Sure, there’s something to be said for traveling like a free spirit. But sometimes you have to know which way you’re going. Before you collect your rental car and hurtle down those highways and byways, it’s worth learning a little bit about Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. This terrific destination is located in France.

Fantastic sights are around almost every corner in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Sit down, buckle up and we’ll give you the scoop on a few of them. Mont Blanc is 6 miles from downtown Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and should be number one on your to-do list. You’ll need to keep an eye out for a parking spot though — it’s a very popular place.

With long stretches of beautiful highways and tempting open roads, many travelers choose to turn their Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes vacations into driving journeys. If you’re embarking on the road trip of a lifetime, it pays to know which cities to add to your itinerary. Here are some of the most well-known regions to explore in this extraordinary place:

• Lyon (population of 472,300)
• Saint-Etienne (population of 176,300)
• Grenoble (population of 158,600)
• Clermont-Ferrand (population of 138,700)

Here are our top tips if you want to grab the biggest discounts on a car rental:

• A car can take you anywhere — so can we. Compare the hottest deals from all the top rental companies in just a few clicks.
• Register for our Price Drop Alert service and immediately discover when prices fall for your desired location
• Research is the key to scoring the cheapest rentals deals in town, so be sure to check out both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off outlets before you lock in your ride
• If your dates are not set in concrete, try scoring a better price by switching up the days of the week in your search
• Do what you can to keep the time of your pickup and drop-off the same. If you return your rental car later than you picked it up, you might be charged a whole extra day
• Keep more hard-earned dollars in your pocket. You’ll grab some of the thriftiest deals when you prepay your vehicle
• It’s best to make a reservation as soon as your dates are locked in. You’d hate to miss out because you left it too late!

Bigger doesn’t always mean better, and that’s particularly true in the case of your wheels. In Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, compact cars are the most popular rental car for good reason. Terrific fuel economy, zippy handling, and ease of parking are just the beginning! If you’re going to drive in Lyon or Saint-Etienne, book something that’s cute and compact.It’s always a good idea to head out of the city, and if you do, get set to be richly rewarded. With impressive rock formations, valleys, and extinct volcanos to check out, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes offers endless day trip opportunities. A larger vehicle like a four-wheel drive or an SUV will give you more room for those longer rides.

First of all, there’s a huge variety of both high-end and economy vehicles to rent in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. What you end up going with will depend on how much you’re willing to spend as well as what you plan to do. Specialty vehicles offer unparalleled comfort and class. If you want to treat yourself, why not pick up an SUV with all the bells and whistles, or perhaps a stylish mid-sized vehicle? Alternatively, if you’re just after something to zip around town in at the cheapest price possible, you’re better off going with a versatile compact vehicle (or something else that won’t break the bank).

There’s no better way to discover the delights of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes than from behind the wheel of your own rental car. But before you start the engine and zoom off, it’s worth getting up to speed with some of the road rules. Here are a few handy hints to help make your journey a safe and smooth one:

In Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, you’ll need to stick to the right-hand side. When traveling someplace new, it’s always a smart idea to opt for a car with automatic transmission. That way, you can concentrate on the road and not stress about gear changes.

Typically, speed limits in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes range from 50km/h to 130km/h. In residential zones, you’re not usually allowed to travel faster than 50km/h.

Normally, one of two things will happen. Your car rental company may charge the amount of the fine to your credit card. This is the usual approach. On the other hand, it may supply your contact details to local authorities so the fine is sent straight to you.

Seat belts should always be worn in France. Having said that, this rule may vary for some vehicles, such as those used by public transportation networks.

It’s illegal to use your cell phone while driving a car in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, and you could even be hit with a fine for just holding your phone if you’re in control of a vehicle. That being said, the use of hands-free or Bluetooth functions is permitted, as long as you keep your attention on the road.

While driving in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, it’s a criminal offence to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) greater than 0.05%. Planning to have a few beers with lunch or dinner? Consider booking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service.

Yes, drivers may turn on a red light in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. However, first you have to completely stop the car. Move on only when the coast is clear of approaching traffic.