It’s known for its relaxing Riviera, cosmopolitan cool and world-class vineyards, and thanks to an extensive road network you can see it all by car. An efficient modern motorway system connects the major cities, such as Paris in the north to Perpignan in the south, while rural routes allow you to explore the countryside, such as the rolling hills of eastern Alsace, at your own pace.

You could be charged to use certain stretches of the Autoroute, the French motorway, where tolls are in place. Fees do vary but you can view toll charges in advance. Depending on whether it is dry or raining, speeds also range from 31mph (50km/h) to 80mph (130km/h).

When navigating your way round France the different types of roads can be identified by the colour of the signs. Autoroutes, or A roads, are marked with blue road signs; Route Nationales, or N roads, have green signs; and locally operated Department Roads, or D roads, use white signs.

Do remember that when driving in Europe you will be expected to carry all required driving documentation with you – and French authorities can be fairly strict about this. Driving rules and regulations, such as around the use of Satnavs and speed cameras, have changed over the past few years in France, and you can find out the latest details here.

Renowned for its cafe culture, fine food and joie de vivre, France draws millions of people to its shores each year.

Fashion and history in the North

Here you will find the country’s sophisticated capital Paris, the City of Lights and one of the world’s most celebrated destinations, truly a centre for excellence in art, culture and fashion. A must-see city in its own right, it’s also a great hub for exploring the rest of la belle France. Calais on the most northern tip of the country connects France to the UK with regular ferry crossings across the English Channel, and is also a key player in the automotive industry.

You can see where World War II was won with a visit to the beaches of Normandy, or unravel history with a trip to the medieval hilltop towns of Bayeux, Caen and Rouen. The French Flanders region is packed with stunning architecture harking back to a past identity all of its own, and two highlights have to be Lille and Douai.

Seafood and vineyards in the West

This is a region truly famed for its produce and you will find many of the leading wine producers on the rolling hills of the Loire Valley around Bordeaux, Cognac and Muscadet. Regional specialities include goat’s cheese, fresh water fish and rillettes, which is a shredded and textured pate.

Fried eels are a delicacy at Nantes, a creative city full of charm and character positioned on the banks of the River Loire. In Rennes, you’ll find the historical backdrop to the beautiful Brittany region, and discover its vibrant story while sampling some of the fantastic seafood for which the area is known.

Summer and winter sports in the East

When it comes to the great outdoors, look no further than the east of France and the snow-capped peaks of The Alps mountain range that unites France, Switzerland and Italy. Here you'll find some of the best winter snow resorts such as Courcheval, Chamonix and Val D'Isere where you can ski, toboggan or board. Visit in the summer to conquer some of the most challenging terrain by bike, on foot or climbing.

The region’s main city is Lyon, France’s third largest and a major financial hub, with strong links to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Located just an hour from the magnificent peaks of the Alps, it is the perfect place to spend the week and escape to the mountains at the weekend.

National parks and the Riviera in the South

The port city of Marseille in the south-west is the gateway to several of the country’s most impressive national parks, such as the mountainous Parc National des Calanques, and the wild gorges, lakes and lavender fields of Provence. The Pyrenees is where France meets northern Spain and is a unique blend of Basque and French cuisines.

Chic shady terraces and bright boutiques line the streets of the sophisticated waterside towns of Nice, St. Tropez and Cannes, the main destinations on the beautiful French Riviera. Here, the mild Mediterranean climate provides the setting for many a romantic getaway. Cannes is the setting of the annual film festival, while Nice serves up a variety of international dishes and incredible views.

Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, there are so many places to explore from the comfort of your hire car and we’ll help you explore all the fabulous facets of France.