Paris is the capital of France, and it is also the most populated city in the country, being a significant historical and current central hub of both European and world affairs. It is quite a busy city, so driving and parking here can be a bit tricky. However, there are resources available -- such as underground parking garages -- that will allow you to park your Paris car rentals. Overall, the rules of the road in Paris are much like anywhere else. There is a notoriously busy highway that circles Paris known as la Périphérique that will be difficult to avoid; stay aware of traffic and signs around you, and you'll be fine. The city has countless historical and famous places to visit, such as the Louvre, Moulin Rouge, the Paris opera houses, and a variety of some of the best restaurants in the world. Since there's so much to do and see, visitors would undoubtedly benefit from getting car rentals in Paris. Currently, there are over 100 car rental locations in Paris.
While visiting, is it worthwhile to rent a car while visiting Paris?
If you get a cheap car rental in Paris, you'll find yourself to be less dependent on other methods of travel, such as a bus or taxi. The good thing about driving in the city is that you'll not have to worry much about parking spaces as long as you're willing to part with a small fee (but you can be lucky and find free parking). Parking locations are present on the streets or underground public parking lots chargeable per hour or in private lots in hotels available at a fixed fee. We recommend that you avoid driving during rush hour just as the sun is rising and when it's about to set, and you'll steer from traffic stemming from Parisian drivers who are generally known to ever be in a hurry. With the city landmarks in proximity, quality sidewalks, and low crime rates, Paris is quite walkable. However, rental cars in Paris will make it much easier to explore beyond the city center. Day trips out of Paris to places like the Versailles Palace and Claude Monet's house will be much easier to undertake with a car.
Can I drive to other countries with a rental car from Paris?
Crossing the borders into surrounding countries like Spain, Belgium, Germany, or Switzerland with Paris car rentals should not be an issue. As long as you inform the car rental branch, you should be able to cross the borders by car, as most providers allow this. If you do not inform the rental company, you may be charged a penalty fee. However, make sure to reserve a vehicle that doesn’t have a mileage limit. Crossing European borders should not require any documentation. Nonetheless, having your passport on you would be necessary in case of being pulled over. The provider may apply a fee for driving the vehicle into foreign countries.
Can you rent a rental car in Paris without a credit card?
If you wish to purchase car rentals in Paris without a credit card, you most likely won’t be able to. It’s not very common for car rental providers in France to allow rentals with debit cards. With Hertz, for example, you may make the reservation with a debit card, but upon picking up the vehicle you must present said debit card along with a credit card. However, you may check with specific branches to confirm they don’t accept debit card payments. When getting your car rentals in Paris you’ll have to show your driver’s license along with a credit card in the same name as the renter’s and main driver’s. The car rental locations in Paris may only accept specific international bank cards, generally either with a MasterCard or VISA logo. Check with the rental offices to make sure your credit card will be accepted.
What driving laws should I keep an eye out for in Paris?
If you aren’t familiar with the driving laws and rules in France, here are a few you should be aware of when getting cheap car rentals in Paris. They drive on the right-hand side of the road in France, as well as the adjacent countries. France uses the metric system, so the speed limits and distances are measured in kilometers per hour. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to ride in the front seat and seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in a vehicle. In France and the rest of Europe, the use of traffic circles instead of intersections is common. When approaching one, make sure to yield to the vehicles already circling. Drinking and driving laws in France are strict, so be responsible and refrain from driving your car rentals in Paris when under the influence. The law states 0.05% BAC and above as the point you'll be driving under the influence. Drivers must carry a reflective vest and warning triangle that will come in handy in an accident or car trouble. You'll also need a full set of replacement bulbs for the head and tail lights of the car, plus a "Crit'Air" badge if you plan on driving in central Paris.
What documents does an international traveler need to rent a car in Paris?
If you’re visiting France from another country, make sure you have the correct documentation for picking up your rental car reservation. If your driver’s license is printed in the Latin alphabet, you should be able to retrieve your vehicle with just a valid driver’s license and a credit card matching the renter’s name. They may ask for a second form of identification, like a passport. If the driver’s license from your country of origin is in a different alphabet like Greek, Russian, or Japanese, the car rental provider may require you to present an International Driver’s Permit along with your document. This permit is just a translation of your original license and must be presented together to be valid. Nevertheless, contact your renting office in advance to make sure you have all the necessary documents to pick up your economy car rental.