Renting a car opens up the France that trains can’t reach: the villages, the vineyards, the coastline. It’s straightforward, but a few rules around licenses, tolls, and city access zones are worth understanding before you pick up the keys.

Do you need an international driving permit?

If your license is from an EU or EEA country, you can drive in France with it directly.

If it’s from outside the EU, the rules vary by country. Many non-EU licenses are accepted for short tourist stays, but an International Driving Permit (IDP), an official translation of your license, is often recommended or required, and rental companies may ask for it. If your license isn’t in the Roman alphabet, an IDP is essentially essential. Get it in your home country before you travel, as you can’t obtain it once in France.

You’ll also typically need to have held your license for at least one year. Most rental companies set a minimum age, often 21 and sometimes higher for certain car categories, with young-driver surcharges under 25.

Insurance

Basic insurance is usually included in the rental, but with a high excess (« franchise »), the amount you’d pay if something happens. You can reduce it with additional coverage, either from the rental company or via your travel insurance or credit card. Many premium cards include rental car coverage, so check yours before paying twice.

Tolls (« péages »)

Many French motorways are tolled. You collect a ticket entering and pay exiting, by card, cash, or the electronic « télépéage » badge. On a long trip, tolls add up, so budget for them. Look for the lanes marked with a “t” for télépéage only, versus those accepting cards and cash. Getting in the wrong lane is a classic stressful moment.

The rule that surprises visitors: low-emission zones

Many French cities, including Paris and Lyon, now have low-emission zones (« ZFE ») requiring a Crit’Air sticker, a colored vignette showing your vehicle’s emissions level. Rental cars usually have one already, but confirm with the rental company. Driving in a restricted zone without a valid sticker, or with a too-polluting vehicle on restricted days, can mean a fine.

Practical driving notes

France drives on the right. Priority rules can be unfamiliar: in some places priority is given to traffic joining from the right (« priorité à droite »). Speed limits are strictly enforced by cameras. Carry the required equipment, too: the rental should include a warning triangle and high-visibility vest, both legally mandatory.

The bottom line

EU license holders are fine as-is. Non-EU visitors should check whether they need an International Driving Permit and get it before leaving home. Budget for tolls, confirm the car has a Crit’Air sticker for city zones, and remember speed cameras are everywhere.

Not sure whether your license works in France, or which insurance you actually need? We can check the requirements for your country and sort the booking. Chat with Voila Service → voilaservice.fr