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Hertz car hire in France

Tour one of the most visited countries in the world, with car hire in France. A nation synonymous with food, art and culture is dotted with vibrant cities, rustic villages and countryside that inspired – and still inspires – painters.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the lights and romance of Paris or the atmospheric streets of foodie Lyon that tempt you the most, we have locations all across the country. From the azure waters of the Cote d’Azur, to the vineyards of Bordeaux and sensational ski resorts near Grenoble, we’re there to help you see it all.

We have cars for every kind of traveller and trip, including roomy SUVs, ideal for family and countryside holidays, and compact cars perfect for negotiating city streets of the ‘Republique’. Whatever you need, we’ll help you discover lush landscapes and buzzy towns when you hire a car in France with Hertz.

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Everything you need to know about hiring a car in France

Speed limits in France

  • The speed limit for built-up areas is 50 km/h (31mph).
  • The speed limit in other roads is 80 km/h (50mph)
  • The speed limit on dual carriageways is 110 km/h (68mph).
  • The speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h (81mph). There is a minimum speed of 80 km/h (50mph) for cars in the outside lane.

Road types in France

  • Autoroutes are the French equivalent of motorways. These A roads are marked with blue road signs and are mostly toll roads.
  • Route National are similar to dual carriageways. They have an ‘N’ prefix and are free to drive on.
  • Departmental roads are standard roads, prefixed with ‘D’ or ‘RD’.
  • Routes Communales, or ‘C’ roads, are country lanes that have numbers but are rarely signposted.

Toll roads in France

There are numerous toll roads in France, run by private companies. Payment methods vary, but you generally take a ticket upon entering the toll road and pay upon leaving. Some take cash, others do not and will require a Mastercard or Visa card. You can work out your approximate toll road cost by inputting your route into the official Autoroutes website.

Main roads in France

  • The A10, also known as L’Aquitaine, travels south-west from the outskirts of Paris towards Bordeaux.
  • A6 and A7 Autoroutes du Soleil connects the French capital with Lyon and, further south, Marseille.
  • The A8 La Provençale passes through Provence and heads through cities such as Nice.

Driving basics

  • Driving takes place on the right side of the road, overtaking on the left.
  • It’s illegal to drive using headphones or headsets.
  • Traffic already on a roundabout has priority and you must drive anti-clockwise around roundabouts.
  • At intersections, vehicles approaching from the right have priority, unless signage indicates otherwise.
  • Children under 10 can’t sit in the front passenger seat.

Where to hire a car in France

Hertz has more than 400 pick-up locations across France. Here are some of the top destinations:

Rennes

Marseille

Dijon

Strasbourg

Rennes

Much of Brittany’s capital dates from the 18th century, all wonderfully preserved half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. The perfect Cathédrale St-Pierre is even older, with a dramatic ceiling and a sense of peace that is a perfect respite before this lively north-west student city comes alive at night.

Marseille

This port city on the French Riviera is gritty and disarmingly pretty. Yachts bob in the bay, in full view of a harbour that the Romans were using some 2,000 years ago. It’s a destination defined by the sea, teeming with culture and brimming with museums historical architecture and unique character.

Dijon

There’s much more to Dijon than its famed mustard. This is a historic city full of unexpected pleasures, such as architecture from the Renaissance and the staggering collection of the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Wander the Les Halles market, designed by Gustave Eiffel, then delight in Burgundian cuisine after sunset.

Strasbourg

The Alsace region's premier city, Strasbourg is a wonderful culture clash of French and German influences, with half-timbered houses, Gothic cathedrals and one of Europe's great Christmas markets. The contrasts continue in the modern EU Quarter, where the European Union conducts its business just moments from canals and quintessentially Alsatian cuisine.

FAQs about car hire

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EV Car Hire

Rent an electric car in France

Looking for a greener way to explore France? Hertz offers electric car hire at France, making sustainable travel easy and convenient. Choose from the latest EV models and enjoy a smooth, quiet, eco-friendly drive with zero emissions. Experience the future of driving.

Plan your road trip now!