Tips for Driving in France as a Tourist (From an Insider!)

So we’re not French, but we have been living here for a while with several French road trips under our belts. 

I should probably say Brian’s belt, really, as most of the time we end up with a manual vs. an automatic, something I can’t even begin to wrap my head around.

This guide is then a sharing session of everything “we” have learned out on the road. It includes how to stay safe, whether it’s worth the effort, and what to expect when you’re driving in France as a tourist.

I’ll let Brian handle the technical stuff along the way in a collaboration post of sorts.

Is driving in France worth it?

Driving in France is very much worth it, as it gives you the freedom to explore charming villages, countryside vineyards, and coastal towns that trains don’t always reach. 

Don’t get me wrong. France is very well-connected by public transit and long-distance trains, and oftentimes it’s faster to get from town to town by train. 

But there’s just something about finding a special, off-the-radar place on a scenic drive through regions like the Loire Valley, Provence, or Brittany. 

READ MORE: Check out a two-week itinerary from one of our favorite road trips in France!

Is driving in France easy?

Driving in France is pretty easy, unless we’re talking about driving around Paris. We don’t suggest that, and it’s just not necessary between the buses, Metro, and RER lines available! 

However, it does come with some quirks, from navigating tolls on highways to inexplicable gas station closures. We’ll get into all of it, including the nitty-gritty on what you actually need to drive in France.

Things to Know About Driving in France

The rules and regulations below are pretty detailed, but they won’t all apply to you. Bounce around as you see fit.

We felt it was better to share everything with you here than leave anything off! Most of this comes courtesy of Brian, the main driver around here.

Renting a Car

Don’t be scared. That’s not a real rental car pictured above, but an abandoned vehicle that may turn into a zombie car at some point.

When renting a car in France, be prepared for a few differences compared to other countries:

• Manual transmission is the standard. Automatic cars are available but often cost more and should be reserved in advance.
• Rental cars are usually compact, which helps navigate narrow streets and tight parking spaces, but they can be rough if you don’t understand how to pack light. If you need more room, request that at booking.
• Diesel vehicles are common and can be more fuel-efficient, but always check what type of fuel your car requires.
• Electric cars (EVs) are increasingly offered in larger agencies in big cities and at major airports. If you rent one, keep in mind that charging stations are plentiful along highways and in cities, but more limited in rural areas
• Expect to pay extra for GPS, additional drivers, or child seats.
• Rental cars should come with a yellow vest, a spare tire, and a warning triangle. This is a red reflective triangle to be used in emergencies to alert other drivers if you’re pulled over.

Driver’s License Requirements

The rules for driving with an international license depend on where you come from and how long you’re planning to stay in France. 

For EU/EEA member states or Switzerland, you can drive in France indefinitely under the following conditions: 

• Your driving license is valid.
• You have no restrictions or suspensions
• You’re at least 18 years old for a car (B category).
• You comply with any medical requirements.

For non-EU/EEA citizens, you can drive with your valid foreign license for up to a year after establishing residency in France. Assuming you’re visiting France for a bit, you’ll just want to make sure the validity of your license covers the entirety of your trip.

We’ve never needed a translated version of our licenses to rent cars in France. But officially, your license should be accompanied by an official French translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Rule followers, you can apply for IDPs through AAA online for $20.

Fun fact: If you want to follow us and move to France, the country has reciprocal agreements with several countries and 18 U.S. states that allow you to exchange your license for a French one without taking a test.

We both have our French driver’s licenses, although it’s not as fun for me. I don’t know how to drive manual transmission cars. Here’s what that’s like:

Insurance Requirements

It’s mandatory to have third-party liability insurance when renting a car in France. Car rental companies are required to include it in the base price, so you’re covered for injury, death, or property damage caused to others if you’re at fault in an accident.

What’s not automatically included is coverage for damage to the rental car itself, like if you hit a garage in Toulouse, theft protection, or things like roadside assistance. Those usually come as extra car insurance options, often through a Collision Damage Waiver.

Fun fact: We get this benefit through the Chase Sapphire Reserve card when we book car rentals. The card’s coverage is primary, so you wouldn’t have to file a claim with your regular auto insurance policy in the case of an incident. It reimburses you for up to $75,000 in physical damage or theft of the rental vehicle. 

It also provides loss-of-use charges, administrative fees, and reasonable towing charges due to covered incidents.

Your personal auto insurance might also provide you with coverage for a rental vehicle, but it’s best to just check your policy for what is provided there. 

READ MORE: We’re keeping our Chase Sapphire Reserve for now. See why, despite the big fee hike!

Seat Belt and Child Safety Rules

Wearing seat belts is required for all passengers. For children, if they’re under 10, they must be secured in an approved child restraint system suitable for their weight and height. They should be seated in the back seat when possible. 

Note: A child can travel in the front seat only if there are no rear seats, the rear seats are already occupied by other children under 10, or the rear seats lack seat belts. 

Children under 10 who are taller than 1.5 meters (that’s about five feet) or weigh more than 15 kg (that’s about 33 pounds) may use a standard seat belt. 

Speed Limits and Road Signs

The maximum speed limit on motorways in France is 130 km/h (81 mph). It drops to 110 km/h (68 mph) in the rain or on dual-carriageways, 80-90 km/h (50–56 mph) on rural French roads, and 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns.

