France is a beautiful country in Europe and is considered as a top holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. Most people want to visit Paris, which is the fashion capital of Europe.
France is also known for its best wines, elegance and arts. Thousands of people will flock to see few of the country’s landmark e.g. the Eiffel Tower, various historic sites, splendid wineries and lavender fields.
Whether you are likely to visit France for holidays or for any business trip, you can hire a perfect car during your stay in the country. You can find plenty of well-known car rental companies present here.
Visitors to France mostly come by air and therefore will likely arrive at any one of the international airports. One of the most visited international airports is “THE PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CDG) which handles most of the international flights in this country.
You can get plenty of car rentals on the airport itself so that immediately after landing in the airport you can contact their desk. You will have to walk just few steps to find plenty of car rental companies.
You can however read more hiring car tips in France before you decide to hire any car so that before coming to desk you can negotiate a better deal for yourself.
Tips for driving while in France
- In France driving is on your right side which is same as USA.
- Everyone who is sitting inside the vehicle has to wear seat belt all throughout.
- Children below 10 years of age are not allowed to ride in front seat without having any special system for child restraint.
- If children are below 10 years old or height is less than 4’7″ then he or she must ride with proper child safety seat.
- Driving with earphones or headphones is totally illegal.
- A1, A6, A7, A9 and A10 are the busiest roadways in France and hence you must be ready for more delays in these roads, particularly if you are travelling during any busy holiday seasons.
- You may find toll roads on French motorways which may be typically cost you about 1 Euro/10 miles.
Required items to carry while driving in France
While driving in France, following are the items that you need to carry with you in your vehicle:
- Every occupant is needed a reflective jacket required in case of any breakdown of car
- Warning triangle
- Breathalyzer
- Few spare light bulbs
- Any French stickers of “Clean Air” for driving in Paris, Grenoble or Lyon.
Many of the rental vehicles are usually equipped with few or all these items. So, you must check your rental car thoroughly before you take over the car to ensure that you are properly equipped for making your journey.
French road signs
Road signs in the France are more or less similar to what is followed all around the world, which can be easily understood. But while driving, you must watch out for ‘Priorité à droite’, which means right of way.
In case you find red-bordered triangle along with thick arrow of black colour, or a yellow coloured diamond with white border, then you have to turn right. In case, you find any red-bordered triangle having black coloured X or any yellow coloured diamond with any black slash through its centre, then you must yield.
You need to exercise caution around the intersection to ensure that you know who will have the priority.
Various speed limits in the France are:
- For metropolitan Areas it is: 50 km/h or 31 mph
- For rural areas it is: 90 km/h or 55 mph
- For non-toll motorways it is: 110 km/h or 68 mph
- For toll motorways it is: 130 km/h or 80 mph
- For Paris Ring Road it is: 70 km/h or 44 mph
Remember all these speed limits that are applicable in France. Always keep a watch on the indication for speed limit and make sure to follow them.
