Driving and Renting a Car in France: How to Prepare and Travel with Ease
On a trip to the French Riviera, we only picked up the car when we started hiking in the villages. Before that, we walked around Nice and went to Antibes by train. We chose the vehicle after comparing prices and conditions through DiscoverCars. That way we saved parking and driving in the city, and we could still stop in the ravines and observations later on in the trip.
On a trip to the French Riviera, we only picked up the car when we started hiking in the villages. Before that, we walked around Nice and drove to Antibes by train. We chose the vehicle after comparing prices and conditions through DiscoverCars That's how we saved parking and driving in the city, and we could still stop in the crevices and lookouts later on in the trip.
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In the villages and mountains the car was very comfortable: we could linger where we liked, stop in the road and change the plan according to the time left. Before going out, it is worth getting to know the rental conditions and driving rules in France. Here we have concentrated the preparations and things we learned from our travels.
License and Documents
According to the French public service, a valid license from a non-EU country may be used on the terms specified on the site. If the license is not in French, an international license or official translation is required. An Israeli traveller should prepare the Israeli physical license and international license in advance, and also verify the rental company's requirements. The international license does not replace the original.The Official Rules for Foreign Licenses.
Before booking a car, it is important to find out what the minimum age of driver is, how many years of seniority are required and what ticket is accepted for the purpose of the deposit. If two people plan to drive, an additional driver is added to the order. The payment confirmation on the site does not replace the documents and card you will need to display at the pick-up station.
What is a rental offer compared to?
To understand the cost of renting, one must also look beyond the daily price. Check the amount of deposit and deductible, fuel policy, mileage limit, and pick-up and return times. Returning to another station may involve an additional fee. If traveling to Monaco or another country, make sure that the rental contract permits this and that there is appropriate coverage.
When receiving the vehicle, take a picture of its condition and make sure that the existing damages are documented. It is important to know what fuel is being used, or how to claim whether it is an electric vehicle. Save the phone number for assistance in case of a malfunction, instead of being able to open without internet.
Speed and Driving in a Mountain Road
In France, the general speeds for a private vehicle under normal conditions are 130 km/h on the highway, 110 on the road with physical separation, 80 on the two-way road without separation, and 50 in the built-up area. A local sign can determine otherwise, and there are also roads where other speeds are allowed according to the route arrangement and local decision. In the rain, the limits on the highway and the separated road are reduced to 110 and 100, respectively; visibility of less than 50 meters is stricter on all roads.The official speed table.
On the way to Chiance ravine We traveled slowly even in places where higher speed was allowed. The road was narrow and winding, and partly without margins. In such places the speed is adjusted to the field of view, to bends and to opposite traffic, and allocates for travel more time than the distance alone may imply.
Right-of-way, traffic lights and telephone
At a no-nonsense intersection, pay attention to the prerogative rule on the right; do not assume that the wider street is necessarily the main one. In the square, signs are checked at the entrance, and a stop sign stops at full stop. A red light requires a stop, and there is no free turn to the right in red unless there is a suitable designated permit.The French Authority's Road Rules Review.
It is forbidden to drive with a phone in hand, nor is the use of headphones or earphones in the course of driving prohibited, subject to exceptions set by law. Define navigation prior to travel or let the passenger handle it.Official information on driving offences.
Alcohol and belts
The prohibited general threshold is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 grams per liter or more, and for drivers with a license during a trial period 0.2 grams per liter or more. The threshold should not be translated into several cups that can be drunk: on driving days it is better to choose a driver who does not drink.Official Rules of Alcohol.
Buckle up in the back seats as well. If traveling with children, book a suitable car seat and check the age and height requirements before picking up.Belts and child seats in France.
Fees and navigation
On one trip, we missed a turn, and the mistake added about half an hour and another pass at toll gates. There was no convenient place to turn around immediately, so we continued until it was possible to return safely. If traveling together, it is convenient for the passenger next to the driver to follow the navigation.
Not every toll road requires a stop at a checkpoint. In France, there are also free-flow toll segments, where payment is to be arranged according to the operator's instructions. In the relevant sections, payment is usually required within 72 hours if there is no appropriate billing method available. In a rental vehicle, find out in advance how the company handles this; do not assume that the charge is made automatically.Official explanation of free flow toll.
Parking and restricted entry areas
In the villages, we usually camped outside of the ancient part and continued on foot. In Vans, we camped in urban parking spaces just outside of Le Floréal. During our visit, the parking was free of charge between 7:00 and 9:00; the hotel parking itself was paid. Read the signs and meter conditions even if others are parked near you.
At the entrance to the cities you should check if the route passes through a restricted emission area and what the vehicle requirements are. The Crit'Air sticker and restrictions depend on the type of vehicle and area. Ask the rental company for information about the vehicle you received and help with Official information about Crit'Air.
Equipment, Winter and Loading
A glowing vest is needed in the vehicle at hand and a warning triangle. In case of a malfunction, a triangle should not be placed if it is dangerous to you. Some mountain areas also have winter equipment requirements between November 1 and March 31; check them if traveling during this period.Equipment and Winter Instructions.
If renting an electric vehicle, it is best to pre-install the applets of the charging stations and make sure that they can be configured as payment methods. We have encountered difficulty downloading local applications, and it is best to find out before standing near the position. More details have been compiled at The Electricity and Charging Guide.
For planning expenses see The Money Guide; For the travel sequence and stops see the Our route in Riviera.