Driving in France

MrsHark122 · January 2012

Any tips? We will only have a car rental for 2-2.5 days during our time in the Loire Valley. It's me, my mom, and a friend... usually the husband does the overseas driving, so we are a little nervous.

Publius · January 2012

It's not all that different from driving in the States. Can you drive a stick? If not have you specified and double checked that the car will be an auto?

laptopprancer · January 2012

If you don't drive stick, make sure the rental place has an automatic transmission car available for you before you go to pick it up.

Other than that, it's pretty easy to drive out in the country in Europe. Always yield if someone behind you is coming up fast to pass you.

MrsHark122 · January 2012

I made sure to get an auto!

I figured since it is primarily rural driving it shouldn't be too bad... and it's low season too.

koosh ball · January 2012

Be careful... every time my dad has rented a car in France there is some drama. Last time, they blew a tire and the rental company required him to pay for it in cash. He refused but this is not the first time something like this has happened.

MrsHark122 · January 2012

koosh ball:
Be careful... every time my dad has rented a car in France there is some drama. Last time, they blew a tire and the rental company required him to pay for it in cash. He refused but this is not the first time something like this has happened.

What car rental companies has he had issues with, do you know?

mxolisi · January 2012

We rented from Eurocar in Paris and then spent 4 days driving around the Loire Valley. We had no issues-- we had a great guidebook specific to drivin in that region I want to say published by Thomas Cook. I highly recommend it. Also GPS is really helpful.

We had a great time, especially in Sancerre and Blois. Let me know if you have any questions!

ondrea · January 2012

we rented a car from AVIS in Paris from CDG Airport and drove around and out of the city. Our only nervous-ness was when driving through the Arc at peak hours - gah! but it's just busy city traffic.

I would get a GPS and specify one that speaks English. Agree with getting an automatic - but I drive stick so that wasn't an issue for me. I just made sure that when I was driving I had a good navigator next to me. you'll be fine!

MDGirl · January 2012

I'm almost positive that they have overhead radar on the highway from Paris to the Loire, and I think we got tickets from them. We'd go under these structures above the highway and everyone else would be slamming on their brakes, and then we got a couple letters from Avis in French.

mxolisi · January 2012

MDGirl:
I'm almost positive that they have overhead radar on the highway from Paris to the Loire, and I think we got tickets from them. We'd go under these structures above the highway and everyone else would be slamming on their brakes, and then we got a couple letters from Avis in French.

Yes!!!! I forgot this! If you rent a GPS it will tell you when you are in one of these areas.

TravelingJen · January 2012

I spent about a month in France a few years ago and had a rental car nearly the entire time. Driving in the Loire Valley was super easy compared to the other areas I was in. The only truly stressful moments I had was when I drove into larger cities, which you really won't have to worry about. Additionally, like the other posters, I strongly encourage you to bring your GPS (the one I had worked in France) or rent one from the car rental agency. It will make your life so much easier and nearly stress free!

VABeach08 · January 2012

If you are doing any highway driving, either get a pay as you go pass (like EZpass on the east coast) or bring Euro coins (many lanes are exact change only it's a royal PITA).

desmerelda317 · January 2012

VABeach08:
If you are doing any highway driving, either get a pay as you go pass (like EZpass on the east coast) or bring Euro coins (many lanes are exact change only it's a royal PITA).

THIS THIS THIS! We got stuck at a toll when we were driving from CDG to our B&B. Definitely be sure to have euro coins; it'll save you stress and headache. Other than that, don't stress too much. Driving in France is pretty simple, especially in the country.

avcs302008 · January 2012

we rented a car in Holland and drove to france and all through it. In Paris the thing you have to be concerned with is parking. On street level is is very hard to find, and most places are only 2 hr parking. If you are staying over night there, you will need to park underground, good option, but quite expensive, very expensive actually. Have fun!

ktkl09 · January 2012

It's easy to drive in France, but it is expensive on the highways.

Driving in Italy is another story.

Driving in France

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