How to find a cheap car hire deal in France
Pick up a cheap rental car in France from Rs4,425 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, making booking quick and easy.
Rs30,970 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental if you're planning a longer adventure.
Browse the range of car rentals in Marseille. 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 September to lock in average daily rates of Rs8,741. It's the most affordable month to rent a car.
June 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
Typically, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in France. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat regulations differ from place to place, and the best setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Find out if you need to add one to your car rental reservation in France.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) and a second photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in France, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in France. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and activities. Pay with your card when it's convenient, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.
The language most often spoken in France is French.
