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Compare rental cars from top companies in France with Road Genius. From small economy cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Paris CDG, Orly, major train stations or city centers across the country, then head for the Loire, Provence or the Riviera. Filter by automatic or manual, vehicle size and one-way car rental to fit your plans.

Map of campervan rental depots near 618034
Location 👍 Pros 👎 Cons
Airport Pickup (CDG, Orly)
  • Immediate access to motorways
  • Large selection of cars
  • Longer opening hours
  • Convenient for international arrivals
  • Airport surcharges (15-20% higher)
  • Longer waits during busy times
  • Heavy traffic driving into Paris
Train Stations (Paris Gare du Nord, Lyon Part-Dieu)
  • Ideal for train arrivals
  • Often cheaper than airports
  • Good for trips from the city to the countryside
  • Smaller selection of cars
  • May be closed on Sundays or holidays
  • You must drive through city traffic
City Center Locations
  • No airport fees
  • Lower rental prices
  • Walk-in rentals available
  • Shorter opening hours
  • Difficult city driving
  • Parking can be difficult at pickup
Suburban Locations (Versailles, Marne-la-Vallée)
  • Easier access to motorways
  • Less traffic than in the city center
  • Often cheaper than central locations
  • Harder to reach by public transport
  • Shorter weekend hours
  • Fewer walk-in rental options

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in France?

On average, car rentals in France cost around €55 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €35 per day.

How to pay less?
  • Compare pickup spots: City or train stations in France are often cheaper than airports. CDG/Orly typically add 15-20%. Suburban locations like Versailles or Marne-la-Vallée can be cheaper too, but check opening hours.

  • Flex dates and trip length: Summer prices jump 30-50%. For July–August, book 4-6 months ahead. Always test a 7-day quote even if you need 5-6 days.

  • Pick a smaller, manual car: Automatics cost 20-30% more and sell out in summer. Compact manuals with fewer add-ons are the best value.

  • Trim extras and fees: Limit additional drivers (€5-10/day). Skip paid GPS and use your phone. Avoid after-hours fees by collecting/returning during office hours; many city branches close Sundays.

  • Fuel smarter: Full-to-full. Fill up at supermarket stations for the lowest price and avoid pricier motorway pumps. Keep the receipt.

  • Use location strategy: Take the TGV between big cities, then rent in regional hubs like Tours, Dijon, or Reims to shorten rental days and dodge big-city surcharges. Compare round-trip vs one-way, as drop fees vary by direction and season.

Parking Tips

Location Type Parking Options Tips & Guidelines
Major Cities (Paris, Lyon)
  • Underground garages (Hourly rates apply)
  • Street spaces (limited, paid)
  • Park & Ride facilities
  • Look for blue "P" signs for public garages
  • Use apps like PayByPhone or Flowbird
  • Avoid driving in city centers when possible
Tourist Sites
  • Designated car parks
  • Nearby village spaces
  • Mont Saint-Michel has a large designated lot and shuttle
  • Château car parks can fill quickly in peak season
Small Towns & Villages
  • Central squares
  • Street spaces
  • Municipal lots
  • Watch for market days when central areas are closed
  • Blue zones require a disc (available at tobacconists)
Rural Areas & Natural Sites
  • Roadside areas
  • Trailhead lots
  • Never block farm access or emergency routes
  • Respect "No Parking" signs in nature reserves

Local Driving Rules:

  • France has introduced Crit'Air low emission zone stickers in several cities including Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg. Rental cars should already have the appropriate sticker.
  • Speed limits: 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways (110 km/h (68 mph) in rain), 80 km/h (50 mph) on rural roads, 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas and 30 km/h (19 mph) in many city centers
  • Radar speed cameras are numerous throughout France, both fixed and mobile
  • The "priorité à droite" rule applies at unmarked intersections: yield to vehicles entering from the right
  • Zero tolerance for phone use while driving and strict limits on alcohol (0.05% BAC)

Toll Roads:

  • Most autoroutes (A-roads) are toll roads, indicated by "Péage" signs
  • Payment methods: cash, credit cards (not all accept American Express) and contactless
  • Look for lane markings: "CB" (credit card), coin symbol (cash), or "t" (electronic tag only)
  • Some newer sections have "free-flow" systems requiring payment within 72 hours online or at service stations
Why rent a car in France

Get a rental to get to:

  • Normandy beaches – Caen, memorials

  • Loire Valley – châteaux, Tours

  • Champagne – Reims Cathedral, cellars

  • Burgundy – Dijon, wine routes

  • Bordeaux wine countryBordeaux, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Médoc

  • French RivieraNice, beaches

FAQs

Do I need an International Driving Permit in France? If you're not from the EU, you should get an International Driving Permit to show with your original license. It's especially important if your license isn't in the Latin alphabet.

What age restrictions apply to car rentals in France? You usually need to be at least 21. If you're under 25, the rental company will charge a 'young driver' fee. Some luxury cars require you to be 25 or older.

Can I take my rental car to neighboring countries? Most rental companies let you drive to nearby EU countries, but you must tell them about your plans first. For Switzerland, you need to buy a special motorway sticker called a vignette.

Are automatic transmission cars readily available? Rental companies in France don't have many automatic cars, so they cost more. Be sure to book one well in advance, especially if you're traveling in summer or renting from a smaller town.

How do speed cameras work for tourists? If a speed camera catches you, the rental company gives your contact info to the police and charges you an admin fee. The fine will then be mailed to your home address.

What should I do if I accidentally take a wrong turn into a restricted zone? Stay calm and follow the exit signs. If a camera tickets you later, the rental company will pass your contact info to the authorities and charge you an admin fee. You'll then pay the fine directly to the agency that sent it.

Is it worth paying for the rental company's GPS? You can just use your smartphone for navigation instead. Make sure you download offline maps and bring a dashboard mount and a car charger.