French road signs follow standard European conventions. Triangular signs with red borders warn of hazards, circular signs indicate rules like speed limits or no entry, and rectangular or blue signs provide information on directions or services. 

Pay attention to priority roads, marked with a yellow diamond, and remember that roundabouts are common and usually give right of way to vehicles already inside. 

Note: If roundabouts freak you out, you’re not alone. I still feel anxious whenever I enter one. They’re great for traffic, though.

Speed cameras are widespread, especially on motorways, so keep to the posted limits. Using a GPS or navigation app that shows current speed limits can make driving as a tourist much smoother and less stressful. Red light cameras are common, too.

Alcohol Limits 

The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving in France is 0.05%, or 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. This limit applies to all drivers, but it’s stricter for novice drivers who have held their license for less than three years. That limit is just 0.02%.

The French authorities enforce these limits strictly, and penalties for exceeding them can include fines, demerit points, and license suspension. 

For a BAC between 0.5 g/l and 0.8 g/l, the standard fine is €135 (over $150), which may be reduced to €90 (about $105) if paid promptly. If the BAC exceeds 0.8 g/l, the fine increases significantly to a maximum of €4,500 (over $5,200). 

The point here is, don’t drink and drive.

That’s good advice no matter where you are, but it’s especially sound if you’re just visiting a new country. If you’re traveling to wine country while in France, book a wine tour or assign a designated driver. Don’t mess around.

Mobile Phone Restrictions

Driving with a mobile phone in hand is prohibited in France. That includes holding your phone just to check directions or glance at a text.

If you’re caught, you could incur a fine of €135 (over $150) and a three-point penalty. Tourists risk on-the-spot fines if stopped by police. 

Hands-free systems are permitted, but only if they’re fully integrated into the car, like with Bluetooth. Using earphones, earbuds, or headsets is banned, even for calls or music. The safest approach is to set up your GPS or music before you start driving.

Navigating Toll Roads and Environmental Zones

Some toll roads, like the A14 around Paris, are free-flow, so you pay online at SANEF within 72 hours of your journey. Just enter your license plate number, and it’ll tell you what to pay.

Other toll roads still have booths, so you just stop at one and either pay with cash or a credit card. 

If you want to avoid the toll roads, just set your map apps to do so. While it will add to your total travel time, that’s often the best way to find the off-the-beaten-path villages you wouldn’t notice otherwise. Just be ready for all of those roundabouts. 

Seasonal Considerations

Speed limits are lower in wet conditions. Chains are required on mountain roads across France in the winter. If you’re traveling somewhere like Chamonix on your road trip and there’s a chance for snow, plan ahead. 

Check with the rental car company about whether you can be provided with chains or whether there are restrictions on your rental about driving through the mountains.

How do gas stations in France work?

Gas stations in France may be a little bit different than what you’re used to in places like the United States. Most of them are self-service, though, with credit card machines to operate them. Unfortunately, your credit card might not work at every gas station!

We’ve had mostly success with our Chase credit cards, but commonly see “transaction terminée” and have to use our Capital One Venture. We’ve also had to go inside and prepay. 

In town, the gas stations won’t be open 24 hours. Or probably not on Sundays. And also sometimes just because they feel like it. 

Gas stations on the toll roads will always be open and have good facilities to eat and stretch your legs.

Road Trip Ideas

If we’re exploring France, we’re likely on a road trip. It’s a great way to show our dog the sights, too, and allows us to make stops wherever we please.

I’ve already mentioned Brittany as worth visiting on a road trip, but here are a few more:

• Alsace: Wind your way along the Alsace Wine Route, where half-timbered villages like Riquewihr and Eguisheim look straight out of a storybook. Cities like Strasbourg and Colmar are especially good at Christmas.
• Loire Valley: A road trip through the Loire Valley takes you past elegant châteaux like Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise. If you only have three days, steal my itinerary to the Loire Valley to help you plan.
• Normandy: Start in Rouen or Caen and wind your way along the dramatic cliffs of Étretat to the D-Day beaches, one of the most popular sites for American travelers. Leave time for the hard cider scene, if you have a designated driver. 
• Provence: If you time things right, you’ll get to see those epic lavender fields. Hilltop villages like Gordes and Roussillon, and an excellent wine scene, make travel to Provence worth it any time.

You should hit the road in France!

I love a good train ride, but if you’re dreaming of castle-hopping, vineyard escapes, coastal drives, or hidden villages, there’s no better way to experience it all than by car. 

Driving gives you the freedom to linger wherever you please, stumble upon fun stuff, and follow winding country roads at your own pace. You’ll discover a France most travelers never see, and I know you’ll have some goods ready for the highlight reel.

Planning more travel in France? Check these out:

• A Guide to Versailles, Gardens and More
• How to Plan the Best Day in Montpellier
• A Guide to Dinard, a Brittany Resort Town
• Should You Visit Mont-Saint-Michel?
• How to Plan Your Next Trip to Avignon

Here are a few more to fuel your wanderlust:

• Plan a Trip to Underrated Nantes
• A Guide to Planning a France Summer
• A Trip Planner for Charming Saint-Malo
• Things We’ve Learned From Life in France
• Plan an April Trip to Giverny, France

Want to see more?