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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in France
France
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
France
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
France
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
France
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in France?
France is a country of iconic landmarks, diverse regions, and exquisite cuisine, making it a dream destination for travellers. While France boasts an extensive rail network, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the country at your own pace. Here’s why a car rental is the perfect choice for experiencing France.
Unmatched Flexibility. Public transport can be limiting. With a rental car, you can spontaneously change your itinerary, visit hidden gems, and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations without being constrained by train or bus schedules.
Access to Remote Regions. Many of France's most stunning landscapes, such as the lavender fields of Provence, the charming villages of the Dordogne, and the rugged coastline of Brittany, are best accessed by car. Public transport to these areas can be infrequent or nonexistent.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling with luggage on public transport can be a hassle. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to transport your belongings, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey, whether you're travelling solo, with family, or on business.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing individual train tickets. Plus, sharing fuel costs makes road trips even more affordable and allows you to travel together in comfort.
Driving in France: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
French
Average petrol price
€1.85 per litre or €7.00 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
80-130 km/h or 50-81 mph
Currency
Euro
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
8.9/10
Dialling Code
+33
Driving in France can be a rewarding experience, offering scenic routes and the opportunity to explore the country's diverse landscapes. However, it's essential to be aware of local driving laws and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before getting behind the wheel in France.
1. General Driving Rules Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device. Children under 10 must use appropriate child restraints.
- Priority
- Traffic Lights
2. Speed Limits Speed limits vary depending on the type of road. In urban areas, the speed limit is typically 50 km/h (31 mph). On rural roads, it's usually 80 km/h (50 mph), and on dual carriageways, it may be 110 km/h (68 mph). On motorways, the speed limit is generally 130 km/h (81 mph), reduced to 110 km/h (68 mph) in wet conditions.
- Speed Cameras
- Radar Detectors
3. Toll Roads Many motorways in France are toll roads (péages). You can pay tolls with cash, credit card, or a toll tag (télépéage). Be prepared for frequent toll booths, especially on major routes.
- Toll Payment
- Electronic Toll Collection
4. Parking Parking regulations vary by city. Look for designated parking areas, and pay attention to parking signs. Blue zones (zone bleue) require a parking disc (available at tourist offices and shops). Illegally parked cars may be towed.
- Parking Zones
- Fines
5. Alcohol Limit The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers in France is 0.05%. Penalties for exceeding this limit are severe and can include fines, license suspension, and imprisonment.
- Breathalyser
- Penalties
Top drives in the France:
France is a country that offers a great variety of attractions: natural, cultural, historical, and modern. Its relatively small area and developed infrastructure allows to visit them all without difficulty.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your vacation is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice. That is why car rental is well developed in France, and you can hire any vehicle on the island, from a compact car to a luxury convertible. Since France’s land area is small, one or two weeks of vacation with a car can be enough to explore it all.
Car Rental Prices in France – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in France
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £55 / $69 / €63 per day*
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £35 / $44 / €40 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in France
Renting a car in France can be a fantastic way to explore the country, but it’s important to be mindful of costs. Here are some practical tips to help you save money on your car rental while still enjoying a great experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Car rental prices tend to increase as the pick-up date approaches. Booking well in advance can secure lower rates and a wider choice of vehicles. Aim to book several weeks or even months ahead of your trip, especially if you're travelling during peak season.
2. Compare Prices from Different Rental Companies.: Use online comparison websites to compare prices from various car rental companies. This allows you to quickly identify the most competitive offers. Be sure to check both local and international rental agencies.
3. Choose the Right Size Car for Your Needs.: Opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient car if you don't need a lot of space. Compact and economy cars are typically cheaper to rent and consume less fuel, which can result in significant savings over the course of your trip.
4. Decline Unnecessary Insurance.: Carefully review the insurance options offered by the rental company. If you already have adequate coverage through your credit card or travel insurance, you can decline the additional insurance to save money. However, make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions of your existing coverage.
5. Avoid Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off Fees.: Renting a car from an airport location often comes with additional fees. Consider taking a shuttle or public transport to an off-airport location to pick up your rental car. Similarly, dropping off the car at an off-airport location can also save you money.
6. Refuel Before Returning the Car.: Rental companies typically charge significantly higher prices for refuelling if you return the car with less fuel than when you picked it up. Refill the tank at a local gas station before returning the car to avoid these extra charges. Keep the refuelling receipt as proof.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in France?
Renting a car in France is relatively straightforward, but it's essential to have all the necessary documents and meet certain requirements. Here’s what you’ll typically need to rent a car in France.
Valid Driver’s Licence. You'll need a valid driver's license from your country of residence. If your license is not in a Latin alphabet (e.g., Greek, Arabic, Russian), you'll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Passport or ID Card. You'll need to present a valid passport or national ID card as proof of identity. This is especially important for non-EU residents.
Credit Card. A valid credit card in the name of the primary driver is required for the security deposit. The credit card must have sufficient available credit to cover the deposit amount. Some rental companies may also accept debit cards, but this is less common.
Minimum Age. The minimum age to rent a car in France is typically 21 years old, but some rental companies may require drivers to be at least 23 or 25 years old. Drivers under a certain age may also be subject to a young driver surcharge.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as France as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Scenic drives, charming towns; France was breathtaking!
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 05.02.2025
Pretty good, overall.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 06.12.2024
Relaxing road trip.
Ava Miller
Reviewed: 07.12.2024
France was magical! Exploring with the family was so easy thanks to our car. Wonderful memories.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 29.12.2024
Pretty decent trip
Ben Taylor
Reviewed: 13.06.2025
Heard amazing things, and they were true! Driving made exploring so easy.
Olivia Brown
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
Pretty laid-back, really.
Ethan Harris
Reviewed: 01.12.2024
Absolutely wonderful trip! Having a car made getting around so easy, especially exploring the stunning coastline. So relaxing.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 31.10.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 10.11.2024