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Continuing your trip

Lyon, France

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A car on a scenic coastal mountain road at golden hour

Travel Services · Car Hire

Car Hire

Compare car hire worldwide with destination-aware guidance — licence rules, included cover and the best providers at every destination.

Can I book it?

Compare car hire

Global

Compare car hire worldwide

Why should I book here?

Built on how you actually travel

Compare like-for-like

Rates between providers vary 20–30% for the same car category.

Know your cover

Check included insurance — at-counter add-ons can double the listed price.

Licence rules by country

Many countries require an International Driving Permit alongside your licence.

Inspect at pickup

Photograph any damage to avoid disputes on return.

What could this journey become?

Where it could take you

Scenic coastal drives

Open-road journeys

Mountain drives

How it works

Car Hire in France

Compare car hire prices across multiple providers — rates can vary 20–30%. Many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national licence, and at-counter insurance can double the listed price. Check included cover before booking.

Makutet recommends

For most visitors to France, we recommend comparing car hire across multiple providers before booking — rates vary 20–30%, and inclusive insurance usually beats the add-on sold at the counter.

Quick facts

Currency:EUR (euro)
Visa:Schengen Area — most Western visitors get 90 days visa-free within any 180-day period.

Things to avoid

Hidden insurance add-onsAt-counter insurance can double the price — check if your travel insurance covers excess before you leave.
International Driving PermitMany countries require an IDP alongside your national licence.

Local tips

Say "Bonjour" when entering a shop — it's considered rude not to.
TGV tickets get expensive close to departure — book Prem's fares months ahead.
Tipping isn't expected — service is included ("service compris"). Round up or leave a few euros for great service.
Many shops close for lunch in small towns — plan around the 12–2pm pause.

Helpful Information

Read before you book

Choosing the Right Car Hire

What matters when picking a car hire

Compare before booking — rates between providers vary 20–30% for the same car category.

Check the included insurance — at-counter add-ons can double the listed price.

Verify driving licence requirements — many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Inspect the car with photos at pickup to avoid damage claims on return.

Drivers under 25 often face young-driver surcharges — confirm before booking.

Car Hire Tips

Book ahead — at-counter rates are much higher, especially in peak season.

Check included insurance — inclusive cover often beats add-on policies — verify the excess before booking.

International Driving Permit — many countries require an IDP alongside your national licence — check before travel.

Inspect at pickup — photograph any damage to avoid disputes at return — keep a time-stamped copy.

Airport Transfers

Private transfers vs car hire

Travel Insurance

Cover for car hire excess

Travel Toolkit

All services in one place

What should I know?

Good to know

Many countries require an IDP alongside your national licence — check the rules for your destination before travel.

Continue planning your trip

Other decisions to make before you travel — pulled from the same intelligence behind this page.

Travel Connectivity in France

France has excellent 4G/5G coverage.

Explore

Travel Insurance in France

France has excellent public healthcare (EHIC for EU residents, otherwise travel insurance).

Explore

Transfers & Transport in France

TGV trains are the backbone of French travel — book 3+ months ahead for the cheapest Prem's fares.

Explore

Accommodation in France

Hotel, hostel, apartment and guesthouse prices vary by date — 3+ weeks lead time gives the widest inventory.

Explore

Continue planning your Lyon trip

Next recommended step: Travel Connectivity in France — or jump straight back to your full itinerary on Mantra.

Return to Mantra Try Travel Connectivity in France

Continue Planning

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