How to find a cheap car hire deal in France
Pick up a cheap rental car in France from $48 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, making booking quick and easy.
$332 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental if you're planning a longer adventure.
Browse the range of car rentals in Lyon. This is where you'll find the cheapest rides in France.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Perpignan.
Check the offers from Goldcar when narrowing down your options. More people choose it than any other company in France.
Collect your ride from the airport if you're flying in. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris Orly Airport and Nice Airport offer car hire pickup locations either at the terminal or nearby.
Paris, Nice, Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse are some of the top cities to organise a set of wheels.
Think about going with a one-way rental. Providers often reduce prices on certain routes to shift vehicles between sites. When searching for a car for rent in France, select 'Return car to a different location' to access those deals.
Need wheels for a few weeks? Sometimes you'll get a discount for booking a whole month, so try tweaking your dates to find the best rates.
To avoid extra costs, choose a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You start with a full tank and return it full, meaning you only pay for the fuel you actually use.
Rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' give you more freedom to explore without worrying about added charges. Search for this option using the 'Policies' filter and travel freely.
Best time to book a car hire in France
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Two weeks in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a car hire in France.
Plan your trip for sometime in November to lock in average daily rates of $67. It's the most affordable month to rent a car.
May is the most expensive time of year.
Compare car hire types in France
Economy: Hit the road in one of these and make it easier to manage your travel budget. Lower daily rates and fuel-efficient engines mean you spend less overall while still getting a smooth, easy-to-handle ride.
Small: Covering mini and economy classes, small cars are made for everyday travel. If you're looking for a cheap rental car in France, this is where you'll find some of the best deals. They're perfect for city streets and short trips, with easy handling, low fuel use, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: Medium rentals are a comfortable middle ground. Bridging the gap between small and large, they offer a step up in comfort and space without going all out on size. Compact and intermediate models are part of this lineup.
Large: Big adventures call for bigger thinking. Whether you're cruising with your entire crew or heading out for a longer drive, these full-size cars bring the extra room you need. Expect generous seating, serious luggage capacity and comfort that holds up over distance.
SUV: Road trips through France are a dream in one of these. The higher seating position allows a clearer view of the road ahead and helps you stay aware of your surroundings. Engineered for versatility, they can take you from busy urban streets to more challenging terrain with ease.
Van: This category of car for rent in France includes commercial vans and trucks. With high load capacity and flexible interior layouts, they're built to transport bulky items, equipment or larger groups in one go.
Luxury: Hit the road in ultimate style. Bringing together head-turning design, advanced technology, and performance built for precision and power, these vehicles redefine what a rental experience can be.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your rental car is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in France.
Driving in France: What you need to know
To rent a vehicle in France, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher rate, so always go over the policies before locking in your reservation.
Kids coming with you? Car seat requirements vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Confirm whether you need to add one to your car hire reservation in France.
You'll be asked for a few things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in France.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph in urban areas and around 125kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
In France, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a few drinks, leave the driving to someone else or choose another way to travel.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's possible, but have some cash ready for places that don't accept electronic payment.
French is the language you'll most often encounter across France.
