Car rental in France

Car Rental in France – Unlock the Full Experience of French Travel
From iconic cities like Paris and Lyon to scenic routes through Provence, Normandy, and the Loire Valley—France offers one of the most rewarding road trip experiences in Europe. Renting a car in France opens up a world beyond rail lines and city centers, allowing you to explore charming villages, regional cuisine, historic landmarks, and hidden countryside gems at your own rhythm.

Why Renting a Car in France Makes Sense
France has one of the most comprehensive highway networks in Europe. While public transport connects most major cities, a rental car provides unmatched access to:
- Remote villages and castles not served by trains or buses.
- Scenic drives along coastlines, through vineyards, or up into the Alps.
- Flexibility to stop whenever and wherever you wish—perfect for photographers and foodies alike.
- Regions where local life is best experienced off the tourist trail, such as Dordogne, Auvergne, or Alsace.

Prominent airports in France
Car rental service in France is available right at the airport. This saves time allocated for the main purpose of staying in the country.

Advantages of renting a car in France
Freedom to move
Renting a car allows you to explore different locations and choose your own route, without depending on public transport or taxis.
Speed and economy
A car helps you move quickly around the city and between towns, saving you time and money, especially if you plan to visit several places in a short period of time.
Comfort and convenience
Choose a car that suits your needs and enjoy a comfortable ride. For added convenience, you can order a GPS navigator, a child seat and other options.
Effective planning
Renting a car gives you the opportunity to organise your own trips and not depend on public transport schedules.
Flexibility in routes
Stop wherever you want and move at your own pace, enjoying a ride without restrictions.
How to hire a car in France
Search for your host city
Select a car
Select a free booking date
Selection of the time and place of car pick-up or the site where you want to pick up the car yourself
Selection of the end location of the trip
Enter your contact information below to book a car
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in France?
The price is dependent on the type of car and other parameters. The minimum price for a week’s rental is 133 euros.
How much does it cost to rent a car in France?
The minimum price per day is 31 euros. The cost of hiring a car in France is calculated based on the selected type of car and a number of other conditions.
What is the minimum age for renting a car in France?
In France, the minimum age for renting a car is typically 25 years old. A number of companies may permit car hire to drivers over the age of 21, provided they have a minimum of one year’s driving experience and have obtained additional insurance or paid a young driver fee.
Is there any maximum age limit for renting a car in France?
The standard age limit for renting a car in France is 70 years. However, a number of private companies may also rent cars to drivers over 70 years of age, subject to additional conditions or insurance.
Does one need an international driving licence to rent a car in France?
In the vast majority of cases, it is sufficient to carry your national driving licence, especially if you are planning a short trip. However, if you are planning a longer stay or wish to avoid any potential issues, it is recommended that you carry an International Driving Licence.
What documents do I need to rent a car in France?
- Valid driver’s license
- Valid passport or ID card for identification
- International Driver’s Permit (IDP) if relevant
- Credit card issued on driver’s name (debit cards and another holder’s cards can’t be accepted)
What types of cars are available for rent in France?
Wayrent offers the following types of cars for rent: Luxury, economy, SUV, van, electric, hybrid.
Is it possible to rent a one-way car in France?
Yes, you can rent a car on a one-way rental model by leaving it at another location in the same city or in another city.
What are the terms and conditions for car insurance in France?
This information is specific to the individual car supplier. Most of car rental companies offer insurance packages during the booking process, however some additional insurance options may be offered at pick-up.
What additional services do you offer when renting a car in France?
Each car rental company offers a number of additional services, such as vehicle delivery to the location of your choice, extra equipment like baby seats and boosters, GPS navigation, extra driver, rentals for young/senior driver, 24/7 roadside assistance etc. More information is available on the rental page of every vehicle.
What payment methods do you accept for car rental in France?
We accept the majority of credit and debit cards for advanced payment. The remaining amount payable at the pick up location in France can be paid by any method accepted by each car rental provider. But in most cases you will still need a credit card for the deposit.
Can I cancel or modify my car rental booking in France?
Yes, you can cancel or modify your booking. Free cancellation with full refund and modifications are possible if they are done not early than 48 hours prior to pick up time.
What rental options are available (hourly, daily, weekly, monthly) in France?
We offer rentals from 1 day and up to 3 month. However some car rental companies set up 3 days as a minimum rental period. Rentals for more than 3 month are available upon request.
How do I return a rented car in France?
The terms and conditions for returning the rented car are outlined in the contract. In the event of any deviation from these terms, contact your manager to discuss the specific situation.
What are the late return penalties in France?
Most companies have a 29-59 minutes grace period when the rental is over, please check the “important info” of your rental. The conditions and amount of fines for late return, leaving the permitted zone, damaging a car, speeding, eating and smoking inside the car are specified in the terms of the contract.
Can I rent a car in France without a credit card?
We accept the majority of credit and debit cards for advanced payment. The remaining amount payable at the pick up location in France can be paid by method accepted by each car rental provider, but in most cases you will still need a credit card for the deposit.
What additional options can be added to a booking in France (e.g. GPS, child seat, etc.)?
When booking a car in France, you will see the list of additional services and goods you need. Most often a GPS navigator, baby seats and boosters, extra driver or additional insurance coverage are offered.
Book a rental car in France
Explore France with cars from Wayrent. Choose the right vehicle and book online, then pick it up at your preferred branch or airport.

Popular Pickup Points for Car Rentals in France
- Airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Nice Côte d’Azur, Lyon-Saint Exupéry, Marseille Provence.
- Train Stations: Gare de Lyon, Gare du Nord, Avignon TGV, Bordeaux-Saint-Jean.
- City Centers: Most large cities have several car rental agencies within walking distance of hotels.
Vehicle Types Suitable for French Roads
Depending on your route and travel style, you can choose from:
- Compact hatchbacks: Easy to maneuver and park in tight city centers.
- Mid-size sedans: Comfortable for long drives across regions.
- Convertibles: Great for coastal drives along the French Riviera.
- Vans or SUVs: Ideal for families, groups, or mountainous terrain.
- Electric vehicles: Increasingly available, especially in urban areas with EV charging infrastructure.
Things to Know Before Driving in France
- Drivers must stay on the right-hand side of the road.
- Most highways (autoroutes) have tolls—credit cards are widely accepted.
- In towns and cities, look out for “Zone de rencontre” signs—low-speed pedestrian zones.
- Roundabouts are common—vehicles inside have the right of way.
- Alcohol limit is lower than in some countries (0.5 g/l); penalties are strict.
Regions That Shine When Explored by Car
- Provence: Lavender fields, hilltop villages, and Mediterranean coastline.
- Loire Valley: Castles, wine estates, and charming riverside towns.
- Normandy: D-Day beaches, apple orchards, and the dramatic cliffs of Étretat.
- Alsace: Half-timbered villages and the famed Alsace Wine Route.
- French Alps: Scenic mountain passes and resort towns year-round.
Rental Requirements
To rent a car in France, you’ll typically need:
- A valid driver’s license (EU licenses accepted; non-EU visitors may need an International Driving Permit).
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit.
- A minimum age of 21–25 years, depending on the vehicle type and rental agency.
Make the Most of Your French Road Trip
France is a country made for driving—diverse landscapes, well-maintained roads, and countless regional experiences. Whether you’re cruising through sunflower-filled fields in the southwest or navigating the Alpine switchbacks in the east, a rental car turns every stretch of road into a story.
Reserve your rental car in France today and enjoy the ultimate freedom to explore the country beyond the guidebooks.