France is tailor-made for road trips. From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the lavender fields of Provence and the dramatic Alpine passes of Savoie, the country rewards drivers who leave the motorways and explore at their own pace.

Best airports to hire a car in France

  • Paris CDG — the largest hub. Ideal for Normandy, Loire Valley and Champagne road trips.
  • Nice (NCE) — gateway to the French Riviera, Monaco and the Var hinterland.
  • Lyon (LYS) — central France, excellent for Beaujolais, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley.
  • Marseille (MRS) — Provence, the Camargue and the Calanques.
  • Bordeaux (BOD) — wine country, the Dordogne and the Atlantic coast.

Driving in France: what you need to know

  • Drive on the right; a reflective vest and warning triangle must be in the car.
  • Speed limits: 130 km/h motorway (110 in rain), 80 km/h on undivided rural roads.
  • Crit'Air vignette required in some city centres (Paris, Lyon, Grenoble). Hire companies usually provide this.
  • Motorway tolls are significant — budget €50–€100 for a multi-day trip crossing the country.
  • Priority to the right (priorité à droite) applies on many unmarked junctions — take care in towns.

Best time to visit France by car

May–June and September are ideal. July–August sees heavy traffic on the major autoroutes heading south (particularly the A7/A9 "autoroute du soleil"). If you're road-tripping in summer, depart very early on Saturdays — traditionally the peak changeover day.

Ready to compare? Search live prices for France car hire from 900+ suppliers — including local specialists with unbeatable rates.