Tips for driving while visiting France
While we love traveling by train in France, sometimes renting a car and driving makes more sense. Our recent trip to the French Riveria was a perfect driving trip. While I would never drive in Paris, exploring the French countryside in a car is a treat.
Renting a car allows you to explore the French countryside.
Can I use my American Driver’s License in France?
Yes, you can drive on an American driver’s license in France. You’ll probably want to carry your passport also since police often ask for one.
Just to be safe I always carry an international driver's license too. An international driver’s license is just a version of your home license translated into multiple languages.
You can receive the license from the American Automobile Association for $20. https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
I receive them at a nearby AAA office but you can also receive one via mail.
Renting a car in France
You can rent a car in France with an American driver’s license. Many familiar American rental car companies have large operations in France in addition to the European rental agencies.
Manual transmission cars are very common in France but automatic cars are available too. Be sure to specifically ask for an automatic transmission or you’ll find yourself with the more common manual car.
The streets in charming French towns are very small so renting a small car is a good idea.
Many of the same procedures for renting a car in the United States apply to renting a car in France. You’ll need a driver’s license, credit card for payment, and proof of insurance.
It is required by French law that drivers carry unlimited third-party liability insurance so liability coverage is automatically included in the price of all car rentals.
In the United States, I rely on additional insurance coverage from a premium credit card (either my Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve). This works well in the United States and theoretically should work well in France.
Unfortunately, there are way too many stories about rental car companies in Europe finding any tiny bit of damage. Many times this damage is greatly exaggerated,
Since I don’t want to deal with the hassles of fighting with a rental car company in another country after I get home I’ve decided to just get the extra insurance through the rental car company. Since I have personal auto insurance and premium credit card insurance it’s certainly not required but the added expense might be worth it for not having to deal with the hassles.
Tip - Closely inspect and photograph the rental car when you both pick it up and drop it off. Make sure any damage is noted on the rental agreement before driving away.
Is it easy to drive in France?
The good news is that you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. The types of roads you’ll encounter are similar to roads in the United States.
Types of roads
Autoroutes
You can pay the tolls on highways by tapping a credit card. Just keep an eye out for the lane with the credit card symbol.
In France, the highways are called autoroutes and are labeled with an A, such as A6 between Paris and Lyon. These highways are less scenic but are the fastest routes between major cities.
Most autoroutes have tolls that can be paid with credit card or cash.
The speed limit for these roads is 130 km/h, and 110 km/h when it rains.
Route Nationales
These routes are major thoroughfares but connect smaller cities. They are designated with the letter N and then a number,
Routes DepartementalesThese are smaller roads that are designed with a D and a number. The more digits, the less significant the roadway. These roads connect smaller towns.
Speed limits
Autoroutes - 130 kph / 80 mph
Route Nationales - 110 kph / 70 mph
Main roads outside built-up areas - 80 kph / 50 mph
Main roads within built-up areas - 50 kph / 30 mph
Rarely do police enforce the speed limits in France, instead a network of cameras monitor drivers. If they catch you speeding in a rental car the rental company will charge your credit card.
In 2018 France enabled private companies to operate speed-monitoring cars throughout the country. Drivers in France pay nearly a billion Euros in fines each year so be very careful.
Driving apps such as Waze are very helpful for telling you when a speed monitoring zone is nearby.
Yield to the Right or Priorité à Droite
This one is very difficult for American drivers to understand.
A big difference in France is a driving rule called “priorité a droite,” which means that you must yield to traffic coming in from your right. There are many exceptions to this rule. You are most likely to encounter the rule in small towns and villages.
Most modern-day roundabouts give priority to the vehicle which is already on the roundabout.
So keep your eyes open and be ready to stop where you might not have to at home.
Much is written about this but honestly, I didn't think about it once while driving in France. Just stay cautious and don’t drive aggressively.
Do not drink and drive
This is good advice anywhere but particularly in France since the blood alcohol limit is .05%.
If you happen to come upon a DWI checkpoint, every driver is required to blow into a breathalyzer, not just those who might show signs of drinking.
The French take this very seriously.
Renting a car allows you to visit many of the world-class destinations in France. I would not hesitate at all to rent a car and go exploring.
This post was researched and written by John of the Empty Nest Explorers. You can learn more about the Empty Nest Explorers here.
Some well-reviewed France tours:
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