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How to Rent a Car: What You Need at the Desk
To rent a car, bring a valid licence held over 1 year, a photo ID and a card in the main driver's name. Here is each step from booking to return.
Oct 27, 20267 min read
Driving in France
- Currency
- EUR
- Driving side
- Right-hand traffic
- Speed limits
- 50 / 80 / 130 km/h
- Alcohol limit
- 0.5 ‰
- Motorway tolls
- motorway tolls paid at the barrier
- Must carry
- a reflective vest and a warning triangle
- Rental locations
- 30
- Rental offices
- 535
- Rental companies
- 19
Rules of the road
Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on open roads and 130 km/h on motorways. The alcohol limit is 0.5 ‰, and 0.2 ‰ in the first years of driving. Daytime headlights are not compulsory. You must carry a reflective vest and a warning triangle in the car.
Tolls and winter tyres
Motorways charge at the barrier, payable by cash, card or an electronic tag. Winter tyres are compulsory when the road is snow-covered or icy. Snow chains must be carried where signs require them.
Compare car rental in France
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Popular searches in France
One click to the results with the filter already set.
Top cities in France
Airports in France
- Bastia – Poretta Airport BIA
- Beauvais-Tillé Airport BVA
- Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport BOD
- Brest Bretagne Airport BES
- Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport CFE
- EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg BSL
- Figari Sud-Corse Airport FSC
- Lille Airport LIL
- Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport LYS
- Marseille Provence Airport MRS
- Montpellier – Méditerranée Airport MPL
- Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE
Rental companies in France
Offices come from open map data — not every one can be booked through our search.
Frequently asked questions
France: which side of the road do they drive on?
On the right. Speed limits are posted at the roadside and differ between towns, open roads and motorways.
Which currency will I be charged in?
Prices are usually set in EUR. The rental company sets both the price and the deposit, and shows them before you book.
Can I drive the car into another country?
Often yes within the EU, but never assume it. Crossing a border has to be allowed by the rental company and usually costs extra, so check the terms before you book.
What are the speed limits in France?
50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on open roads, 130 km/h on motorways.
Are the motorways tolled?
Motorways charge at the barrier. Payment is by cash, card or an electronic tag.
Travel guides to read before you book
Road rules and tollsCrit'Air Sticker for a Rental Car in France
France requires a Crit'Air sticker in low-emission zones and pollution episodes. For a car registered abroad it costs 5.11 euros; the usual fine is 68 euros.
Nov 2, 20268 min read
Road rules and tollsDriving in France: Rules and Requirements for a Rental Car
Driving in France: 130 km/h on motorways, 110 in rain, a 0.5 g/l alcohol limit, a vest and warning triangle in the car, and a licence France accepts.
Nov 2, 20267 min read
Payment and driversCan I Rent a Car for Someone Else? Who Can Drive
Can I rent a car for someone else? Not really: only drivers named in the contract may drive, and many companies ask for 2 years with a full licence.
Oct 27, 20268 min read
Road rules and tollsToll Roads in Europe With a Rental Car: How to Pay
Toll roads in Europe use three systems: barriers, electronic tolls read from your plate and vignettes. Portugal adds 0.32 euros per trip to some.
Oct 27, 20269 min read