Hiring a car in France
Are you hoping to explore France on your next holiday? While France has plenty of gorgeous cities, some of the country’s most scenic spots are located in the countryside off the beaten path. Renting a car will help you see all the places you want to explore during your time in France. While public transport is good in the major cities, many areas of France are most easily accessible by car. Hiring a car is the best way to experience France and see the country like a local.
Things to know before hiring a car in France
When you rent a car in France, it’s important to follow the country’s road rules. Like most of Europe, the people of France drive on the right side of the road. This can be confusing at first for Australians who are used to driving on the opposite side. And while automatic cars are common in Australia, the majority of French cars have manual transmission. If you would like to drive an automatic while in France, be sure to make that request in your booking.
To rent a car in France, you must be at least 21 years old, and you must have had a full driving license for at least a year. If you are younger than 25, you’ll also have an extra young driver fee added to the rental rate. You must have an international driving license to drive in France along with a French translation of your Australian license. You can apply for both of these online while you’re still in Australia.
In France, all cars must have a fluorescent safety vest and a warning triangle in the car in case of an accident or breakdown. Hopefully you won’t need to worry about this, but in the event of an issue with the car, put on the vest and place the warning triangle on the side of the road about 30 metres behind the car.
While driving in France, it’s important to have rental car insurance. If this isn’t already covered by your travel insurance plan, you can purchase rental insurance from the rental car company for a small fee.
What to do when hiring a car in France
France is packed full of road trips and scenic drives. Each region of the country is unique. When you rent a car in France, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
If you are keen to see the French Alps, plan a road trip in the east of France. You can reach the Alps fairly easily in a car from Lyon. Not many towns in the French Alps are accessible by public transport, so renting a car is the best way to explore the area. If you visit in winter, the Alps offer great skiing. During the other seasons, there are some nice hikes throughout the Alps. The region has lots of beautiful scenery, the town of Annecy, and many quaint mountain villages.
Head south, and you can visit the Provence region of France. Provence is particularly known for its expansive lavender fields that make up much of the region. As well as lavender, a road trip around Provence will take you to lots of medieval villages, the Verdon Gorge, and the scenic town of Avignon.
Continue south to the French Riviera, which is one of the most popular regions in France among both travellers and locals. Along the French Riviera, you’ll be spoiled with amazing views of the Mediterranean, lots of delicious food, and some great towns and cities. Start your road trip in Marseille and make your way east to Menton. Take your time along the way and explore all of the beautiful towns and villages you drive through.
