One of the most exquisite countries in Europe, which saw a footfall of 100 million tourists in 2020, must be on the list of every travel enthusiast. Known for its language, cuisine, culture, and fashion, the popularity of France is increasing day by day. The best thing about this country is the wide range of experiences it offers. It doesn’t matter if you want to spend your vacation relaxing in a countryside vineyard sipping on some wine or want to go underwater and reunite with nature, France has everything.
Another important thing to know about the country is the fact that it is well connected through roads, and if you want to experience the real France, it should be a point to take a road trip. You can hire a car and get to experience the countryside as authentically as possible. It will not only help you in being truly free from arrival and departure timings but can also lead you to unplanned and impromptu adventures. And those are the kinds of stories that you will want your grandchildren to know!
Let us take a look at some of the destinations in France that you will regret missing -
Paris - Well, no brownie points for guessing this one. Also known as the City of Light, this city has been a crucial part of the modern history of the world. Poets, painters, musicians, most of those who revolutionised art and literature have walked through the streets of Paris. In this French city, love is always in the air, along with the aroma of baked goods and perfume. The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral are of great historical importance.The Louvre Museum has some of the greatest works of art in the world. The Château de Versailles is just a one and a half hour car ride away from Paris and without any argument one of the grandest architectural pieces in the world.
The island of Corsica - To the south of France lies the beautiful island of Corsica. You might have come across this one if you were an Asterix fan.The city of Bastia is famous for its streets, cafes, churches, scenic beauty, and markets. Take a day to walk the beautiful metropolitan area to blend in with locals and absorb the beautiful warm Sun. Take a tour of the Balagne villages which are just a 20 minute drive away. Catching a sunset in the village of Occi can be a magical experience for you.
Nice - The foundation of the city takes us back to the time of the Greeks. It is one of the biggest attractions for international tourists. Nice is widely known by Henri Matisse, the famous painter who lived and worked in this beautiful French city. There are several things that you can do in Nice, such as taking a bus tour around the city or dedicating a day to museums. However, to experience Nice in its truest sense, you must take the cruise from Cannes to Monte Carlo.
Bordeaux - It’s not difficult to locate this name, right? If you are a good old wine lover, you have surely seen Bordeaux many times. This quaint port city is a massive wine hub that reportedly produced 440 million litres of wine in 2020. Apart from the obvious attraction of lovely Bordeaux, this place offers peaceful countryside that is perfect both for you and your gram. Spend a weekend in the region tasting some wine and basking in the sun in one of the gardens that run along the riverside.
Normandy - Although this northern region has a history of injustice, war, and suffering, it is surely a place that you would not want to miss. The Normandy coast gained popularity during the Second World War and has since been one of the major attractions for tourists with historical interest. The region has expansive beaches lined with white-chalk cliffs. The grandeur of the landscape is absolutely breathtaking and sublime. Guess that is the reason why Claude Monet spent a good deal of his life and painted some of his best works in Normandy.
The Alps - If you are an adrenaline junkie, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the part of the Alps that falls under the jurisdiction of France. Outdoor sports such as skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, and paragliding are some of the activities that will account for some of the central experiences of your life.
Loire Valley - While France equates to romance, not every place in the country will be able to offer you the kind of privacy that you might expect with your loved one. Loire Valley is one such place that will give you the chance to escape with your partner. The serene nature of the valley and the beautiful accommodation options this place has is ideal for a romantic getaway or a honeymoon. It has also been recognised as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Dune du Pilat - When in France, there is no reason to miss Europe’s tallest sand dunes. Located in the Arcachon Bay area, it attracts a huge number of tourists every year. You will not only be shocked at the sight of the high dunes, but you must also climb to its peak to see the breathtaking view.
Mont St. Michel, the grand abbey on this island located near Normandy, is a treat for both adults and children. It is said that this beautiful structure was the inspiration behind the famous children’s tale Rapunzel and it also inspired the creative directors of the Disney movie Tangled. Don’t deprive yourself of this beauty when you’re in France.
Things to do in France
France is more than simply a tourism destination. This lovely nation provides a plethora of things to do and activities.
France not only boasts strong arts, culture, and architecture, but it also offers a diverse cuisine. While most of the lesser-known towns have recently gained a lot of attention, Paris remains one of the most-visited cities in the world. Enjoy the capital by riding along the Seine, circling the Arc de Triomphe, or driving to Versailles.
If you've always wanted to visit the most romantic city in the world, driving is the most liberating option. Plan your own schedule and have greater freedom in deciding how to experience France without the hassle of commuting.
These are just a few of France's most popular tourist destinations. This country has a lot to offer in terms of places to visit and things to see. Being a country of serenity, love, romance, and wine, France is one of the best destinations to visit. The spring months of April and May are the best time to visit France.
If you are planning to go around the country on the road, you must remember that you should possess an international driver’s permit. This will give you the ability to rent a vehicle and drive around to reach your preferred spots.
Although almost all of these tourist destinations are accessible by public transit, it is always a good idea to rent a car as a tourist or foreign visitor. This lets you travel according to your desires, making as many pauses as you wish, even for something as simple as a nice little selfie and making memories, without the driver constantly pressuring you to hurry or disguising their annoyance each time you ask them to stop.
An International Driving Licence, on the other hand, is a perfectly straightforward answer to this tiny problem that threatens to ruin your vacation mood while in France. With the help of ITCA, you may apply for an international driving licence and obtain your international driver permit in only a few easy clicks. You may visit these tourist destinations whenever and wherever you choose with your international driving permit in hand. The land of serenity, love, romance, and wine is waiting for you to be explored. Go ahead and book a vacation in France!
