French Car Rental

 

A gourmet's paradise, France is known for wine, food and laissez-faire. From the romantic capital of Paris to the rugged mountains of Corsica, a hire car will take you along some of Europe's most scenic routes and landscapes. The road network is well-developed and many budget accommodation options are located near highway junctions, making a hire car a wise choice.

While Paris is best explored on foot or by using the Metro, many attractions can be found within an easy driving distance of the city. The historical palace of Versailles with its splendid gardens was once home to Louis XIV, and makes for a perfect daytrip before returning to the capital to sample its famous nightlife.

Gourmet fan will love a tour through the Champagne region with its verdant limestone vineyards and traditional wineries. You can stop off at any estate along the way and sample its sparkling brew accompanied by some typical French delicacies. Many vineyards also provide romantic lodging options, ideal places to stay after having tried several vintages.

The cross border region of Alsace is home to its own distinct style of cuisine and language, with many residents speaking a unique kind of German. This area is popular with day-trippers from Germany, who flock here to sample the fine wine and cooking at rock-bottom prices.

Heading south will eventually take you to Provence, the region bordering the Mediterranean and world-famous for its culinary style. This is ideal territory for cruising from one picturesque village to another, stopping off to take in the splendid countryside or sipping at a coffee in a typical village square café. For those with loftier ambitions, Provence also boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-rated gourmet restaurants.

If you really want to test your driving skills, take the ferry to the island of Corsica, only 6 hours from the mainland. This rugged, mountainous island is France's forgotten province, yet it's popular with tourists for its fine beaches and unique nature. There are a few sweeping coastal roads, but most driving entails winding your way up and down steep mountain sides with sheer drops beyond the sometimes dilapidated safety barriers. The many charming mountain villages often seem deserted and if you take the time to explore some on foot, you'll get a sense of travelling back in time.

When travelling during summer, the weather can be quite hot, making the air-conditioned comfort of a hire car a popular choice. Public transport beyond the main urban centres is patchy at best, while on Corsica, it is almost nonexistent. Car hire in France is easy and economical with many reputable international companies represented.