Renting a Car in France in 2025: A Complete Guide

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Thinking about renting a car in France in 2025? You’re not alone. France is one of the best countries in Europe to explore by road, offering charming countryside routes, scenic coastal drives, and picturesque mountain passes. Whether you’re heading to Provence, the Loire Valley, or the French Riviera, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Why Rent a Car in France in 2025?

Public transport in France is excellent, but it doesn’t reach every idyllic village or rural vineyard. In 2025, with travel infrastructure improving post-pandemic and tourism booming again, renting a car gives you access to hidden gems and flexibility with your itinerary. Road conditions are generally good, and France’s varied landscapes make driving a pleasure.

Is It Worth Renting a Car in France?

Absolutely—especially if you plan to explore beyond the big cities. Places like Dordogne, Alsace, or the lavender fields of Provence are best experienced by car. You’ll save time, discover local eateries, and even stumble upon charming chateaux not listed in the guidebooks.

Where to Book

When it comes to renting a car, we recommend using Discover Cars. It’s a trusted comparison platform that searches multiple rental agencies to help you find the best prices and vehicle options. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by car type, transmission, fuel policy, and rental company reputation. Plus, they offer excellent customer support and transparent insurance options.

What You Need to Rent a Car in France

To rent a car in France in 2025, you’ll typically need:

• A valid driver’s license from your home country (plus an International Driving Permit if it’s not in Roman alphabet)
• A credit card in the name of the main driver
• Proof of identity (passport)
• The legal driving age in France is 18 years old, however you must usually be at least 21 years old (sometimes 25 depending on the car category)

Note: Most car rentals in France charge an extra fee if you’re under 25 years old.

Types of Cars Available (And What to Choose for Your Trip)

From compact city cars to family-friendly SUVs, France offers a range of rental options. For city travel, a small car is ideal. If you’re heading into the countryside or the Alps, consider an SUV for comfort and luggage space. Discover Cars allows you to easily compare vehicle classes and even view user reviews of specific models.

Manual vs. Automatic: What to Know Before You Book

Manual transmissions are the norm in France, and automatics are often more expensive and limited in availability. If you only drive automatic, be sure to book well in advance. Discover Cars lets you filter specifically for automatic vehicles so you don’t get caught out.

Cost of Renting a Car in France (and How to Save)

On average, expect to pay around €30-70 per day for a basic rental in 2025, depending on the season and car type. To save money:

• Book early (especially for summer travel)
• Choose economy models
• Opt for pickup/drop-off at airports to avoid extra fees

Top Tip: Use Discover Cars to compare discounts across providers

French Driving Rules and Road Tips for 2025

Stay updated with local laws. In 2025, France has expanded its Low Emission Zones (ZFE), especially in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Speed limits are strictly enforced:

• Highways (Autoroutes): 130 km/h (or 110 km/h in rain)
• Main roads: 80-90 km/h
• Urban areas: 50 km/h

Also, keep a safety vest and warning triangle in the car—they’re legally required.

Parking in France: What Tourists Should Know

Look for color-coded curb markings:

• White = free or pay parking
• Blue = free with a disc (time-limited)
• Yellow = no parking

Use local parking apps or machines. Avoid parking near intersections, bike lanes, or driveways—towing is swift and expensive.

Fueling Up: Gas Stations, Fuel Types, and Costs

Fuel is widely available, but not all stations are staffed. Use credit/debit cards or prepaid fuel cards. “Essence” means unleaded gas, while “Gazole” is diesel. In 2025, fuel costs around €1.75 to €2.00 per liter. Electric charging points are expanding rapidly too.

Insurance: What’s Required and What’s Optional

Basic insurance is usually included with most rentals in France, but it’s important to carefully review what is and isn’t covered. A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection is highly recommended, though not mandatory. These policies help cover repair costs or loss in case of an accident or theft.

When you decide to add additional coverage, make sure to arrange that in your initial booking, as the prices are usually lower when booked in advance. Discover Cars makes this process easy by clearly outlining available coverage options and costs.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to check whether your credit card includes car rental insurance that applies in France. If so, you might not need to purchase some types of coverage from the rental company, but always confirm the terms with your card provider.

One-Way Rentals and Cross-Border Travel

Planning a road trip across borders or ending in a different city? One-way rentals are possible but may come with extra fees. Always confirm with the provider. Some rental companies also allow travel into neighboring countries like Spain, Italy, or Germany—just be sure it’s noted in your booking.

Top Scenic Drives in France to Add to Your Itinerary

• Route des Grandes Alpes (French Alps)
• The Alsace Wine Route
• Gorges du Verdon
• The Loire Valley Castles Route
• Coastal drive from Nice to Menton

These routes are even more enjoyable with your own wheels.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Renting in France

• Not booking in advance (especially for automatics)
• Forgetting the IDP if needed
• Ignoring mileage caps or fuel policies
• Overlooking toll roads (bring a credit card or cash)

Final Tips: Making the Most of Your Car Rental in France

• Inspect the car thoroughly before driving off
• Take photos of any existing damage
• Keep change for tolls and parking
• Download offline maps (cell service can be spotty in rural areas)