Everyone should visit France once in their lifetime. It is a perfect combination of historical and modern landmarks that are affecting the world’s culture today.

Although public transportation networks in France are excellent, including buses, trains, and metros, traveling alone is a much better option for getting between cities.

By renting a car, you are not just choosing a mode of transportation. You are choosing freedom and flexibility. You are opening yourself to more rural and remote areas of the country that are less accessible through buses or trains.

A road trip becomes a journey of your own making, where you can pull over and enjoy the landscapes wherever you are, whenever you want.

Do not worry about the logistics. Finding a rental agency, choosing a car, and even dealing with insurance are all less demanding and challenging than you might think, especially in France. The following article will guide you through the process, ensuring your car rental experience is smooth and stress-free.

Should You Rent a Car?

If you are going from city to city, you can choose various means of transportation. One of the ways is public transportation, especially if you do not have lots of luggage and are not confident when driving in new areas.

However, renting a large car and cruising all over France is way better if you wish to travel at your own pace and enjoy a road trip with family members and plenty of luggage.

With a car, you can uncover hidden gems in the countryside, such as Southern France, the French Riviera, the Loire Valley, and other places that are a feast for the eyes.

Imagine stumbling upon a sunflower field, exploring an exciting village, or visiting a historic castle or winery you would not have discovered while on a rigid public transport schedule. You should visit this link: https://www.leiebilguiden.no/frankrike/ to learn more about renting a car in France.

Outside of Cities

The moment you reach Paris, you have two options. The first is to choose a car rental agency right next to the airport, while the second is to go to the city’s outskirts.

Going outside is a better and cheaper solution because you do not need to rent a car inside the city. Public transportation is on point, making traveling less stressful and more enjoyable.

Large airports feature many car rental companies; you may find the best deals at these locations. Still, we recommend you check out the company before reaching Paris and book the specific car you wish to use. The car will wait for you when you get off the airplane.

Everything depends on your organization, meaning you should plan your trip and determine the best course of action. That way, you can check out the same company’s best pick-up and drop-off areas, meaning you do not need to hang with the car if you do not need it for a few days, for instance.

When you cannot do it, the best action is to conduct comprehensive research, find a safe and cheap parking spot, and use public transportation before you embark on another journey. That way, you will enjoy the entire process with ease.

Legal Requirements and Paperwork

Similarly, as in all countries, you will find laws and regulations most rental companies will have. Therefore, you must meet them before getting the car you want to use to cruise the countryside.

First, you will need a valid and reliable driver’s license. Most people think they can get a driver’s license and start driving legally. However, that is not the case because you must have it for at least a year, while others require four years of experience to drive high-speed cars.

You do not need an international driver’s permit to drive as a tourist. However, depending on your preferences, the rental agency will specify that you should check out the insurance policy, which can range from basic to comprehensive.

If you are from the US, you will need an international driver’s license from AAA, which costs approximately twenty dollars. You will also need a valid passport, car insurance, vehicle registration, travel insurance, and a first aid kit. When you pick up a car, you should double-check whether it features a Crit-Air sticker.

A French emission sticker is required for all legal cars. Your rental company should handle the other aspects mentioned above.

Apart from the requirement that you must have a driver’s license for at least a year before entering a rental car, another important factor is driving age, which is eighteen years old. However, most rental companies require at least twenty-one before you can legally take a car for specific requirements.

As mentioned above, you should obtain the relevant insurance beforehand. For instance, when you use a specific credit card, you may get immediate CDW or Collision Damage Waiver insurance. However, you should check out with a provider beforehand.

The main idea is to bring a letter from a credit card company to show that you have coverage, preventing you from spending more money than you wanted. Other coverages offer travel-friendly features such as lounge access and no foreign transaction fees.

Besides, you should purchase third-party liability and supplementary car insurance. That way, you will prevent potential issues from affecting your situation. Remember that most coverages will not include theft protection and minor damages.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Although you can find numerous ads highlighting the specific amount you must pay, the final price is rarely the one you see on a signpost. Therefore, you should consider additional expenses that come with the process, including:

• One-way surcharge
• Automatic transmission fee
• Young/older driver expense
• Additional driver fee
• Extra equipment
• After-hours fee
• Insurance

Besides, you should consider parking fees when you wish to travel with a personal car, which is another crucial consideration to remember.

Check Out for Automatic Transmission

The most crucial factor to remember is that drivers generally use manual transmissions in Europe, meaning you should state that you want the automatic instead. Of course, driving a manual at home will not be a problem for you. However, if you are used to an automatic car, you should add your request when browsing for the best car.

As mentioned above, you may incur an additional fee when taking an automatic transmission car, but it will keep you safe, especially if you are already used to it. We recommend you book a car in advance because rental companies have a limited number of automatic cars, meaning they will sell out first.

That is why you should be proactive and book everything online before reaching France. Then, you can enjoy wherever you wish to go.