France Car Hire Destination Guide

Car hire in France is widely available from all the major car rental companies.  France is the world's most popular tourist destination (78 million in 2006) boasting dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris, Côte d'Azur (the French Riviera), the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the Alps, the Castles of Loire Valley, Brittany: Mont Saint Michel.

France is also renowned for its gastronomy (particularly wines and cheeses), history, culture and fashion.

Driving In France
If you’re planning to rent a car while in France there’s some basic information you’re going to need to get you on your way. Firstly, and quite importantly if you’re British, get ready to drive on the right hand side of the road. That’s the wrong side if you’re British! This means you should always overtake on the left.

Stopping for someone waiting at a zebra crossing is a fineable offence for holding up traffic. The crossings indicate where it is best to cross. Also, do not overtake a tram when it is stationary with passengers getting on or off.

It is compulsory for front and rear seat occupants to wear seat belts if fitted. Carrying hazard warning lights or a warning triangle is compulsory. It is recommended that visitors equip their vehicle with replacement bulbs.

Traffic on major roads has priority. Where two major roads cross, traffic coming from the right has priority as warned by the sign 'danger priorité à droite'. Where there is no sign, give way to the right.

Traffic on a roundabout has priority and signs saying 'cedez le passage' or 'vous n'avez pas la prioritè'. In some areas the old rule of traffic entering roundabouts having priority applies so be cautious where there are no signs.

If a driver flashes his headlights in France, he is generally indicating that he has priority and you should give way. This can be confusing if you’re British as in the UK it usually indicates that a car is letting you out.

Speed Limits
The common speed limits are 50km/h (31mph) in built up areas, 90km/h (56mph) out of town, 110km/h (68mph) on priority roads and toll free motorways, while on toll motorways it’s 130km/h (81mph).

Drink Driving
The drink driving limit in France is very low (50mg) which is barely 1 unit of alcohol. So, the best advice here is definitely not to touch a drop if you’re planning on getting behind the wheel.

Related Links
• Rental Locations : A guide to destinations throughout the world
• France Guide : Official tourism web site for France