France is the most visited country on the planet – and even a short amount of time here will make you realise why. Paris may be justly renowned for its air of romance, but hiring a car will give you the chance to fall in love with countless other corners of the country too.
See the sights
Think of the sights to see in France and the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and cathedral of Notre-Dame leap readily to mind. But the must-see landmarks aren’t confined to the capital.
Take a trip to the Palace of Versailles, just a 45-minute drive from Paris, to experience the breathtaking opulence of this 17th century château.
Home to the French royal family right up to the 1789 revolution, tour the astonishing Hall of Mirrors celebrating the nation’s successes, the king’s ornate apartments and the majestic gardens.
The Condé Museum is 40km north of Paris and it’s an absolute must for art lovers. Paintings, drawings and engravings from masters like Raphael fill every room. The museum itself sits in landscaped gardens of the Château de Chantilly, bedecked with waterfalls and fountains.
From the slopes to the sea
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to alpine villages and ski resorts in France. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc sits close to the border with Switzerland and Italy, and is renowned for some of the best skiing in France, all year round.
The Chamonix resort is located at the base of the highest summit in the Alps making it a must-visit not just for avid skiers and snowboarders but also for mountaineering enthusiasts.
If sun, sea and sand is more your thing then the South of France has it all. Head for La Côte des Basques in Biarritz, a stunning stretch of coastline perfect for sandy strolls or surfing.
A taste of France
France is renowned for its cuisine and is home to some of the world’s finest Michelin star restaurants. Travel to Provence and dine at La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse. This luxurious gourmet restaurant sits high in the hills, so you can take in the most breath-taking view of the surrounding area, while you savour some of the country’s finest food.
Dine your way through France and arrive in Lyon to continue your culinary adventure. Embrace Lyonnais livingat Le Garet, a ‘bouchon’ restaurant where the food is traditional and portions plentiful – perfect for fuelling up before a day exploring all that Lyon has to offer.
The French Riviera
The roads of France are such a pleasure to drive that the journey feels as much a part of the adventure as the destination, whether you take the autoroute or opt for the smaller roads for a more scenic view.
Travel down the Côte d’Azur on the French Riviera, which weaves its way across the South of France. Choose a fish dish on the harbour in Saint Tropez, go celebrity spotting in cosmopolitan Cannes or brush shoulders with the rich and famous by driving to Monaco and strolling its yacht-lined harbour.
Car hire in France opens up a world of possibilities for exploring this beautiful, diverse country.