Rent a Car France

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France car hire

Our France car hire services can be found across the country to facilitate a fast and efficient check-in and drop off wherever and whenever you decide to visit. We have services in all the major airports, as well as 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 France hire car services nearby to assist you.

Whether calling on its many historic cities, enjoying a sojourn in 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 suite so you can get on and enjoy it.

Embarking on a one-way journey across France in your hire car? Please let us know your desired destination in advance. Our efficient teams will ensure 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.

Popular airport locations in France

Popular car hire locations in France

Plan your trip in 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
Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles

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”)
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)
4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)

Rural areas: 80 km/h (50 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 weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only

Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint

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.

Why choose Avis for your car hire in France?

Fully flexible
Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.
Savings on coverage
When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.
Loyalty benefits
Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.

Safety first
From our well-maintained fleet to protecting your data, we take safety seriously. That’s why we’ve partnered with Dettol® to ensure both hygienic rental locations and thoroughly cleaned vehicles.
Faster collection
Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.
VIP treatment
Get priority counter service on collection with Avis Preferred. At our larger locations you can use our Avis app to go straight to your car where the keys will be waiting for you.