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Car hire in France

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Rent a car in France

Our car rental offices in France can be found across the country , and we offer a fast and efficient check-in and drop off wherever and whenever you decide to visit. You can rent a car at all the major airports, as well as from one of our offices conveniently located at each of the Eurostar destinations and at the Port of Calais. Whether arriving by air, sea or land, rest assured there will be one of our car hire offices nearby, with helpful staff waiting to assist you.

Whether calling on its many historic cities, enjoying a sojourn in Paris, the romantic French capital or breezing around the balmy Côte d’Azur, a hire car in France grants guaranteed access to the country’s varied landscapes, rich culture and spectacular sights. With more than 86 million visitors a year, it’s ranked as the world’s most popular destination, and our efficient teams will ensure you join its winding roads and open highways tout de suite so you can get on and enjoy it.

Embarking on a one-way journey across France in your hire car?  Let us know your destination in advance and our teams will ensure that your rental vehicle drop-off is seamless, wherever you decide to meet us.
Car Hire France with Avis. There's no better way to see France than by car. This image depicts Menton, on the French Riviera.

Book your car with our fast booking service for the best car rental experience. Here’s what to expect:

  • Price Promise
    You'll always get our best prices when booking on this site, or we’ll refund the difference.
  • Peace of mind vehicle cover
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  • VIP Treatment
    Go straight to your car at our larger stores. Your keys and paperwork will be waiting.

 

 

  • Free Cancellation
    Cancel with no charge up to 24 hours before pick-up, if you ‘Pay on Collection’
  • Speedy collection
    Jump the queue with pre-prepared paperwork and your vehicle at the ready.
  • Member-only benefits
    Unlock money-off vouchers, free weekends, upgrades and inclusive additional driver cover at no extra cost.

 

 

France Travel Features

Popular airport locations in France

Popular car hire locations in France

Exploring France

With an extensive history that dates back to the Celts and Gauls in the 5th century BC, and spans the Iron Age, Middle Ages and the Renaissance, France houses a multitude of age-old ruins, world-famous museums, priceless artwork and stately chateaux, as well as fields of poppies to commemorate its battles in the First World War.

France’s north tends towards a cooler climate with four clearly defined seasons. The south enjoys balmy Mediterranean temperatures for most of the year, with summer being the most popular time to visit. August in the French Riviera sees temperatures settling at a beach-friendly 30°C.

Every corner of the country has a unique appeal. St Tropez, Monaco and Cannes glitter with high-end boutiques, chic bars and buzzing clubs – not to mention the beaches, while Strasbourg, seat of the European Parliament, is defined by its imposing Gothic and German architecture.

Avid skiers and fans of the great outdoors will enjoy the scenic roads out to the Pyrenees, Mont Blanc and the Alps and the spectacular Jura Mountains. If food is more your thing, you’ll relish France’s cosmopolitan capital Paris, home to 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as the multitudes of independent bistros, restaurants and cafés across the country.

There are vineyards a-plenty for oenophiles seeking out France’s finest vintages, farmers’ markets for those with a penchant for fromage, and a rich peppering of sleepy rural villages offering a sample of true laid-back vie en rose.

Bordered by Belgium in the north, Germany and Switzerland in the east and Italy, Monaco and Spain further south, the country is also a gateway to several other desirable destinations.

Many of the country’s charming towns, historic chateaux and rolling vineyards are accessible only when you have your own vehicle. Hire a car with Avis to experience the very best of France.

Road trips in France

Montpellier to St Tropez
Our recommended route takes you through Provence and showcases the beauty of the southern coast of France.

Start in Montpellier and head north east to Nîmes,  an important outpost of the Roman Empire and full of well-preserved monuments such as the Arena, an incredible Roman amphitheatre built around 70AD, that is still used for concerts and bullfights today.

From Nîmes, head east toward Aix-en-Provence, birthplace of the painter Paul Cézanne. This route takes you past the amazing views of the Provence countryside. Jump onto the A51, and head towards the south coast of France and past the breath taking Massif des Maures.  Stop off for a coffee or a meal in any one of the friendly cafes in the bustling seaside town of Toulon, before continuing your coastal journey to the beautiful port town of St Tropez.

Gateway to the French Riviera, St. Tropez was an artists' colony for many years ,before becoming known in the 1960s as a playground for the rich and famous, due to its amazing beaches and nightlife.   

Bordeaux to Biarritz
This fantastic road trip runs alongside the incredible Bay of Biscay and takes you right to the Spanish border.

Starting your journey from Bordeaux, we recommend taking the route through the Parc Naturel Régional des Landes de Gascogne, a national park famed for its scenery and abundant birdlife. 

You have two options when you leave the park, you can either head west towards the ocean and drive along the coast to the town of Biarritz, or you can head straight there, both have their merits. The coast road is a beautiful drive and the beaches are incredibly popular with surfers from all over the world.  Why not take the opportunity to stop off and enjoy a picnic? The drive straight is also scenic but not nearly as beautiful as the coastal route. But you will arrive in Biarritz about 40 minutes earlier, giving you more time to enjoy this elegant resort and all its attractions.


Driving rules in France

Which side of the road?
In France, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws
  • Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device. Do not use headphones or earpieces
  • In towns and rural areas, on minor roads and where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right (“priorité a droite”)
  • Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles
  • It is recommended that drivers use dipped headlights at all times

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailer:
  • Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
  • Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)
  • 4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)
  • Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs. Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions. 

Child safety / Seatbelt laws
  • It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
  • Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint
  • Children weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.
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