Rental Car in Paris, France
Driving in France
A car is a convenient way to move around in France. Roads are very well maintained and the French road network includes 4960 miles of motorways (many with tolls), which link Paris and the main provincial towns and cities.
If you intend to travel to Paris, France, mind that driving around Paris is a job best reserved for the terminally aggressive. Thus, necessity of a Rental Car in Paris, France is something to think of. (see information on public transportation on Getting around Paris, France page). If you are an experienced driver, enjoy your Paris weekend driving a nice car!
Tips for Driving in Paris
• Driving Age:
The minimum driving age in Paris is 18.
• Speed limit:
Towns: 50kph
Major roads: 110kph
Motorway: 130kph
• Types Of Roads
Autoroutes (Marked on signs with A) Express highways for which you must pay tolls. Routes Nationales (Marked on signs with N) National motorways for which there are no tolls, often with several lanes. Routes Departementales (Marked on signs with D) Smaller scenic country roads with less traffic.
• Toll roads:
Most of the motorways in France are toll roads. Take a ticket on entering the road, and produce it later for payment according to the distance traveled.
• Documentation:
You will need your driving license, insurance certificate, vehicle registration, along with car ownership papers and your passport. So, on the day of travel, check if you have everything. And do not forget these necessary documents in you Paris hotel or elsewhere.
A valid driving license needs to have been held for at least 1 year. In most countries you must be at least 21 years of age. Driving into neighboring countries, or completing your rental in a different town/airport may be permitted for a small fee depending on the country and location. Additional driver and young driver / minimum age limits also vary by country. See documentation regulations about driving rental cars in Paris, France, below.
• Alcohol limit:
The blood/alcohol limit in France is 50mg. The French are very strict when enforcing drink-driving legislation.
• In case of accidents
In the event of a car accident, you must fill out a damage assessment form (you will find them in the glove compartment of your rental car or you may request it from your insurance company. It must be signed by the other party, and in the event of a dispute or a refusal to complete the form, you should immediately obtain a constant d’huissier. This is a written report from a bailiff (huissier). In the event of a dispute, call the police so that it can make out an official report. In the event of an injury, call the SAMU (15) or the fire brigade (18). The police are only called out to accidents when someone is injured, a driver is under the influence of alcohol or the accident impedes traffic flow. Please notify your car hire office as soon as possible.
• Rush hour
In Paris and all major towns, traffic is at its most congested at rush hours when people set off for or return from work – usually between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On Fridays, traffic can be difficult earlier, especially at the exits from Paris. Between rush hours, traffic is usually fluid, even in Paris. The rest of France is a joy to drive around, little traffic and good roads.
• What services are on the Motorways (Paige)?
Every 10km: rest areas for short stops. Every 30 or 40 km: service stations and restaurants. Every 100km or more: motels for overnight stops.
• Parking:
Alternate side parking means that you can park on one side of the street for the first half of the month and the other for the rest of the month. Pay-and-display machines are common throughout France. Parking is free of charge from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. and on weekends, public holidays, and during the whole of August, unless otherwise indicated.
• Finding your way
Road France maps or maps of Paris can be found in bookstores and in all service stations. I.G.N. maps give the most detailed coverage of France. Michelin maps cover main road networks and regions. Paris street map is absolutely essential for driving in Paris. (see also Paris Information for tourists page )
• General tips:
Seatbelts are compulsory in the front and the rear of the vehicle. Children ten years old and younger must travel in the back seat.
Most motorway service stations have ‘baby corners’ with changing facilities and high chairs.
All passengers must wear seat belts.
Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles.
• If you intend to travel to Paris, France try to memorize these useful driving terms:
Allumez vos lanterns (or feux) – Turn on your lights
Attention au feu – Beware of traffic signal
Attention travaux – Beware roadworks
Voitures – Cars
Cèdez le passage – Give way (Give priority to the other road)
Gendarmerie – Police station
Sortie – Exit
Gravillons – Loose chippings
Sens-unique – One-way
Voie unique – One lane road
Rental Car in Paris, France; Reservation Process
To get a rental car in Paris, France, you usually have to be of 25 years of age.
The driver must present a valid credit card in the driver’s name.
Not all car companies require you to have a license from the country in which you are driving but it’s advisable to check with the car company beforehand.
It is possible to modify existing reservations but the rate may change.
Receiving the requested make or model of car depends upon availability at the time of your arrival to pick up the vehicle.
A credit card is required to hold the reservation, but will not be charged at the time the reservation is made.
The Estimated Rental Price for rental cars in Paris, France, includes the total of all known rates, taxes, fees, surcharges.
There can be some mandatory taxes that are only applied in certain countries. Check with the car company when you are picking up your car.
Taxes and insurance are not included in the quoted rate.
Rental Car in Paris, France; Refund Policy
Paris Hire Car Rental acts as an independent agent to secure services of car rental suppliers. Therefore, a company is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, or other loss incurred as a result of any wrongful acts, omissions, or default on the part of the suppliers.
Further information regarding specific terms and conditions for any given supplier is usually shown at the time of booking.