Are you Renting A Car In France in 2025? Let’s Keep It Pocket-Friendly

May 22, 2025

Thinking about renting a car in “L’Hexagone” in 2025? You are not alone in this! France is an incredible country to explore through a road trip, offering scenic views, coastal drives, and mountain passes. Imagine passing through the coastal boundary and diving into the beauty of the sea. Whether you are heading to the Loire Valley or the French Riviera, Renting a Car in France in 2025 gives you freedom to explore on your own.

Renting A Car In France In 2025: Everything to Know!

Like many European countries, France has an outstanding public transportation system. But still, having your own vehicle gives you the opportunity to explore the hidden gems. Here’s what you must know about renting a car in France in 2025!

Why Rent a Car in France in 2025?

Public transport in France is great and outstanding, but it doesn’t take you to hidden places and every corner of the country. In 2025, with the expansion of travel infrastructure and tourism, renting a car gives reachability to unknown places and enhance the trip experience.

If you want to level up the thrill and renting a car in France in 2025, then make sure to first get the France Schengen visa appointment. FRANCE VISA AGENT handles everything for the excited travelers, so that they can just focus on the trip and leave the visa stress to us.

Where do I rent a car in France?

Renting a car in France in 2025? It’s really easy and convenient, with options available in almost all the cities, train stations, and airports. You can book the rides through famous rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, or local providers such as ADA and Rent A Car.

The most sought-after pick-up locations in the cities are: City centres, Airports (Nice Côte d’Azur, etc), and train stations (Lyon Part-Dieu, Gare du Nord, etc.).

If you want the best and affordable rates, then it is recommended to book the car online in advance. Most agencies require some documents, including a driving permit, credit cards, etc. So, make sure to arrange these necessary documents!!

Travelling from the UK and Applying for a France Tourist visa in UK – Checkout the appointment slots are available

Is driving in France easy?

Driving in France can be quite joyful, especially if you are exploring the hidden gems, vineyards, and routes. Roads in France are generally well-maintained, and highways are clear— many have tolls.

However, city driving can be complicated due to unknown pathways and streets, heavy traffic, turns, and limited parking areas. And when you are driving in France, then make sure you drive on the right, because France drives on the right. If you want to make this road trip easy, then do use a GPS or navigation app, and yes, be aware of the speed limits. Therefore, driving in France is really easy if you follow the rules. Make your wish of renting a car in France in 2025, a successful plan!

How much does a car rental in France cost?

If you are planning about renting a car in France in 2025, then you might be thinking about the rental cost. On average, expect to pay approximately €30-70 per day for a basic rental in 2025, which depends on the car you are choosing and the season you are visiting.

If you want budget-friendly rates and to save money, then make sure to book early, and you can also opt for pickup/drop-off at airports to avoid extra fees.

And yes, once you’ve booked the rentals, make sure to get the France visa services in the UK. Without a valid visa, your plan is just a wish to visit a Schengen country.

Is it worth renting a car in France?

Finally, if you have a plan to rent one in Paris, then absolutely it’s the best idea! Exploring by renting a car in France really helps travelers in exploring beyond the cities. Places like Alsace, the lavender fields of Provence, etc, are best explored and experienced by car. This way you can even save time, discover the hidden places, and see ythe unlisted beauty in the guidebooks.

So, just go for it! And wait, before you execute your plan, make sure to apply for Online France visa UK. Being a UK resident, you require a valid visa to visit this Schengen country. Then, you can go ahead and experience the best adventure after renting a car in France in 2025!

Rules of the road while renting a car in France in 2025!

France has some different rules and regulations of the road compared to other nations. Here are some of the key points as per French Laws to be aware of with your rental car:

• Speed limits – Generally, the speed limit in France is 50km/h (about 30mph) in populated areas, 110km/h (about 70mph) on priority roads (more on those below), 80km/h (about 50mph) on main roads, and 130km/h (about 80mph) on motorways. Although this speed decreases during bad weather conditions. So, make sure to check the speed limits, which are generally displayed on the roads in France.

• Highways – French highways are privately owned and mandate that the passers pay a toll. Travelers can pay this via cash or card. And you must know that only Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Generally, there are three types of service areas on highways: parking areas, rest areas, and full-service areas. In case of emergency, you can call through the orange emergency telephones situated every two kilometers on highways.

• Alcohol limit – France has a rule stated as “Celui qui conduit, c’est celui qui ne boit pas”, which means “the one who drives must not be drinking”. You must closely adhere to this law. And you must know that the maximum alcohol level while driving is 0.05%.

• Low emission zones – In 2025, France has expanded its Low Emission Zones (ZFE), especially in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. The cars registered before 2011 are banned from driving within the zone on weekends from 8 am and 8 pm. And if you risk driving an unauthorised vehicle in these areas, then you will be fined of €68.

• Fines and penalties – France has categorised the driving fines into four categories. Depending on the offense, the fine ranges from €11 to €750. In case the fine is imposed on you, then must pay the amount within three days, and if you don’t pay, then the amount will be increased.

• Fuel – It is crucial to know that there is a variety of fuels in French, so you must be aware of their names to avoid mistakes. E85 is unleaded fuel with 70%- 85% ethanol and rest gasoline, while SP95/E10 is unleaded fuel with 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol.

• Parking – Look for color-coded curb markings which show different parking areas: White is free or pay parking, Blue is free with a disc (time-limited), and Yellow is no parking. Being here, you can use local parking apps or machines.

What do you need to rent a car in France?

Finding How to rent a car in France? If you have decided renting a car in France in 2025, then you must be at least 21 years of age. However, some companies may have higher age preferences. For renting a car, you have to arrange some documents too, which are:

• Valid driver’s license (which you have had for at least a year)
• Valid passport for identification
• Translation of your driver’s license in French, or an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Third-party liability insurance (included in the car rental contract)
• Credit card (some agencies accept debit cards, but not all)

Are you a UK eVisa/Share code Holder? Then you must checkout the France visa for UK eVisa/Share code Requirements.

Top Tips for renting a car in France in 2025

Is it safe to drive a rental car in France? What are the France visa requirements? What must be kept in mind while renting a car? To answer such queries, a proper information and tips must be learn.

Car rental policies generally include third-party insurance by default, which is necessary while driving in this country. You must be aware of the insurance coverage and their cost. So, do research and shop around, and if you are considering to buy the insurance from rental car company itself, then it can be costlier.

You have to provide information about your travel plan to the rental company and ensure that the insurance covers all the regions where you are going. While picking up the car, you should inspect it in detail and take note of the conditions & take photos.

And lastly, make sure to get the France visa timely. If you are planning on renting a car in France in 2025, then applying for a France Schengen visa 2 months before your travel plan is necessary. APPLY hassle-free with FRANCE VISA AGENT!

Final Thoughts

Land of lavender fields, beautiful cities, and “city of love”- of course it’s France, the most enchanting country in the world. From medieval castles of the north to canyons in the south, it is worth exploring this county from top to bottom. And undoubtedly the best way to do this is to travel at your own pace. Hence, renting a car in France in 2025 is agreat idea and you can go for it.

This guide tries to inform everything about this rental service in this European country and includes all its requirements. Just begin your French adventure and see how amazing it is!

Commonly asked questions