Last updated: April 2026
Driving in France: What You Need to Know
Before you rent a car in France, here are the essential driving facts:
| Drive Side | Right |
|---|---|
| International Driving Permit | Not Required For Eu |
| Speed Limit (Motorway) | 130 km/h |
| Average Fuel Price | €1.75/L |
| Minimum Rental Age | 21+ |
Sources: Sécurité Routière (French Road Safety) · France.fr — Practical Info
💡 Insider Tip
Autoroute tolls add up quickly — the A6 Paris to Lyon costs about €35 one way.
Best Cities for Car Hire in France
Click on any city below to see detailed rental information, driving tips, and provider comparisons.
Escape Paris by car to explore the Loire Valley's fairy-tale châteaux, Champagne's prestigious house...
Car hire in Paris →Nice is the gateway to the French Riviera. Drive the legendary Grande Corniche cliffside road to Mon...
Car hire in Nice →Marseille sits at the crossroads of Provence and the Mediterranean coast. A rental car lets you expl...
Car hire in Marseille →France's gastronomic capital is surrounded by three wine regions — Beaujolais, Rhône, and Burgundy. ...
Car hire in Lyon →Bordeaux is heaven for wine-loving drivers. The world-famous wine regions of Médoc, Saint-Émilion, a...
Car hire in Bordeaux →