Key points (updated 2026):
Book in advance and compare prices using a reliable car rental search engine.
Bring a credit card in the name of the main driver.
Inspect the car and take photos when picking it up and returning it.
Check whether the city has low-emission zones (ZFE).
France is a country with so much to see beyond Paris — full of routes connecting charming villages and small towns. To explore it at your own pace and enjoy all these varied corners, one of the best options is to rent a car.
If you’re thinking about renting a car in France and don’t know where to start, in this article we’ll share our experience and the precautions you should take to enjoy an unforgettable road trip through France.
Conditions and policies may vary depending on the rental company, so it’s always best to check them before booking.
Indice:
Why is it a good idea to rent a car in France?
If you follow us both in our posts and on our YouTube channel “Europe accompanied” you will have seen that we have several car routes through France.
And the first point in its favour is that, being able to plan the route to your liking, dedicating the days and times you want to it since the car will give you enough freedom to do so.
This is how you have seen us on the route through the castles of the Loire Valley, a journey between small towns and elegant castles that will leave you speechless.
Or the Alsace region, which we told you you can choose to visit both at Christmas and outside of it because it has a sublime charm and a car will allow you to reach places where public transport does not reach.
Have you seen our champagne route through France?, some beautiful villages that you can get to know on tour or… choose to do it by car as we did, to have the freedom to stop in the vineyards or visit wineries.
In short, freedom of schedules and choice would be the biggest plus.
Where to rent a car for my tour of France?
If your tour starts after a few days in Paris, it is advisable to rent a car for the day after you finish your tour in the city, because in this great capital a car is something you will not use.
Book early to get a good deal, and that’s why we always use a comparison tool.
You can make the reservation by checking the various models they offer you and the options for each one.
On these websites it will put the place from where you want to pick it up and return, your dates, and the comparator will give you many options among which you will evaluate according to your needs. I recommend the car rental metasearch engine DiscoverCars, you can place, apart from the above, several filters such as number of passengers, vehicle size and provider to help you in the search.
If you need to add an additional driver you can also do so during the booking process.
*Remember that you reserve a car category and not a specific car, which may be the one you are given or similar.
How to avoid unnecessary expenses when renting a car in France?
Please note that when picking up the car, the rental company will retain the excess amount from our credit card (this amount is always detailed in the car rental description in the comparison sites). This amount will be refunded when you return the car as it was delivered to you. If for some reason you return it with any damage, the rental company will deduct the repair costs from this excess.
The way to protect this deductible is to take out the insurance offered by the comparison site at the time of booking. We always do it this way and the times we have had to return the car with a scratch, the deductible insurance has returned all the money to us. So if you want to travel with more peace of mind, taking out the insurance that covers the deductible is a good option.
Returning the car to the same office where you picked it up usually makes it cheaper than returning it to another location, so in this case it would be a good idea to pick up the car in Paris and return it to Paris at the end of your tour of France, bearing in mind that your flight will probably also be from Paris.
Set the times (if your trip allows it) by returning it at the same time you picked it up, an hour or two more can add up to a full day of rental.
And the other point is anticipation, generally if you book the car well in advance of your trip you can get a good deal.
These are the points we follow in all our car rentals, both in France and in other places we visit.
What to consider before renting a car in France?
The mileage policy. You have some with unlimited mileage, meaning the number of kilometers you do during those days doesn’t matter, and others that mark a maximum number of kilometers, for example 3000 km. Think and calculate if those kilometers fit what you have planned for the total trip, because the kilometers that exceed those will be charged separately. The description details the price of the additional kilometers.
Check the minimum age they ask to rent the car, sometimes it can be 21 or 25 years old, check that just in case.
The size of the trunk. Think that if you are going to use it for several days you should travel comfortably. Are you with several suitcases?, look in the description how many fit in the trunk.
Place your flight number in the reservation if applicable, so that they estimate the time of your arrival, and in case you are late, always contact them so that they can keep your car. Give yourself a margin if you arrive by flight, do not place the same time for picking up the car as the landing time, between disembarking, doing migrations and picking up your bags almost an hour will have passed, so you will be sure that the car will still be available to you.
If you plan to travel through several countries, ask if there is any problem in them and let them know that you are going to do so, as you may be charged extra for taking the car to a country other than the one you rented it from.
What documentation do I need when picking up the car?
Valid driving licence. Obviously, you must bring your driving licence, and although they don’t usually ask for it when picking up the vehicle, it is always specified that an international licence is required if you are not from the European Union. We always carry it, although to tell the truth we have never been asked for it at the counter, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
A credit card in the driver’s name with enough available balance to block the excess amount.
The car reservation voucher.
Be attentive when removing it
Of all the tips for renting a car in France or elsewhere, the one I emphasize the most is that you read very carefully what you sign, and that you pay attention to whether you really want the extras that they will offer you at the counter.
You may be offered to add an additional driver, upgrade to a better vehicle category, or add full insurance on the vehicle to eliminate the deductible retention, among other things.
We always say no to these extras, especially the insurance, because in our case we already paid for the deductible coverage, otherwise it would not make sense to have purchased it. We also do not choose to change category, one because we have already thought about it very carefully when choosing the car, and another because the insurance we take out covers the deductible of the category we booked and not a higher one.
The second point you should pay attention to is checking all the details that the car already has, such as scratches on the paint, in short, any damage, these are generally minor things because they deliver a very new car, so be careful that they are written on the delivery form and take photos of all sides just in case.
Check the fuel policy. If you are given a full tank, you must return it full. If it is half full, make sure that this is noted so that when you return it, you do not have a problem for having taken it with a half tank.
When you return the car, they will check with the person who receives it that it does not have any new damage. Take photos again of how you return it.
Tips to enjoy your trip to France by car
Choose the area you want to explore and dedicate time to it. We mentioned the Loire Valley route, the Champagne region route, Alsace, Burgundy and the Dordogne Valley, but there are countless places in France to explore at your leisure by car.
Be careful with traffic rules, pay attention to the speed limits for safety and to avoid fines. In addition to the cost of the fine, the rental company may incur administrative costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting a Car in France
Is a credit card mandatory?
Yes, most rental companies require a credit card in the driver’s name to process the security deposit.
What is the minimum age to rent a car?
Generally 21 years old, although some companies charge an extra fee if the driver is under 25.
Can you cross into other countries like Belgium or Germany with a rental car from France?
Yes, most companies allow it, but it’s always a good idea to check with the rental agency first.
In summary (2026):
Renting a car in France remains an excellent option to explore the country at your own pace.
With a bit of planning and attention to detail, you can enjoy stunning landscapes, charming villages, and the freedom to travel without schedules.
I have nothing more to add about renting a car in France — our trips are almost always by car, so our final tip is: enjoy that dream journey along the French roads!
