know. It’s used when there is no indication of a crossing, such as a stop sign.
Priority is always given to the car coming from the right, no matter what.
And finally, the classic ‘right on red’ turn that is allowed in some States in the United States, which always got me when I drove in California, doesn’t work over here in France.
It isn’t allowed and, it’s illegal, so forewarned is forearmed.
Top Road Trips to Take in France with a Rental Car
Normandy Coastal Drive: Begin your journey in Normandy, a region steeped in history and natural beauty.
Follow the picturesque coastal roads along the English Channel, passing charming fishing villages like Honfleur and Étretat with its iconic cliffs.
Explore D-Day landing beaches and taste the region’s famous Camembert cheese and apple cider.
Provence Lavender Route: In the south of France, embark on the Provence Lavender Route during the summer months to witness fields ablaze with fragrant lavender.
Drive through quaint villages like Sault and Valensole, stopping to sample lavender-infused honey and soak in the vibrant colours of the countryside.
Alsace Wine Route: Satisfy your palate on the Alsace Wine Route, winding through the vineyard-covered hills of northeastern France.
Discover beautiful towns like Colmar and Riquewihr while savouring world-class Rieslings and Gewürztraminers in picturesque wineries.
This is a good one to do at Christmas, so you can enjoy the Christmas Markets.
French Riviera Corniche: Experience the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera by taking the scenic Corniche road that hugs the Mediterranean coastline.
Drive through Nice, Monaco, and Menton, basking in the azure sea views, and don’t forget to indulge in fresh seafood along the way.
Pyrenean Mountain Loop: For a taste of France’s natural grandeur, embark on a road trip through the Pyrenean Mountains.
Start in Toulouse and traverse the rugged landscape, encountering beautiful valleys, lakes, and charming Pyrenean villages like Saint-Lary-Soulan and Gavarnie, with opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Common FAQS When Renting a Car in France
Which rental car company is the best for international travel?
Hmm, knowing the best car rental company for international travel depends on what your criteria are. If you’re looking for the best-priced car then Avis is probably your best pick. However, if it’s the highest-rated, then I’d go with SIXT.
For me, I nearly always go with Europcar, as I’ve never had bad service with them.
Which rental car company has the nicest cars?
There isn’t really a rental car company that has nicer cars than others in France. The important thing is customer rating, as this gives a good reflection on the type of service you will get, along with the quality of the car.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in France?
The minimum age to rent a car in France is 18, but every car rental place is different, so it really depends on who you use. Some car rental companies require you to be 25, so read the small print to find out before renting.
Is it easy to hire a car in France?
Yes, it is easy to rent a car in France. Depending on the country in which you hold your driver’s license, you may need to get an International Driving Permit. You will also need an ID and a credit card to pay a damage deposit.
Why is car hire so expensive in France?
Car hire in France is now in line with most other countries in Europe. The price tends to go up during the high season, but otherwise, it is reasonable. As with many things, the further in advance you book, the cheaper the price.
Should I rent a car in France?
If you’re looking to see all the historic villages or coastlines in France, then, yes, I would rent a car. It can be hard to get around on public transport in the more rural areas. Many of the train stations aren’t in the centre of town which means trying to get taxis, and there aren’t always any of them either.
If however, you’re staying in one of the cities in France, you probably won’t need a car as everything is much more accessible.
Final thoughts on the BEST Car Rentals in France
Driving around France on a road trip is a lot of fun. It allows you to see so much of this wonderful country, and renting a car for your vacation, allows you to do this.
The reason I keep using Discover Cars is because I get such good service and prices from them. The experience is seamless, and it’s one less thing to worry about when planning my trips.
The post Where to find the BEST Car Rentals in France in 2023 appeared first on Life in Rural France.