France Driving guide
France is a lovely and diverse country with a fascinating history and culture. France is a famous tourist destination for visitors worldwide, thanks to renowned sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Enjoy delectable French food, world-renowned wines, and picturesque landscapes. France offers something for everyone, from the gorgeous beaches of the French Riviera to the snow-capped summits of the Alps. Whether you enjoy history, art, or outdoor sports, France will have a memorable effect on you. Whether you are visiting France for a short or long time, having an international driver's licence and a local driver's licence will provide you with the finest experience.
Car rental in France
If you want to make your vacation as easy as possible but cannot bring your own car, renting a car is an alternative. Finding where to rent a car in France or researching all rental cars might be difficult, but fortunately, car rental guides are widely available.
Required Documentation
Car rental firms have terms and restrictions, so read them before proceeding. The legal criteria for driving a rental automobile in France vary widely; however, the following are the typical requirements:
● Current local driver's licence.
● International driver's licence according to UN Conventions 1949 or 1968
● Passport.
● For pre-booking, use an international debit or credit card.
The type of vehicle
Choose from various rental cars to match your personality and holiday mood. Rent a minivan or an economy automobile for a more elegant and cost-effective journey. Compact and family automobiles, which can carry more passengers and luggage, are suitable for family and group travel. In France, you may also hire a premium car as you wish.
The expense of renting an automobile
Car rental in France is less expensive than in any other country. You may rent a car for as little as $12 per day. However, the cost varies based on the type of vehicle rented.
French traffic regulations
Now that you know how to get your rental car, the following section will teach you about the driving regulations in France. This will help you adjust quickly and drive like a Frenchman. Check out the driving regulations and other important facts about driving in France below. Drivers should be mindful of roadside hazards, speed limits, and other limitations. So, before you drive in France, figure out what is unique to you and do a car maintenance check.
Drunken driving in France
This is one of the most crucial traffic regulations to remember. Private drivers are allowed a maximum legal blood alcohol level of 0.05%. At the same time, the rate for buses, coaches, and novice drivers with less than three years of experience is limited to 0.02%. Police can perform random breath tests, and such tests, as well as drug testing, are required if a motorist is involved in an accident or commits a significant offence.
Parking regulations
Parking is permitted only on the right side of two-lane roads and both sides of large one-way streets. Yellow lines or street signs indicate restrictions and dashed yellow lines indicate that parking is not permitted. Parking metres and machines that accept credit or debit card payments are indicated by street signage.
Your car will be towed and seized if you park illegally. You must go to your local police station, pay the fine, and then release the car.
Horning caution
At specific times of the day, a horn must immediately inform other road users. In France, you must flash your low lights to warn of an approaching vehicle from dusk until morning. Horns are absolutely forbidden in all metropolitan areas, save in extreme cases. Horns with several tones, sirens, and whistles are also forbidden. You should also constantly use low beams.
Fines and Forfeiture Rules
The police can fine drivers up to €750 on the spot for breaking traffic laws. The police have the authority to seize the car until payment is made. You can pay in Euro cash, French bank checks, or traveller's checks. The car and driver's licence may be seized in specific situations. You should know everything if you don't want your domestic driver's licence seized in France.
If you are stopped or checked by the police and do not stop throughout the course of the check,
Driving without a valid driver's licence or insurance
exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h.
Multiple offences
in the event of a hit-and-run.
Operating a vehicle with the incorrect category licence, which does not cover that vehicle.
In the above scenario, your vehicle may already be the property of the French government.
Speed limit
Remember that France's national speed restrictions are measured in kilometres and meters. All road signs and lane markers are in metric units. The speed limit is 130 kilometres per hour. The speed limit on non-urban highways is 80 km/h, whereas, in urban areas, it is 50 km/h. Drivers with EU licences who exceed the speed limit by more than 40 km/h will have their licences revoked.
Seat belt legislation
Seat belts must be worn at all times by both the driver and the passenger. The driver must ensure that all passengers, especially those under 18, wear seat belts for adequate vehicle support. If a child under age 10 is seen sitting in the front seat without a seatbelt or in a child's seat, the driver faces a €135 fine. Adult passengers who crash without wearing a helmet or a seat belt will be fined an extra 135 euros.
Legal driving age
According to French highway regulations, one must be at least 18 years old to drive. Generally comparable to other countries, the driver must be at least 21 years old to qualify for car rentals. Some rental firms may rent to people at 18, but waiting until the minimum rental conditions are met is preferable. If you are under the legal driving age, do not drive on French roads, especially on slopes.
Overtaking rule
Overtaking is a right-hand traffic concept, whereas overtaking is a left-hand traffic principle. On slow-moving highways, you can overtake other cars on the right side in some circumstances when heavy traffic limits a specific lane. Ensure there are no incoming cars that might cause an accident when passing.
The driving side
Like most other countries, the French drive on the right side of the road. If you have a rental car and have never driven on the right side previously, you should practise driving it before you go.
Drive as though you are a native of France.
Tourists are permitted to drive in France. Driving in France requires an IDP, or international driving permit. A verified translation must accompany all valid domestic driver's licences for tourists if they want to drive a car in France. The International Driving Permit, a legal document translation, is available at e-itca.org if you want to drive on your own in France. When driving in a foreign nation, you must have an IDP. E-ITCA.org also provides an international driving permit France with express shipping globally.