Driving in a new and unfamiliar country can be unnerving for some, but there’s no need to stress. Get your head around the following facts and you’ll be cruising your rental car down the highways of France before you know it. France is among the fascinating countries that make up Europe. Zoom further into the map and the capital, Paris, will appear. If you’d like to experience the country’s beating pulse, a stop here is highly recommended.

You might find it tricky scoring a parking space right out the front of these iconic attractions, but trust us — they’re certainly worth a short stroll. The greatest thing about heading to France is ticking these off your bucket list:

• Eiffel Tower (2 miles from the center of Paris)
• Palace of Versailles (0.4 miles from the center of Versailles)
• Mont Blanc (6 miles from the center of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc)

France is a fantastic place to cruise the open roads and highways in your own set of wheels. Crank up the radio and enjoy the flexibility of checking out all the region’s gems dotted between each of its most famous destinations. Try to tick off as many of this place’s top destinations as you can:

• Paris (population of 2,138,600)
• Lyon (population of 472,300)
• Toulouse (population of 433,100)
• Nice (population of 338,600)

Avoid paying an arm and a leg for a rental car by following our top tips and tricks:

• Use our convenient filter feature to help steer you toward the hottest car rental deals in town — and then compare the prices
• Check your inbox for our awesome Price Drop Alert. We’ll keep you informed about all the unbeatable bargains cruising around your location
• Browse the bargains at all rental locations, including the airport terminal and its vicinity. A quick cab journey to a neighboring rental car center may mean some generous savings
• If your vacation is somewhat flexible, alter your dates to find better prices on different days of the week
• Try to keep the time of your pickup and drop-off as similar as possible. If you bring back your rental car at a later time than you picked it up, you might be charged an extra day
• If you’re looking to keep some extra cash in your pocket, pay as soon as you book and enjoy some of the thriftiest rates around
• Don’t let the deal you’ve been looking for slip through your fingers. Book now and drive away with your ideal ride.

Compact cars are the most popular rental car category in France. And if you’re about to spend any amount of time cruising around the crowded streets of Paris or Lyon, you’ll quickly see why. Swap the lumbering gas guzzler for a set of wheels that are stylish and compact — parking is a cinch and they’re heaven to drive!Don’t restrict yourself to those urban areas. France is home to some sensational scenery, such as dunes, sandy shores, and gorges. A car like a convertible will help you travel around them in style. These rentals are ideal for sightseers eager to drink in the views with the top rolled down. Who doesn’t adore the feeling of the wind in their hair?

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to renting a car in France. From SUVs with space to spare to agile compacts, you’ll find it all here. Deciding on your perfect match depends on how much you want to spend and what activities you’ve got planned. Some road trips are just begging you to splurge on your dream ride, whereas others require no more than an engine and four wheels.

Whether you’re planning a cross-country tour or a quick jaunt around a popular city, France simply begs to be explored. We’ve pulled together some tips that’ll have you navigating its roads like a local:

In France, motorists stick to the right side. When road-tripping someplace new, it’s always a smart idea to go for an automatic vehicle. That way, you can concentrate on the road ahead and not stress about gear changes.

One of two things will happen. Your chosen car rental company may bill the fined amount to your credit card. This is the more common practice. Alternatively, it may forward your contact information to the relevant local authority so the fine is issued directly to you.