From the frosted peaks of the Alps, through the vineyards of the Dordogne to the electric blue waters of the Côte d'Azur, every region of France offers something different.
It could take a lifetime to explore every local delicacy or hilltop castle, so renting a car is the perfect way to sample the best of this patchwork country.
Experience the history of Northern France
Book car rental in Paris and sample delicate macarons between shopping sprees in tree-lined boulevards and experience fine dining after a day soaking up art in world-class galleries.
Marvel at impressive architecture, towering cathedrals and hidden catacombs in France’s delightful capital.
France’s north coast is swept with deserted beaches and views out to the wild sea. In the east lie the battlefields of the Somme and Dunkirk.
Jutting out of the coast near Rennes is the fairy-tale island of Mont Saint Michel. A monastery perches on top of a pile of charming streets packed with restaurants, shops and cobbled walkways.
Take in the culture of western France
South-west France may be famed for its vineyards, but these regions are full of the ingredients that make French cooking some of the best in the world.
Sharp cheeses and cured meats farmed and made fresh in the Aquitaine countryside are available for sampling in the covered farmers markets (halles) of Bordeaux.
Return to rural life in the Dordogne Valley. The pace is slow and relaxing in the medieval river towns of this picturesque region filled with ancient farms and vineyards.
The south-west may shy away from the limelight and let the more glamorous cities of France take centre stage, but this unspoilt region is worth visiting simply for that reason – here you’ll find modest beauty like you’ve never seen before.
Southern France and its impressive buildings
The Languedoc region in the south is smattered with crusader castles and is a delight to explore by car.
Carcassonne boasts the most impressive castle, now packed with medieval-themed restaurants and even a boutique hotel.
Deep purple lavender fields that fade into the distance and honey-coloured monasteries are just two of the numerous enamouring views of Provence.
Avignon [WC(1] is the jewel in this region’s crown. A city so beautiful that the Papacy decided to call it home in the Middle Ages.
The delights of the mountainous East
Breathe in the clean mountain air in the ski resorts of the Alps. Base yourself in Grenoble or Chambery near the Swiss border, or splash out for a secluded wooden chalet with a roaring fire before hitting the slopes.
Nearby Lyon is a beautiful city. The bone-white facade of the main cathedral looks over the two rivers that run through the centre. For foodies, it’s home to a surprising array of Michelin-starred restaurants that aren’t to be missed.
Soak up the sun on along the Mediterranean coast
Take in the glamour of the Côte d'Azur, found on France’s Mediterranean coast. The impossibly fashionable city of Nice is the unofficial capital.
The modern waterfront feels like an unbroken line of grand Italian villas, and with an old town that still resembles a bygone age, it’s the best of both worlds.
Along the coast, be sure stop in Cannes, which is home to the famous film festival should you time your trip right. But you only need to count the super yachts in the harbour to see that red-carpet glitz is a year-round affair in this ever stylish town.
Whether it’s the cafe culture of Paris, the gastronomic playground of Provence or the glitz and glamour of the Côte d'Azur, car rental in France gives you the freedom to explore the best of this wonderful country.
