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 hop in your rental car and coast down those highways and byways, you might want to learn something about Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This terrific destination is located in France.

Pack the car and get set to hit the road, because there are plenty of amazing things to see in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Here are a few to get you started. Aquitaine Museum is 0.1 miles from the middle of Bordeaux and should be right at the top of your to-do list. You’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for a parking spot though — it can get busy here.

Adventure is waiting for you around every twist and turn of this magnificent area. Nouvelle-Aquitaine is one of those special places where the journey is just as thrilling as every one of its awesome destinations. With your own ride, you can take as long or as little as your heart desires discovering all there is to see. Discover some (or all) of this place’s most popular cities:

• Bordeaux (population of 231,800)
• Limoges (population of 141,200)
• Poitiers (population of 86,000)
• Pau (population of 82,700)

Here are our suggestions on how to jump behind the wheel of a rental car with extra cash in your pocket:

• Our handy filter tool is about to become your new bestie. Sift through the hottest discounts from all of the top car rental companies as quick as a flash
• By submitting your email address into our Price Drop Alert, you’ll stay on top of all the best discounts for your location
• Scan the offers at all rental locations around town, including the airport and surrounding area. A short cab drive to a nearby rental car facility might mean some significant savings
• You can sometimes save a bundle if your plans are flexible. Compare different days and dates and find out what savings can be made
• If possible, keep your pickup and drop-off times as similar as possible. If you return your rental car at a later time than you picked it up, you could be charged an extra day
• Some companies reward you big time for prepaying — keep your eyes open for these penny-pinching offers
• Don’t let the deal you’ve been looking for slip through your grasp. Book as soon as you can and drive away with your dream ride.

Bigger isn’t always better, and that’s especially true when it comes to your ride. In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, compact cars are the most popular type of rental car for very good reasons. More miles from every gallon, zippy handling, and easy parking are just the beginning! If you have plans to tackle city driving in Bordeaux or Limoges, grab the keys to something compact and cute.From dunes to sandy shores and gorges, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is home to some spectacular vistas. Why not hit the road and enjoy one or two of them? Skip town and arrange some day trips. A full-size SUV is well suited to longer drives. With the ability to deal with any kind of terrain, these bigger vehicles make it easy to get off the beaten path.

Sometimes it’s all about the journey, which makes your car choice important. If you’re about to head off on an unforgettable road trip around Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a safe and sturdy SUV could be the ideal solution. If you’d like the best possible price and plan on staying mostly in the city, a versatile compact is a smart pick. All you need to do is decide what will suit you best, pack up the car, and hit the wide, open road.

Put your key in the ignition and get ready to explore the very best of Nouvelle-Aquitaine from the comfort and convenience of your own rental car. If you’ve never driven here before, don’t stress. We’ve pulled together a few tips and hints to help you navigate your way around safely and smoothly:

In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, you’ll need to stick to the right side. When road-tripping someplace new, it’s always a good idea to choose a car with automatic transmission. That way, you can concentrate on the road ahead and not stress about gear changes.

Speed limits typically range from 50km/h to 130km/h in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and are heavily enforced. Residential areas usually have a maximum speed of 50km/h, unless signed otherwise.

More often than not, your rental company will charge the amount of the fine to your credit card. Alternatively, the company may share your contact information with local law enforcement agencies so they can send a fine straight to you.

Although there are some exceptions, seat belts are compulsory in France.

It is against the law to use your cell phone while cruising in your car around Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and you could even be hit with a fine for simply holding your phone when you’re in control of a vehicle. That said, using hands-free or Bluetooth functions is permitted, as long as your attention remains on the road.

When operating a vehicle in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, it’s against the law to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) greater than 0.05%. Thinking of having a few beers over lunch or dinner? Consider booking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service.

Yes you can. But before you turn, you must bring the car to a total stop and only proceed if the lane is clear.