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Self drive hire cars, campervans and
motorhomes for rent in France
France is situated in western Europe, bounded on the north by the English Channel, the Strait of Dover, and the North Sea; on the northeast by Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany; on the east by Germany, Switzerland, and Italy; on the southeast by Monaco and the Mediterranean Sea; on the south by Spain and Andorra; and on the west by the Bay of Biscay. France covers quite a sizeable land mass and can take a while to go north to south or east west.
Paris is the capital city and also the largest city of France. The other major cities of France include Marseille, Strasbourg, Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes, Nice, Bordeaux and Montpellier. There are another 25 cities in France that have populations over 150,000.
Tips for driving a hired car or motorhome in France
Driving your self drive car in FranceBe sure to carefully check the transmission of the car you wish to hire - a selection of manual and autormatic motor cars will be offeres to you. The minimum driving age in France is 18 although 21 is the youngest for hiring (see terms and conditions within the car booking engine) and EC licences are accepted. In a car hire in France you drive on the right, overtake on the left. Be careful as flashing your car headlights means 'I am going first', not I give way! Sear belts must be worn in the front and back (if fitted) Do not overtake or cross a solid white line in the centre of the road. When you approach traffic lights flashing amber means proceed only if safe to do so.
Motorhomes and campervans can be hired from five rental loactions in France - Nice, Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse. 2 birth up to 7 birth motor homes are on offer. Many people drive RV's (recreational vehicles) in France and throughout Europe. Motorhome hire in France is through top rental companies and your no obligation quote will be tailor made for your needs. We deal with customer focused companies who supply only the best in motorhomes at very competitive prices.
Motorways in France
As France is such a large country it has a very comprehensive motorway network. The majority of motorways or autoroutes have a toll charge (peage). You take a ticket on entering, and produce it later for payment as you exit the motorway. There are plenty of services areas for rest and refuelling along the motorways.
The speed limits are similar to those around Europe:
Cars Only
Built-up areas, 50 kph
Major roads outside towns, 90 kph
Motorways (non toll), 110 kph
Motorways (toll), 130 kph
Motorways minimum left lane, 80 kph
Motorways in rain, 110 kph
However it is common to see many drivers exceeding the speed limits on motorways, so if you are in an unfamiliar hire car in France, then be wary
Motor fines in France If you are caught speeding in your hire car you could face an on-the-spot fine of up to 750 Euro
Road Signs in France
Road signs in France are similar to the ones you find around the world, albeit in a different language.
Parking a rented car or campervan in France
In most major towns and cities a Blue Zone parking system operates. Discs are available from police, tourist offices and tobacconists. There are also Parking meters and Pay and Display systems.
Fuel in France
Every motor car takes different fuel - check in the documents in the rental car to establish the cars fuel type requirement before filling up!
Unleaded Super 95/98 = Essence sans Plomb
Diesel = Gazole or Gas-oil or Gaz-oil
LPG, Gaz de pétrole liquéfié (GPL) is also available.
Hiring cars throughout Europe with multiple collection depots using many car hire companies including National car rentals, Alamo and Europcar allow tremendous European coverage. All retnal companies offer a very high standard of service to thier customers. Rental depots at Airports in France include: Paris Orly where there is four terminals, Annecy Airport, Biarritz Airport, Carcassonne Airport, Dinard / Saint Malo Airport, Geneva French Side Airport, Montpellier Airport Nice Airport, Strasbourg Airport and Toulouse International Airport.
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self drive automatic and manual transmission cars in France, touring holidays in motor homes in Europe for keen drivers adn family holidays.