Car Hire in Paris

About Paris

Paris, the capital of France and, many would say, the capital of romance is located in the Île-de-France region of central France. It is the largest city in France and one of the most important cities in the world due to its economic and cultural power. Paris is considered one of the most popular destinations for all travelers. If you are on a road trip through France, you must make a stop here, if you are hitchhiking, you must head to this city and if you are backpacking, you cannot miss Paris. No matter how you travel, Paris should be on your list of destinations.

No matter who you are or what you like to do, this city has something for everyone. If you like art, Paris is the place for you. With so many theatres, operas, museums, galleries, concerts, etc., you are sure to find something you like. If you are into sports, you'll find it here too, from the Paris Open to the last leg of the Tour de France to the Paris Saint Germain Games... If you are interested in history, you can visit one of the most famous museums in the world, the Louvre. Besides the Louvre, there are many other museums in Paris and if we talk about history, there are many architectural relics from the past here that you simply must visit. Paris is also considered to be the capital of fashion. So if you are interested in fashion, you will love Paris.

It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Cultures from all over the world mix here, which adds to the charm of this lively and fun city which never sleeps and you can do something at any time of the day or night.

You will have no trouble finding accommodation in Paris. There is a wide range of accommodation, from private rooms and apartments to hotels, hostels, motels, etc. However, you should book your accommodation in advance because the city is full of tourists all year round, so do not wait until the last minute. Paris is considered the second most visited city in the world, just behind London. Any time of the year is the right time to travel to this unique city. If you plan your trip for winter, you probably will not spend much time in the beautiful parks and spend romantic evenings on the banks of the Senna River. But you will have other benefits that you will not have in the spring and summer. In December, you can visit the magical Christmas market or go ice skating on the many outdoor ice rinks. All in all, the city is beautiful in December, with all the lights and decorations throughout the city. You just fall in love with it.

The interesting thing about Paris is that you usually walk through the crowded streets and visit sights, which of course are full of tourists waiting for a good photo. But if you avoid these big crowded streets, you can walk through small romantic streets with small squares and small bars or restaurants. Paris is also a great culinary destination, as you can enjoy the best wines from all over France and dine in some of the best restaurants in the world. Of course, there are also many more affordable and equally delicious restaurants throughout the city if you do not want to eat at prestige restaurants. If you are a shopping addict, you will have a hard time here. There are so many different shops and malls that you just can not walk past them.

Basic info and car hire in Paris

• Location: Île-de-France region, France
• Population: 2,175,601
• Official language: French
• Currency: Euro
• Weather:   Paris has a typical Western European oceanic climate
• Holidays in Paris:   For public holidays in Paris follow this link
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Paris are in good condition.
• Car hire in Paris:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Paris is Paris CDG Airport and Paris Orly Airport, Paris Lyon Railway Station, Paris Montparnasse Railway Station, Paris Gare du Nord Railway Station.
  Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Paris!

 Driving in Paris

Driving in Paris can be quite a challenge at times. Especially if you are not prepared and do not use a navigation system. There are a lot of narrow one-way streets and a lot of roundabouts, so you have to pay attention all the time. Traffic can be quite heavy in many parts of the city, and the further you get to the center, the more cyclists, pedestrians, scooters, and other motorbikes show up. There are also many pedestrian areas in the city. So pay attention to the signs on the side of the road and be careful not to drive your car into one of these zones. Driving in Paris at night is a special experience. There is much less traffic than during the day and you can see Paris from a whole new perspective. It is really special to drive on the streets of this city full of lights and pass by the tourist attractions that are not crowded at this time of day.

The best parking solution is a parking garage. There are many of them in Paris, and you can park there and be sure that your car is safely parked in the garage. There are also many parking lots on the street, but you must be careful and always read all the instructions about the fees per hour or minute.

Also, note that there are not many gas stations in the city, and gasoline and diesel are more expensive at these stations than at the gas stations outside the city. So, if you are coming to Paris by car, it is advisable to fill up your tank before going into the city.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in France is 18 years.
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passports for all people in the car), the car's registration certificate, and your M.O.T. certificate (for cars over three years old, proving the vehicle meets environmental and road safety standards), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire agency in case your policy doesn't cover you while driving in France)
• Additional requirements:  High-visibility, reflective vest for every person in the car, Warning triangle, Full set of replacement bulbs for head and taillights, Spare pair of glasses, Headlight converters (required if driving from, "Crit'Air" badge (required in central Paris), Breathalyzer.
• Children in the car:  Children under 13 must be in car seats or wearing seat belts appropriate for their age and height. Babies and infants about a year old or under should always be positioned in rear-facing car seats.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: There is a variable maximum speed on French roads, depending on weather conditions. In dry weather, 2- or 3-lane rural roads are limited to 80 km/h, 4-lane expressways (in rural areas) are limited to 110 km/h, and motorways (in rural areas if classified as highways) are limited to 130 km/h. In rainy conditions, the limits are lowered to 80, 100, and 110 km/h respectively. The 50 km/h speed limit in cities is independent of weather conditions. The general speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on all roads in fog or other poor visibility conditions when visibility is less than 50 meters.
• Parking suggestions: In the city area, you must pay for all street parking from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am-8:00 pm, and you pay per hour. Parking is free on Sundays and holidays. Generally, you can park for up to 6 hours at a time if you do not have a resident's permit, and up to a week at a time with a permit.

What to see in Paris 

Notre-Dame de Paris

This famous cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité. It was built in the 12th century and is considered an example of French Gothic architecture. It is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world and with its walls decorated with sculptures, and with historic organs and famous bells, Notre-Dame Cathedral is truly special. It is the site of many funerals of former French presidents and Napoleon's coronation also took place here in this church. During its existence, several restoration works have been carried out on the church. The last one is still in progress after the fire in 2019 caused great damage to this symbol of Paris and the whole French people. 

Eiffel Tower

This monumental tower is a landmark of Paris or maybe even of all France. It was built by Gustave Eiffel at the end of the 19th century. It is 324 meters high and is considered one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. The tower has 3 floors from which you can observe the surroundings. Of course, the best view you have from the 3rd floor at 275 meters.

Le Louvre

The former royal palace is now the most visited art museum in the world. The Louvre Museum is located in the center of the city and if you are in Paris, you simply must visit it. One of the most famous paintings here at the Louvre is undoubtedly Leonardo DaVinci's Mona Lisa. The Louvre has eight departments with different collections:

Egyptian Antiquities

Oriental antiquities

Greek, Etruscan, and Roman art

Islamic art

Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern Sculpture

Art objects

Paintings

Graphic arts.

Champs Elysées / Arc de Triomphe

This magnificent work of art is dedicated to the glory of the French armies and was built at the end of the 19th century. On the arch are engraved the names of 558 generals and all the great victories of the imperial army, built by order of Napoleon. And this majestic monument is also part of the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs Elysées, which begins at the Arc de Triomphe and ends at the Place de la Concorde.

Montmartre

This is a hill in the north of Paris. It is 130 meters high and famous for the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which stands at the top of the hill. At the beginning of the 20th century, Montmartre was the center of French art. Many famous painters came here to exhibit or even work. 

Palace of Versailles

If you are in Paris, you should take the time to visit this amazing palace. This most majestic and luxurious castle in France was built in the 17th century. Today, it is open to tourists and offers a truly wonderful experience. The gardens of the castle deserve a special mention. These famous gardens are a true reflection of the Baroque period in France.

Disneyland

Not just for kids or families, Disneyland is a fun place for everyone. If you have time, be sure to visit this fantastic theme park.

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